Adjustable Inflatable Helmet Shell for User-Specific Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing airbag systems for head protection are not adaptable to different users due to varying physical dimensions and comfort preferences, such as neck width and clothing thickness, leading to a need for adjustable sizing.

Innovation Solution

An inflatable helmet with a detachable shell and adjustable airbag system, featuring size adjustment means like straps, pads, and inflatable tubes, allowing for customizable fit and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-size airbag system is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different users with varying physical dimensions and comfort preferences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different usersVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The airbag system incorporates adjustable sizing mechanisms that allow the collar diameter to be dynamically modified. Size adjustment means such as straps or pads enable the collar to be tightened or loosened, transforming a static structure into an adaptable one that fits different neck sizes and clothing thicknesses while maintaining protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The airbag system is divided into modular components including the airbag, shell, and detachable size adjustment means. This segmentation allows users to adjust individual components (such as adding or removing pads) without affecting the entire system, providing versatility while keeping each component relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If size adjustment means are added to the airbag system, then adaptability to different users is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize adjustabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The size adjustment means serves multiple functions: it adjusts the collar size for different users, provides comfort customization, and can be easily attached or removed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while maximizing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The size adjustment means acts as an intermediary component between the user and the airbag system. Rather than integrating complexity directly into the airbag structure, the adjustable elements serve as mediators that bridge the gap between fixed system design and variable user needs, adding minimal complexity while achieving maximum adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3644778B1Inflatable helmet for head protection
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 ISI AUTOMOTIVE SWEDEN AB
  • EP3644778B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3644778B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3644778B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

An airbag system (10) comprising an airbag and a detachable shell enclosing the airbag when the airbag is in a non-inflated state, and at least one size adjustment means. Further, an inflatable helmet having such airbag system (10), and an item of apparel (11) having such airbag system (10) are provided.