Elastomeric Nape Belt for Headgear Pressure Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head safety products, such as face shields and welding helmets, often suffer from poor fit, stability, and comfort due to inadequate distribution of pressure across the head, leading to discomfort and instability.
Innovation Solution
A self-adaptive elastomeric nape belt that conforms to the shape of the head, featuring relief openings and adjustable anchor points, acts as a tension buffer to distribute pressure more evenly and secure the headgear, improving fit and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional rigid headband is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fit and comfort are poor due to inadequate pressure distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear incorporates an elastomeric nape belt that changes its physical parameters (flexibility, elasticity) to adapt to different head shapes and sizes. The belt can stretch and conform to the wearer's anatomy, providing customized pressure distribution without requiring multiple sizes or complex adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces rigid headband components with flexible elastomeric materials, particularly the nape belt, that can bend and conform to the head's contours. This flexibility allows the headgear to adapt to individual anatomical variations while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable headgear system is implemented, then the fit can be customized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric nape belt is designed to self-adjust and self-conform to the wearer's head shape without requiring manual adjustment mechanisms. The material's inherent elasticity allows it to automatically adapt to different head sizes and contours, eliminating the need for complex adjustment systems while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single elastomeric nape belt component serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, distributes pressure evenly, adapts to various head shapes, and eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while achieving customizable fit.
3Reliability
If pressure is concentrated at the top of the neck, then the headgear is easier to secure, but comfort is reduced due to tension and pressure points
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear distributes the securing function across multiple contact points along the nape belt rather than concentrating force at a single location. The elongated belt creates multiple engagement points with the head, segmenting the pressure distribution and eliminating concentrated stress points that cause discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The nape belt extends vertically along the nape of the neck rather than wrapping horizontally, distributing pressure across a larger surface area in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change transforms concentrated pressure into distributed pressure, maintaining securing effectiveness while reducing discomfort.
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 elastomeric nape belt provides enhanced comfort and stability by self-adjusting to individual head shapes, reducing tension and pressure points, resulting in a secure and comfortable fit for various head sizes and types.
Implementation Method 1
The nape belt is elastomeric and has relief openings to facilitate conformation of the nape belt to the shape of the head. The nape belt acts as a conformable tension spring to buffer or absorb the tension between the horizontal head band and the head
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A headgear (14) for a head safety product such as a face shield, hardhat (12) or welding helmet includes a headband (22) with hangers (24) extending therefrom to engage the head safety product being worn, at least one crown strap (36) engaged with the headband (22) to support the headgear (14) over the wearer's head and a self- adjusting elastomeric nape belt (42) configured to extend over the occipital portions of the wearer's head. The elastomeric napebelt (42) depends from symmetric rear strap extensions (38,40) of the headband (22) and is configured to elastically self-adjust to the occipital area of the wearer's head.