Bidirectional Locking Mechanism for Adjustable Helmet Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable head massagers have unidirectional locking structures, limiting their ability to maintain a constant size and causing inconvenience during use, as they cannot be securely fixed in both expanding and contracting directions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bidirectional locking mechanism using ratchet wheels and ratchet wheel bases with symmetrical locking pieces and rotary plates, allowing the helmet shells to be securely locked in both expanding and contracting directions, ensuring a constant size for comfortable use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a unidirectional locking structure is used in the adjustable helmet, then the helmet can be locked in the contracting direction, but the helmet cannot be fixed in the expanding direction and can continue to expand causing inconvenience during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the locking structure with different locking capabilities in different directions. The bidirectional locking mechanism uses asymmetric ratchet teeth that allow locking in both expanding and contracting directions, resolving the issue where the unidirectional locking could only secure the helmet in one direction but not the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the locking mechanism adjustable and adaptable to different states. The bidirectional locking structure can dynamically switch between locked and unlocked states in both expanding and contracting directions, allowing the helmet to be securely fixed at any desired size while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the helmet is made adjustable to adapt to various head sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex with adjustable means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the bidirectional locking mechanism to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same locking structure handles both expanding and contracting direction control, replacing what would otherwise require separate locking mechanisms for each direction, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining full adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses segmentation by dividing the adjustable means into modular components including the ratchet wheel, ratchet wheel base, and locking pieces. This modular segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while achieving the complex bidirectional locking function through coordinated simple parts.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The bidirectional locking structure allows the helmet to maintain a constant size, enhancing user convenience by preventing unnecessary expansion or contraction, thus providing a stable and effective massage experience.
Implementation Method 1
the bidirectional locking structure comprises a ratchet wheel and a ratchet wheel base engaged with the ratchet
Implementation Method 2
the ratchet wheel comprises an upper ratchet buckle and a lower ratchet buckle having an opposite direction to that of the upper ratchet buckle
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable helmet and a head massager are provided. The adjustable helmet comprises a ring-shaped latitudinal shell and a longitudinal shell connected across the latitudinal shell, at least one of the longitudinal shell and the latitudinal shell has an adjustable means, the inside of the adjustable means has a bidirectional locking structure. In the embodiments, the adjustable means has a bidirectional locking structure which can lock the latitudinal shell or longitudinal shell in bi-direction. When the latitudinal shell or longitudinal shell is disengaged or contracted by the adjustable means and is locked by the bidirectional locking structure, the latitudinal shell or longitudinal shell is fixed in the expanding direction or contracting direction and can't continue to be expanded or contracted inwards. Advantageously, the helmet in use has a constant size, which is useful for users, when the above-mentioned adjustable helmet is applied to a head massager, it's convenient for massage.