Elastically Deformable Rack Adjustment Device for Helmet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustment devices for objects like helmets, which use a rack and pinion system, can be damaged when forced beyond the optimum adjustment position due to excessive stress on the teeth and connecting means.

Innovation Solution

An adjustment device with elastically deformable racks and a housing that provides clearance for the racks to disengage from the pinion teeth when excessive force is applied, allowing the racks to deform and return to a safe position, reducing stress on the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the adjustment device uses a rigid rack and pinion system, then the adjustment mechanism is strong and stable, but the device can be damaged when forced beyond the optimum adjustment position due to excessive stress on the teeth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength of adjustment mechanismVSAvoidresistance to damage when forced
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rack is designed with elastically deformable material properties, allowing it to change its mechanical state from rigid to flexible under excessive force. This parameter change enables the rack to absorb stress through elastic deformation rather than transmitting it to the pinion teeth, preventing damage while maintaining strength during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed with clearance space beforehand to accommodate the elastic deformation of the rack when excessive force is applied. This pre-planned cushioning space allows the rack to disengage from the pinion teeth through elastic deformation, protecting the teeth from damage before the damage can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Prevents damage to the device by allowing the racks to elastically deform and disengage from the pinion teeth when excessive force is applied, ensuring the device returns to a safe adjustment position, thus protecting the teeth and connecting means.

Implementation Method 1

the first rack is elastically deformable, so that when a force is exerted on this first rack in the opposite direction to the direction of translation during rotation of the pinion, the first rack undergoes an elastic deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2095729B1Adjustment device, in particular for a helmet
Publication Date: 2010.02.17 DECATHLON SA
  • EP2095729B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP2095729B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The device has longitudinal elastically deformable toothed bars (4, 7) subjected to an elastic deformation when a force (F) is exerted on the bars in a direction against a translation direction (T) during rotation of a pinion (1). The pinion is housed in a housing (3) that leaves a gap (J1) for the bars in a rotation plane perpendicular to the direction (T). The gap is equal to a small tooth from two rows of teeth so that a tooth from one row cooperated with the other row of teeth (2) of the pinion is disengaged from a tooth of the latter row when the bars are subjected to the deformation. An independent claim is also included for an object comprising an adjusting unit.