Hat-Mounted Cover System with Bendable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing face and head coverings are uncomfortable due to substantial contact with the face and neck, can obstruct vision and breathing, and interfere with wearing glasses or using devices like duck calls, and are not easily adjustable.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising receiver bases with spring-action clipping devices and bendable cover support members that allow cover material to be positioned away from the face, providing adjustable and comfortable coverage, compatible with various types of hats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cover material is positioned in contact with the face and neck for protection, then protection and camouflage effectiveness is improved, but comfort and breathing are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system is divided into separate modular components: a hat base, detachable cover material sections, and adjustable support members. This segmentation allows the cover to be configured in different positions - can be worn close to the face for maximum protection or pulled away for comfort and breathing, resolving the contradiction between protection effectiveness and comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The cover system incorporates dynamic, adjustable elements including bendable support members and detachable connections that allow the user to change the cover's position and configuration in real-time. The cover can dynamically transition between being close to the face for protection and pulled away for comfort, eliminating the static trade-off between protection and comfort
2Reliability
If cover material is made substantial and tight around the face, then camouflage and protection are improved, but breathing and vision are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cover material is divided into separate detachable sections rather than a single tight-fitting piece. This allows selective positioning where camouflage-critical areas remain close to the face while breathing zones can be pulled away, maintaining camouflage effectiveness without breathing obstruction
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the cover system have different functions - some sections are designed to remain close to the face for camouflage while other sections can be positioned away for breathing. The system applies local quality by allowing specific areas to have different positions and properties based on their functional requirements
3Ease of operation
If cover material is made adjustable and detachable, then comfort and usability are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The complex adjustment and attachment mechanisms are extracted as separate, modular components rather than being integrated into the main cover structure. The detachable connections and adjustable support members are independent elements that simplify the overall system while providing the desired adjustability and comfort
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 system offers superior comfort and usability by keeping the cover material away from the face, allowing easy access for eating, drinking, and using devices, while maintaining effective protection and camouflage.
Implementation Method 1
Each receiver base is also associated with a respective hat connector, which may be a spring-action clipping device
Implementation Method 2
The cover support member includes at least configurable sections which are bendable into a desired shape and retain that desired shape when released
Data Source
AI summary
A headwear cover system includes a left receiver base and a right receiver base, each receiver base including a respective receiver adapted to provide an attachment point for an elongated cover support member. Each receiver base is also associated with a respective hat connector which allows the respective receiver base to be connected to the brim of a hat. The elongated cover support member has two connectors, each connector adapted to be releasably secured to a respective one of the receivers. A cover sheet is included in the system and is adapted to be secured along at least a portion of the length of the cover support member. The cover sheet hangs down from the cover support member to provide the desired covering function.