Adjustable Napestrap With Sliding Mechanical Link
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective helmets with adjustable neckbands require length changes during adjustment, which can complicate the process and are not easily accessible for quick adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A sliding mechanical connection with position indexing means integrated into the helmet cap allows for constant neckband length while varying the attachment point, enabling easier and quicker adjustments through a slider mechanism with external access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the neckband length is varied during adjustment, then the neckband can be adapted to different head sizes, but the adjustment process becomes more complex and less accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into two independent functions: the neckband length remains constant while the attachment point position on the cap is variable through indexing means. This segmentation allows adaptability without requiring complex length adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the overall device while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adjusting the neckband length (one-dimensional adjustment), the invention moves the attachment point along the cap surface (spatial repositioning in multiple dimensions). The indexing means provide discrete positioning options at different locations on the cap, enabling size adaptation through positional variation rather than length change.
2Ease of operation
If the adjustment device is located at the back of the helmet, then the neckband can be adjusted, but the adjustment point is not easily accessible for quick adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing means are distributed across the cap surface at multiple locations, allowing the attachment point to be repositioned to more accessible areas. This spatial redistribution enables users to access and adjust the neckband from various positions on the cap rather than being constrained to a single rear location, reducing adjustment time and improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If racks are located directly on the neckband, then the neckband length can be adjusted, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment function is extracted from the neckband itself and transferred to the cap through the indexing means. The neckband remains a simple elastic element without integrated adjustment mechanisms, while the cap provides the adjustable attachment points. This extraction simplifies the neckband structure and reduces overall mechanism complexity while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment system is segmented into the cap-based indexing means and the neckband attachment interface. The indexing means provide the adjustment functionality through discrete positioning options on the cap, while the neckband simply connects to these positions. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex racks on the neckband while preserving length adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The protective helmet (15) is composed of a crown (16) made from plastic material and a semi-rigid neckband (20) adjustable by an adjustment unit (25). The neckband has one end joined to the crown by a sliding mechanical link comprising pins controlled from slides (32,35) able to be moved from the outside in a slit of the crown. The pins are securely attached to the inside wall of crown and molded directly along with the crown and are formed by a rack (30) by two series of notches separated by slit.