Protective Helmet Flexible Flap Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional protective helmets lack adaptability to the user's head morphology, resulting in dead spaces that compromise protection and comfort, and often require complex, heavy, and expensive tightening mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The helmet features notches extending from the front and side portions that form flexible fins, allowing for adjustable fitting by bending, which eliminates dead spaces and integrates a compact adjustment element located in the rear portion, reducing the risk of breakage and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid protective cap is used, then protection strength is improved, but adaptability to head morphology deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection strengthVSAvoidadaptability to head morphology
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cap is segmented into multiple flexible fins that can independently deflect and adapt to the head's contours, while maintaining overall structural integrity and protection strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cap incorporates flexible fins made of material that can bend and conform to the head's shape, eliminating dead spaces while maintaining protective function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If a tightening element is added to reduce dead spaces, then protection is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoidtightening mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible fins automatically adapt to the head's morphology through their own elasticity and flexibility, eliminating the need for complex tightening mechanisms while still eliminating dead spaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a tightening element is added to eliminate dead spaces, then protection is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoidhelmet weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible fins use their inherent material properties to adapt to the head, eliminating the need for additional tightening components that would increase weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If long notches are created to improve adaptability, then internal stress increases, but adaptability is improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehead size adjustment rangeVSAvoidinternal stress at notch start
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The notch geometry is optimized with specific curvature and transition zones that distribute stress more evenly, allowing long notches to provide extensive adaptability while controlling internal stress concentrations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This design enhances comfort, aesthetics, and safety by providing a customizable fit that reduces internal stress and weight, while maintaining resistance and allowing for a wider range of head size adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

the actuation of which makes it possible to adjust the distance separating said free ends by bending of the fins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2205112B1Protection helmet including a cap with flexible flaps
Publication Date: 2012.03.07 PJDO
  • EP2205112B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2205112B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2205112B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a protection helmet that comprises a protection cover (5) to be worn on the head of a user and including a shock-absorbing cap (6) and at least one outer shell (7) attached to at least a portion of the outer surface of the cap (6). The cover (5) has a front portion (8), a rear portion (9) defined downwards by a lower edge (10), two opposite side portions (11a, 11b) and a summit portion (12). The protection cover (5) includes at least one slot (14, 15) extending from the front portion (8) or from one of the side portions (11a, 11b) and giving onto said lower edge (10) or onto a recess (13) formed on the rear portion (9) and open on said lower edge (10). The slot (14, 15) defines on either side thereof two flexible flaps (16) each having a free end on the side of the rear portion (9). The helmet further includes an element for adjusting the tightening of the cover (5), connected to the free ends of the flaps (16), and the actuation of which enables the adjustment of the distance between the free ends by bending said flaps (16).