Helmet Liner with Movable Pads for Head Conformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional helmets lack optimal comfort and fail to adequately conform to the varied sizes and shapes of individual heads due to inadequate liner adjustment mechanisms, which can also impede heat transfer and ventilation.
Innovation Solution
A helmet design featuring a rigid shell with an adjustable liner that includes floating pads movable between two positions, allowing for enhanced conformity to the wearer's head shape, and an encircling portion with an elongated member for improved fit and ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional liner adjustment mechanisms are used to improve comfort, then the liner can be adjusted to some extent, but the helmet becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is designed as a dynamic structure with multiple pads that can independently move between fixed and retracted positions. Each pad can be adjusted to different positions to accommodate various head shapes and sizes, providing customization without requiring heavy mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The pads are connected through linkages that allow smooth transitions between positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner is segmented into multiple independent pads rather than being a single continuous structure. This segmentation allows each pad to be adjusted independently to conform to the wearer's head shape, providing precise fit customization. The segmented design also reduces the overall weight compared to a single large adjustment mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If conventional liner adjustment mechanisms are used to improve comfort, then the liner can be adjusted, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The liner uses a dynamic system where pads can move between fixed and retracted positions through simple linkages rather than complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The pads are connected to the shell through hinges and linkages that allow automatic positioning based on head shape, reducing the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner pads are designed to automatically position themselves based on the wearer's head shape and size. The pads move into fixed positions when contact is made with the head, eliminating the need for manual adjustment mechanisms. This self-adjusting feature reduces device complexity while maintaining comfort and fit.
3Ease of operation
If multiple liner adjustment mechanisms are added to improve comfort, then the liner fit can be customized, but heat transfer and ventilation are impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is divided into multiple separate pads rather than a continuous structure. This segmentation creates gaps and channels between the pads that allow air circulation and heat transfer from the wearer's head. The segmented design maintains customization capability while improving ventilation compared to a solid liner structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pads can dynamically adjust their positions to create optimal spacing for ventilation. When pads are in retracted positions, they allow greater air flow and heat transfer. The dynamic positioning capability enables the liner to adapt to different ventilation requirements while maintaining fit customization.
4Ease of operation
If the liner is made adjustable to conform to individual heads, then comfort is improved, but the helmet bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liner pads are designed to be dynamic rather than static, moving between retracted and fixed positions based on head contact. This dynamic capability allows the liner to conform to various head shapes without requiring excessive material or bulk. The pads only extend to the necessary degree to achieve fit, minimizing overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner provides localized adjustment through individual pads rather than requiring the entire liner structure to be bulky. Each pad can be independently positioned to conform to specific areas of the head, providing precise fit customization without increasing overall helmet volume. The local adjustment capability eliminates the need for a uniformly bulky liner design.
Data Source
AI summary
A helmet has a rigid shell and an adjustable liner connected to the shell. The liner has a plurality of pads located in the shell cavity. The pads are movable with respect to the interior shell surface between a first position near the interior shell surface and a second position further away. In some embodiments, pads are biased towards their second position and the act of the wearer inserting his head into the helmet causes the pads to move towards their first position while remaining biased against the head of the wearer to assist in causing the liner to conform to the head of the wearer. In other embodiments, constriction of the pads moves pads from their second position to their first position, for this same purpose. In other embodiments, pads having both of the aforementioned characteristics are present.