Adjustable HANS Device Spline Rotation Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head and neck support (HANS) devices are typically monolithic and not adjustable, leading to the need for multiple devices in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different drivers, causing confusion and inefficiency in selecting the appropriate device for safety and comfort.
Innovation Solution
The HANS device features a collar with rotatable left and right leg units, adjustable via a spline-based rotation control assembly, and spacers to accommodate different body sizes and racing positions, allowing for quick adjustment and secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a monolithic HANS device structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different driver sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The HANS device is divided into separate modular components: a collar assembly and multiple interchangeable leg unit assemblies. Each leg unit can be independently attached or detached from the collar, allowing the device to be customized for different driver sizes and positions without requiring multiple complete devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar assembly is designed as a universal base that can accommodate multiple types of leg units through standardized coupling mechanisms. This allows a single collar to serve multiple functions with different leg unit configurations, enhancing adaptability while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple HANS devices in various shapes and sizes are manufactured, then adaptability to different drivers is improved, but device complexity and selection difficulty deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the HANS device into a standardized collar and interchangeable leg units, the system reduces the number of complete device variants needed. Teams can mix and match leg units with different angles and configurations on a single collar, simplifying selection while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements, such as rotatable leg units with locking mechanisms, allowing dynamic adaptation to different driver requirements. This enables a single device to be dynamically reconfigured rather than requiring multiple static variants.
3Stability of the object's composition
If leg units are made fixed in position, then structural stability is improved, but adjustability for different positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The leg units incorporate rotational joints with locking mechanisms that allow them to be adjusted to different angles and positions. Once locked, the leg units provide stable structural support, while the ability to unlock and reposition them provides the necessary adjustability for different drivers and racing positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly acts as an intermediary between the collar and leg units, providing a mechanism that allows for both movement (adjustment) and fixation (stability). The spline-based coupling with locking features enables the leg units to be securely fixed when needed while allowing easy repositioning when adjustment is required.
Data Source
AI summary
A head and neck support (HANS) device comprises a collar, a left leg unit, a right leg unit, and a leg unit rotation control assembly. The collar may be positioned behind a wearer's neck. The left leg unit may be coupled to a left side of the collar to engage the wearer's left shoulder and chest area. The right leg unit may be coupled to a right side of the collar to engage the wearer's right shoulder and chest area. The leg unit rotation control assembly may include male splines and female splines to allow the leg units to rotate with respect to the collar when the female splines are separated from the male splines and to rigidly fix the position of the leg units with respect to the collar when the female splines are interlocked with the male splines.