Helmet Cheek Pad Release Mechanism for Emergency Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective helmets face difficulties in easily and safely removing cheek pads, especially in emergency situations, due to complex fastening mechanisms that require precise directional force application and may risk neck injury.
Innovation Solution
A protective helmet design featuring elastically deformable connecting elements and a release device that allows cheek pads to be easily detached by applying a pulling force in various directions, using a U-shaped cantilever snap-fit mechanism and guiding means to simplify the removal process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plastic or metal snaps are used to fasten cheek pads to the helmet, then the connection between helmet and cheek pads is firm, but the removal of cheek pads becomes difficult in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed to transition between two states: a locked state during normal use where the protrusion engages with the recess to provide firm connection, and a released state where the connecting element can be pulled out. This dynamic state change allows the same mechanism to provide both secure fastening and easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The release device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the connecting element. By pulling the release device, the user activates the release feature that disengages the connecting element from the recess, providing an indirect but controlled method for removal that reduces direct force requirements.
2Reliability
If engaging pins with notched engaging holes are used, then the engaging mechanism provides secure attachment, but the release mechanism requires precise directional force application that may risk neck injury
Solution Approach 1:
The release device serves as an intermediary that translates a simple pulling motion into the complex disengagement sequence required by the snap mechanism. This intermediary action allows removal without requiring the user to apply precise directional forces directly to the connecting element, thereby eliminating neck injury risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element incorporates an integrated release feature that automatically disengages the protrusion from the recess when the release feature is activated. This self-service mechanism handles the complex disengagement process internally, requiring only a simple external pull on the release device.
3Ease of operation
If the frame is elastically deformed to remove cheek pads, then the cheek pads can be detached, but the operation becomes complex and requires frame deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into independent functional components: the connecting element for attachment, the release feature for disengagement, and the release device for user interaction. This segmentation allows the release operation to be performed by pulling the release device without requiring deformation of the entire frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The release feature is extracted as a distinct functional element from the frame structure. It is specifically designed to be activated by pulling the release device, which causes the connecting element to be extracted from the recess without requiring frame deformation.
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
Enables quick and safe removal of cheek pads with reduced force, even in emergencies, ensuring secure connection during normal use and minimizing neck strain.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting element (22) is elastically deformable for moving between a first configuration, wherein it may be inserted or released from a corresponding recess (24)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a protective helmet (1) comprising: an outer shell (10); an impact absorbing liner (12), positioned inside the outer shell (10), and a comfort liner (14), positioned at an inner surface of the impact absorbing liner (12), so as to be in contact with the user's head during the use of the protective helmet (1). The comfort liner (14) comprises at least one cheek pad (16) which is coupled to the impact absorbing liner (12) by means of at least one connecting element (22). Said at least one connecting element (22) is elastically deformable for moving between a first configuration, wherein it is adapted to be either inserted or released from a corresponding recess (24) provided in the impact absorbing liner (12), and a second configuration, wherein it is adapted to be clamped inside said recess (24). According to the invention, the protective helmet (1) comprises a release device (30) connected to said at least one connecting element (22). Said release device (30) when actuated is able to elastically deform said at least one connecting element (22) to move said at least one connecting element (22) from its second configuration into the first configuration, thereby allowing the release of said at least one cheek pad (16) from the impact absorbing liner (12).