Head Suspension Pivot Joints for Respirator Hood Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head suspensions for respiratory protection hoods and similar headgear face challenges in maintaining a consistently adjustable angle between the front and back headbands, leading to discomfort and improper force distribution, especially when worn or stored.
Innovation Solution
A head suspension design featuring swivel joints that can be freely rotated in an adjustment position but locked in place, combined with a length adjustment mechanism and materials of varying hardness for enhanced comfort and fit, ensuring the angle remains fixed when worn and adaptable to different head shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot joints are made freely rotatable to allow angle adjustment, then the adaptability to different head shapes is improved, but the stability of the angle setting deteriorates due to accidental adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot joints are designed to be dynamically switchable between a locked state (when not in use) and an unlockable state (when adjustment is needed). The locking mechanism engages automatically when the headband is released, preventing accidental adjustments during wear, while allowing intentional adjustment when the user pulls the adjustment tab.
2Ease of operation
If the angle between headbands is made adjustable, then the comfort for different head shapes is improved, but the force distribution stability deteriorates during wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed-angle design to a dynamic adjustable-angle design with automatic locking. The angle can be adjusted to match different head shapes and sizes, and once set, the locking mechanism maintains the angle stability during wear, ensuring consistent force distribution.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the pivot joints are made non-rotatable in locked position, then the angle stability is improved, but the ease of adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An adjustment tab serves as an intermediary element that simplifies the adjustment process. The tab is connected to the locking mechanism internally, but externally users only need to pull or push the tab to adjust the angle, without dealing with complex locking mechanisms. This maintains angle stability while significantly improving ease of adjustment.
4Strength
If the inner circumference of the headband is reduced for frictional connection, then the securing force is improved, but the comfort deteriorates due to increased pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The headband employs local quality differentiation with softer material at the contact points (front and back headbands touching the head) and potentially different material properties in other areas. This localized softness distributes pressure more evenly and reduces discomfort while maintaining adequate frictional securing force through the overall headband tension.
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
This design enhances wearing comfort by maintaining a stable angle distribution of force, preventing unwanted movement and ensuring a secure fit over time, while allowing easy adjustment to various head sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a frictional connection is achieved between the wearer's head and the headrest
Implementation Method 2
The pivot joints are freely rotatable, at least in some areas, in a respective adjustment position and immobile in a respective locking position
Implementation Method 3
By reducing the inner circumference, a frictional connection is achieved between the wearer's head and the headrest
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A head suspension (1) for a head covering (2), preferably for a respiratory protection hood, is described. The head suspension (1) comprises a headband (3) with a front headband (4) that encircles the front of the wearer's head and a back headband (5) that is located on the back of the wearer's head, wherein the back headband (5) is connected to the front headband (4) via two pivot joints (6). The pivot joints (6) are at least partially freely rotatable in any adjustment position and are not rotatable in any locking position.