Adjustable Lower Protective Cage for Helmet Facial Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing helmets, such as hockey helmets, often leave the lower portion of the face unprotected and may have intrusive or poorly adjustable protective cages that can obstruct vision and comfort.

Innovation Solution

A helmet design featuring a visor for upper face protection and an adjustable, U-shaped lower protective cage that connects to the outer shell via vertically and rotationally adjustable connectors, ensuring comprehensive facial protection without encumbering the user's vision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a protective cage is installed on the helmet to protect the lower portion of the user's face, then facial protection is improved, but the protective cage becomes intrusive in the user's field of vision and may move during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefacial protectionVSAvoidvision obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cage is divided into multiple wire segments that can flex and move independently. This segmentation allows the cage to maintain protective coverage while adapting to the user's movements and reducing vision obstruction through the gaps between segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cage transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic, flexible structure that can move with the user's head and face. This allows the cage to maintain optimal positioning for protection while accommodating natural movements and reducing visual interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If a protective cage is installed loosely on the helmet for practicality, then ease of installation is improved, but the protective cage frequently moves during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation practicalityVSAvoidcage position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cage mounting system uses dynamic elements such as flexible wires and adjustable connectors that allow for easy installation while maintaining stable positioning during use. The system adapts to movements rather than resisting them, preventing the cage from shifting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting parameters of the protective cage are made adjustable, allowing the cage to be secured at different positions and tensions. This enables optimal installation for each user while maintaining stability during activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a chin cup is attached to the protective cage, then chin protection is improved, but the chin cup can be pushed into the user's face when the protective cage is impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechin protectionVSAvoidface intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The chin cup is designed with cushioning elements and positioned at a distance from the face, creating a buffer zone that prevents direct contact during impacts. The flexible structure absorbs impact forces before they can reach the user's face.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The chin cup incorporates flexible materials that can deform under impact forces, preventing rigid contact with the face. This flexibility allows the protective element to absorb energy without transmitting harmful forces to the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Object-affected harmful factors

If existing protective solutions are used, then some level of protection is provided, but they lack adjustability and comfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection levelVSAvoidadjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The protective system incorporates multiple adjustable and movable components that can be customized to fit different users and usage scenarios. The cage height, chin cup position, and wire tension can all be adjusted to optimize both protection and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cage design serves multiple functions: facial protection, vision preservation, impact absorption, and customizable fitting. The same structure provides both protection and adjustability through its flexible, multi-component design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230009694A1Lower protective cage for a helmet and helmet having same

Publication Date: 2023.01.12 9416 3441 QUEBEC INC

AI summary

A helmet has an outer shell having a front portion, left and right lateral portions, a top portion and a rear portion. A visor is positioned to protect a user's eyes and is connected to the outer shell. A lower protective cage for protecting a lower portion of the user's face includes: a left connector and a right connector adjustably connected to the left lateral portion and the right lateral portion of the outer shell respectively so that a position of the lower protective cage relative to the outer shell is adjustable via connection of the left and right connectors to the outer shell; and a cage portion extending laterally between the left and right connectors, the cage portion being positioned so as to protect the lower portion of the user's face, at least a majority of the cage portion extending lower than the visor.