Headband Adjustment Device With Offset Sliding Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustment devices for portable elements, such as ski goggles and headlamps, are impractical for on-the-go adjustments as they require users to hold and manipulate the adjustment unit, leading to laborious and often asymmetrical adjustments, which can compromise the secure positioning of the device.

Innovation Solution

The adjustment device features two elementary strands with offset sliding paths and fastening systems, allowing for symmetrical and easy length adjustment without removing the portable element, ensuring secure and comfortable fitting even during active use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single adjustment unit with a sliding path is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adjustment operation becomes laborious and time-consuming when the portable element is already positioned on the head

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment operationVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment device is divided into two independent adjustment units instead of a single unit. Each adjustment unit can be manipulated separately, allowing the user to adjust one side while the other remains stable. This segmentation enables easier and faster adjustment operations without requiring manipulation of a single complex unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having a single adjustment unit that requires sliding manipulation, the invention inverts the approach by providing two independent adjustment units with fixed duplication. This allows the user to simply pull or release the strands directly at the adjustment units without needing to slide components, dramatically reducing adjustment time and effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If adjustment units are positioned at the back of the head, then the portable element is securely retained, but the adjustment operation becomes difficult and asymmetrical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention effectivenessVSAvoidadjustment symmetry
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By providing two separate adjustment units positioned at the back of the head, each strand can be adjusted independently and symmetrically. This segmentation allows the user to apply equal force to both strands simultaneously, ensuring symmetrical adjustment while maintaining secure retention at the back of the head.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention addresses asymmetry by creating a symmetrical configuration with two identical adjustment units. Each unit has the same structure and function, allowing the user to adjust both sides equally. This symmetrical design prevents the asymmetrical adjustment problems that occur with single-unit or unevenly configured systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Productivity

If a single strand is used with a single adjustment unit, then the device structure is simple, but rapid adjustment without removing the portable element is impractical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment speedVSAvoidnumber of adjustment units
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment system is segmented into two independent adjustment units instead of using a single unit. This allows adjustment operations to be performed more rapidly by distributing the adjustment function across two units, enabling the user to quickly adjust one or both sides without removing the portable element from the head.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two adjustment units are pre-positioned on the headband at optimal locations. This preliminary positioning allows the user to immediately access and adjust the strands without needing to locate or manipulate a single adjustment unit, significantly speeding up the adjustment process while the portable element remains on the head.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2756829B1Apparatus for adjusting a headband
Publication Date: 2015.07.22 ZEDEL CORP
  • EP2756829B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2756829B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2756829B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The portable element adjustment device comprises two elementary strands and two adjustment units, each comprising a sliding path for one of the elementary strands and a fixing system for one end of the other elementary strand, the sliding path 4 of one of the elementary strands being laterally offset relative to the fixing system of the other elementary strand.