Head Top with Self-Adjusting Hinge and Internal Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head tops and harnesses often fail to accommodate different head sizes comfortably, leading to discomfort and difficulty in adjusting for both small and large heads, with rigid designs that cannot flex inwardly and expose hinges that complicate cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting head harness with an inner and outer mount connected by a hinge that pivots laterally to accommodate varying head diameters, combined with an adjustable forehead frame that snugly fits the user's head and a self-sealing internal hinge face shield for improved comfort and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid head top design is used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different head sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The head top is divided into a rigid outer shell and a separate adjustable suspension system with multiple connection points. This segmentation allows the rigid structure to maintain stability while the suspension system adapts to different head sizes through independent adjustment of straps and connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including movable straps, adjustable connectors, and flexible mounting points that allow the rigid head top to adapt to various head circumferences and shapes while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If head harness straps are made adjustable for head height and depth, then comfort is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to adjust width independently
Solution Approach 1:
The head harness is segmented into independent adjustment components: vertical straps for height adjustment, horizontal straps for width adjustment, and depth-adjustable connectors. This segmentation allows each dimension to be adjusted independently without affecting others, simplifying the overall adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system uses universal connectors and standardized strap mechanisms that can adjust for head height, depth, and width using similar adjustment principles, reducing the complexity by applying the same adjustment methodology across multiple dimensions.
3Ease of manufacture
If exterior hinges are used on face shields, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult and time-consuming cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is extracted from the exterior surface and relocated to the interior of the face shield assembly. This allows the exterior surface to become smooth and continuous without protruding hinge components, enabling easy cleaning and disinfection while maintaining the pivoting functionality through internal mounting.
4Adaptability or versatility
If soft face pieces are used to conform to user's face, then adaptability is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to facial irritation and sweating
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using soft material across the entire face contact area, the design uses rigid or semi-rigid structures with localized soft padding only at specific pressure points. This maintains adaptability through geometric adjustment while minimizing facial irritation by reducing the overall surface area of soft material contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The face shield incorporates flexible sealing edges or gaskets that can conform to different face shapes and sizes, providing adaptability through elastic deformation of thin flexible materials rather than through thick soft padding, thereby reducing heat buildup and facial irritation.
Data Source
AI summary
A head top has a frame for mounting on a user's head. The frame has a viewing opening for a user to see out of the frame. A shield is mounted to the frame, and can be moved between a open and closed positions. A pivot arm connects the shield to the frame and is mounted to the inside of both the frame and shield to avoid exposure. An outer mount and inner mount can also be provided to automatically adjust the width of the head top. A hinge connects them allowing the inner mount to laterally pivot with respect to the outer mount to accommodate users with different head sizes. A forehead member also adjusts to a user's forehead.