Elastic Headgear Rigidizer Layout That Preserves Strap Stretch

Solution Overview

Problem

Rigid elements attached to stretchable headgear materials limit the stretchable length, compromising the elastic properties and comfort of the headgear.

Innovation Solution

A headgear design that positions a rigidizer relative to a strap, allowing it to impart shape and rigidity while enabling the strap to move freely, with limited affixation points to maintain stretchability and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid elements are attached to stretchable headgear materials, then shape and rigidity are improved, but stretchable length is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverigidityVSAvoidstretchable length

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The headgear is divided into distinct segments: rigid elements (rigidizers) and stretchable material portions (straps). These segments are connected through fixation areas that allow limited movement. The rigidizers are positioned at specific locations (e.g., around the eyes and ears) to provide localized support and shape, while the stretchable strap portions maintain overall elasticity and adaptability to different head sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rigid elements are strategically placed only in specific areas where structural support is needed (such as around the eyes and ears), rather than throughout the entire headgear. This localized approach provides the necessary shape and rigidity in critical regions while preserving stretchability in other areas, allowing the headgear to accommodate various head sizes and shapes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If rigid elements are attached to stretchable headgear materials, then shape and rigidity are improved, but elastic properties are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverigidityVSAvoidelastic properties

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The headgear is divided into distinct segments: rigid elements (rigidizers) and stretchable material portions (straps). These segments are connected through fixation areas that allow limited movement. The rigidizers are positioned at specific locations (e.g., around the eyes and ears) to provide localized support and shape, while the stretchable strap portions maintain overall elasticity and adaptability to different head sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between rigid elements and stretchable material is designed to be dynamic rather than rigidly fixed. The fixation areas allow for limited movement and adjustment, enabling the headgear to adapt to different head shapes and sizes while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic connection preserves the elastic properties of the stretchable material even in the presence of rigid elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If rigid elements are attached to stretchable headgear materials, then shape and rigidity are improved, but comfort is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverigidityVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Rigid elements are strategically placed only in specific areas where structural support is needed (such as around the eyes and ears), rather than throughout the entire headgear. This localized approach provides the necessary shape and rigidity in critical regions while preserving stretchability in other areas, allowing the headgear to accommodate various head sizes and shapes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between rigid elements and stretchable material is designed to be dynamic rather than rigidly fixed. The fixation areas allow for limited movement and adjustment, enabling the headgear to adapt to different head shapes and sizes while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic connection preserves the elastic properties of the stretchable material even in the presence of rigid elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 headgear maintains its stretchable length, provides a comfortable fit for various head sizes, and ensures ease of use and adjustment, while supporting the mask effectively without compromising elasticity.

Implementation Method 1

a stretchable material, e.g., elastic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250352753A1Elastic headgear

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 RESMED PTY LTD

AI summary

Headgear, comprising at least one strap; and at least one rigidizer, the headgear being arranged to position one of the at least one strap and one of the at least one rigidizer, with regard to one another such that the rigidizer imparts a desired shape to at least a portion of the strap while allowing said portion of the strap to move relative to the rigidizer.