Helmet Ear Cup Dynamics for Wind Noise Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current helmets fail to effectively suppress wind noise, causing hearing discomfort and potential permanent hearing loss, and existing solutions like earplugs or ear cups are either uncomfortable or prone to mechanical failure.
Innovation Solution
A helmet with embedded ear cups and a double helix mechanism that allows for easy engagement and disengagement, providing a comfortable fit and effective noise suppression, along with optional electronic noise cancellation and communication features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ear cups are pressed against the head to form a seal for noise protection, then noise suppression is improved, but comfort during putting on and removing is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The ear cup mechanism transitions from a static sealed position to a dynamic adjustable position. The expandable foam insert can be compressed during removal and expands when released, allowing the ear cup to be easily removed and repositioned while maintaining the sealed configuration during use for noise protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the foam insert changes from compressed during removal to expanded during use. This parameter change allows the same component to serve dual functions: easy removal when compressed and effective sealing when expanded, resolving the contradiction between comfort during operation and noise suppression.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If earplugs are used to block sound, then noise protection is improved, but comfort and audio availability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using earplugs that completely block the ear canal, the invention uses ear cups that can be positioned to cover the ear while leaving the ear canal open. This segmentation of the noise blocking function allows selective coverage - the ear cup can be adjusted to block wind noise from the front while maintaining access to the ear canal for audio communication and ambient sound.
Solution Approach 2:
The ear cup mechanism allows dynamic adjustment between a retracted position for comfort and audio availability during removal, and an engaged position for noise protection during use. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the user to switch between comfort mode and noise blocking mode as needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the helmet is sealed tightly to block noise, then noise suppression is improved, but ease of removal is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The foam insert transitions from an expanded sealed state during use to a compressed state during removal. This dynamic volume change allows the helmet to be tightly sealed for noise protection during operation, but easily removed when the foam is compressed, resolving the contradiction between noise suppression and ease of removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The volume of the foam insert changes from expanded to compressed. This parameter change enables the helmet to maintain a tight seal for effective noise blocking during use, while allowing easy removal when the foam is compressed to reduce the sealing pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
A helmet features a sound management mechanism within a hard exterior shell and an interior of expanded polystyrene foam. Ear cups embedded within the shell surround the ears, with a torus-shaped soft material forming a seal against the wearer's head. The helmet allows the transition of ear cups between engaged and disengaged positions. The engaged position is against the head. The disengaged position is away from the head, allowing easy placement and removing of the helmet. Positions may be transitioned using one hand. The helmet may include lateral adjustment of ear cups, and some versions incorporate electronic audio features like noise cancellation, communication capabilities, and wireless connectivity.