Collapsible Helmet With Interlocking Fingers for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible helmets fail to collapse into small sizes while maintaining suitable protection and head coverage when expanded for use.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible helmet design featuring interlocking fingers and chassis segments that rotate about pivot axes, allowing the helmet to fold into a compact form and expand for head protection, with a locking mechanism and internal reinforcement for stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the helmet is designed to be collapsible for compact storage, then the volume for storage is reduced, but the head coverage and protection capability may be compromised when expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet is divided into multiple chassis segments (center chassis, first side chassis, second side chassis) that can independently rotate and collapse. Each segment maintains its protective function when expanded while enabling compact folding for storage, resolving the contradiction between small storage volume and adequate head coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The side chassis segments are designed to nest within the center chassis when collapsed, with fingers receiving and interlocking within the void of the center chassis. This nesting mechanism achieves compact storage volume while maintaining the ability to expand to full protective coverage when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the helmet uses interlocking fingers and rotating chassis segments for collapsibility, then the ease of storage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet employs dynamic rotating connections at pivot axes that allow the chassis segments to move between fixed positions (open and closed). This dynamic mechanism provides ease of storage through simple rotation while maintaining relatively simple structural connections compared to more complex folding systems.
3Shape
If the helmet is designed with multiple chassis segments for collapsibility, then the compactness when closed is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet is segmented into three main chassis components that can be manufactured separately and then assembled through rotation and interlocking. This segmentation enables compact folded shape while simplifying manufacturing, as each segment can be produced independently using standard fabrication processes rather than requiring complex monolithic construction.
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 helmet effectively collapses into a compact size for storage and mobility while providing adequate head coverage and protection when expanded, meeting safety standards and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient member may include a leaf spring
Implementation Method 2
a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible helmet may include a number of chassis segments that are mechanically coupled to one another, where at least some of the chassis segments are collapsible into another chassis segment for storage, and where the chassis segments are expandable so that the helmet is suitable for wearing on a user's head for protection thereof. For example, certain aspects include a three-piece collapsible helmet that has interlocking fingers. In this manner, when the helmet is closed, the interlocking fingers allow the helmet to conveniently fold or collapse into a compact form. Moreover, when the helmet is opened, the interlocking fingers may provide a desired head coverage for protection of a wearer.