Helmet Cheek Pad Removable Coupling and Gripping Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cheek pads in protective helmets are difficult to remove quickly and efficiently, particularly in emergency situations, due to the placement of the fixing tape element on the lower edge which hinders the detachment of the removable hooking elements.
Innovation Solution
The cheek pad design incorporates a removable coupling element, such as a snap button, and a gripping element like a tape or lace accessible from the bottom, with the gripping element fixed above the removable coupling device, allowing for easier detachment by pulling downwards and bending the pad member relative to the permanent fixing area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tape element is fixed on the lower edge of the cheek pad, then the cheek pad structure is simplified, but the cheek pad cannot be removed quickly and efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tape element as an intermediary component that mediates between the user's hand and the cheek pad removal mechanism. The tape element extends from the lower edge to the upper edge, allowing the user to pull from the bottom while the actual detachment occurs at the upper edge where the hooking elements are located. This intermediary tape solves the contradiction by enabling quick removal without requiring direct access to or manipulation of the hooking elements themselves.
2Reliability
If the tape element fixing area is positioned at the lower edge, then the cheek pad maintains stable positioning during wear, but the hooking elements cannot be detached adequately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration. The tape element is routed from the lower edge, through the interior structure, to the upper edge, creating a vertical dimension for force application. This allows the pulling force to be applied at the bottom while the detachment action occurs at the top, effectively using the vertical dimension to resolve the contradiction between stable positioning and easy detachment.
3Ease of operation
If the gripping element is fixed below the removable coupling device, then the structure is compact, but the pad member cannot be bent effectively for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the tape element to create a lever arm that extends from the lower edge to the upper edge. This pre-configured structure prepares the system for effective removal by establishing the necessary mechanical advantage before the removal action begins. When the user pulls the tape, the pre-positioned configuration allows immediate and effective bending of the pad member, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A helmet cheek pad (20) and a related helmet are described. The cheek pad (20) includes a pad member (22), one or more coupling elements (25) of one or more respective removable coupling devices to removably connect the pad member to a remaining portion of the helmet and a gripping element (27) including a portion (30) apt to be grasped by a user. The gripping element (27) is fixed to the pad member (22) and/or to a frame (23) fixed to the pad member (22), wherein the gripping portion (30) and an area (28) for fixing or anchoring the gripping element (27) to the pad (22) and/or frame (23) are arranged opposite with respect to the coupling element (25) of the removable coupling device, and the coupling element (25) of the removable coupling device is interposed between the gripping portion (30) and the fixing area (28).