Hat Brim Clip Wedge Design for Stable Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessory mounts for hats, particularly baseball caps, are inadequate for securely attaching heavier devices like POV cameras due to insufficient friction and clamping force, leading to instability during vigorous activities.
Innovation Solution
A clip design featuring pinching panels with a wedge-shaped portion and convex/concave surfaces that engage the hat brim, providing increased friction and surface contact, along with interchangeable end-pieces for various device mounting structures, and a communication system for hands-free connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If alligator clip or molded plastic clip is used to attach to hat brim, then the mount can be easily attached, but the clip lacks sufficient friction and clamping force to secure heavier devices like POV cameras during vigorous activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a wedge-shaped portion at a specific location on the clip that engages with the brim's transverse curvature. This localized geometric feature concentrates friction and clamping force at the critical interface between the clip and brim, transforming the brim's curvature into a stabilizing mechanical advantage that prevents device movement during vigorous activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes curvature by designing the wedge-shaped portion to match the transverse curvature of the hat brim. This curved geometric interaction creates continuous surface contact and friction along the brim's arc, converting the brim's inherent curvature into a stabilizing force that resists lateral movement and maintains device security during dynamic use.
2Force
If alligator clip is used, then the clip can grip the brim, but the gripping force is focused at one end causing the clip to slide transversely along the brim front
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gripping interface into multiple functional zones: the wedge-shaped portion handles transverse stability through brim curvature engagement, while the distal end maintains clamping force for device attachment. This segmentation distributes mechanical functions across different clip regions, preventing the concentration of force at a single point and eliminating transverse sliding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional interaction by engaging the brim's transverse curvature through the wedge-shaped portion. This adds a lateral friction component to the traditional vertical clamping action, creating multi-directional stability that prevents both downward sliding and transverse movement along the brim front.
3Ease of operation
If elastic bands are used to attach headlamp to forehead, then hands-free lighting is achieved, but the mount causes vanity and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the hat brim as an intermediary mounting surface, transferring the accessory attachment from the user's forehead to the hat structure. This intermediary approach eliminates direct contact between the mounting device and the user's head, thereby reducing vanity and discomfort while preserving hands-free functionality through the brim's stable geometric engagement.
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 clip securely retains accessories on the hat brim, maintaining stability during activities and enabling hands-free communication through integrated speakers and microphones positioned optimally for user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The second panel has a wedge-shaped portion in which the width of the panel increases from the distal end of the panel to the proximal end of the panel
Implementation Method 2
The first panel and second panel each resiliently connect at their distal ends in general perpendicular fashion to a nose segment
Data Source
AI summary
A clip for mounting on a hat brim includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel and second panel are resiliently connected at their distal ends to a nose segment. The second panel has a wedge-shaped portion that increases from the distal end of the panel toward the proximal end of the panel. The second panel includes a communication system that pairs with a user's mobile device. The communication system has one or more speakers, a control interface, a charging interface, a microprocessor; a wireless communication module connected to the microprocessor and a battery connected to the charging interface. The top surface of the first panel at its proximal end includes structure that receives an accessory device. The one or more speakers include a left speaker and a right speaker respectively located on left and right portions of the second panel and projects toward the user.