Adjustable Helmet Band Attachment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching accessories to helmets, such as headlamps and visors, face challenges due to the odd shapes of helmets, leading to insecure attachment, safety hazards from clips, and the need for multiple attachment systems for different sports, which is inconvenient and bulky.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable band member with a clamping mechanism that fits around the helmet circumference, featuring anti-slip material and size adjustment, allowing secure attachment of various accessories without glues or direct clips, and enabling easy interchangeability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If elastic bands are used to attach accessories to helmets, then the attachment method is simple and requires no additional hardware, but the bands slide off or pop off unintentionally due to odd helmet shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of attachment methodVSAvoidsecurity of accessory attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a intermediary attachment device consisting of a receptacle mounted on the helmet and a corresponding connector on the accessory. This mediator system resolves the contradiction by providing a reliable mechanical connection that works with various helmet shapes while maintaining simplicity in usage. The receptacle-connector pairing ensures secure attachment without the bands sliding off or popping off unintentionally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If pre-integrated clips are used on helmets, then accessory attachment is secure, but the clips pose safety hazards if dislodged and require drilling holes in the helmet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of accessory attachmentVSAvoidsafety hazards from clips

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the attachment system into separate components: a receptacle that mounts to the helmet surface without drilling, and a connector that attaches to the accessory. This segmentation eliminates the need for permanent modifications to the helmet while providing secure attachment. The modular design prevents safety hazards by ensuring clips remain integrated and cannot become dislodged during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple sport-specific helmets are used, then each sport has optimized protection, but the wearer must purchase and use multiple accessory attachment receptacles which is inconvenient and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesport-specific protectionVSAvoidnumber of attachment systems

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal attachment system where a single receptacle design can accommodate various accessories across different sport helmets. The standardized receptacle-connector interface allows the same attachment mechanism to work on multiple helmet types, eliminating the need for sport-specific attachment systems and reducing the number of receptacles the wearer must manage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If adhesives are used to attach accessories to helmets, then the attachment is permanent and secure, but the chemicals damage the integrity of the headgear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepermanence of accessory attachmentVSAvoidchemical damage to helmet

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical attachment method (adhesives) with a mechanical attachment system using a receptacle and connector. This mechanical system provides secure and permanent attachment without the harmful chemical effects. The receptacle mounts to the helmet surface through friction and geometry, eliminating the need for adhesives that would compromise the helmet's integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Provides a secure, safe, and convenient way to attach accessories to helmets of varying shapes, ensuring they remain in place during high-speed activities and different environmental conditions, without damaging the helmet and allowing for easy switching between accessories.

Implementation Method 1

The band member may have an anti-slip section that contacts the helmet to prevent the apparatus from sliding or rising upwards on the helmet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10362827B2Headgear accessory attachment apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.07.30 BRYAN FAMILY ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

A headgear accessory attachment apparatus includes a band having an adjustable size for fitting about a circumference of various outdoor sports helmets such as bicycle, skateboarding, snow sport, mountaineering, equestrian helmets, military helmets, and hard hats used in material moving, dock loading, and airport baggage handling. The accessory attachment apparatus provides the wearer an easy means to attach headgear accessories such as headlamps, helmet cameras, rear lights, goggles, visors, brims, and decorative embellishments to the helmet. The accessories may be permanently or temporarily secured to the accessory apparatus. In one headgear accessory attachment apparatus, the band includes a stop surface that opposes a bottom surface of the headgear when the apparatus is affixed to the headgear such that the apparatus is prevented from becoming dislodged during use.