Helmet Pad Valve Retainer and Detachable Cap System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional helmet valves are prone to damage and difficult to remove due to their firm press fit into the shell, especially in inclement weather, and buckles are exposed to impacts, requiring durable materials like metal but with associated drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
A pad assembly with a valve retainer and detachable cap system that allows for easy inflation and deflation of internal bladders without damaging the valve, and a protective buckle cover to shield the buckle from impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valves are firmly press fit into the shell openings, then the valves are secured against accidental dislodging and impacts, but the valves become difficult to remove and prone to damage during removal, especially in cold temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into separate components: the valve body press-fit into the shell, and a removable valve cap that covers the valve opening. This allows the valve body to remain securely installed while the cap can be easily removed for inflation/deflation operations without risking damage to the press-fit connection.
Solution Approach 2:
A valve cap serves as an intermediary component between the user and the valve mechanism. The cap provides a protected access point for inflation/deflation while shielding the vulnerable valve body from direct manipulation and potential damage during removal operations.
2Reliability
If conventional valves are firmly press fit into the shell openings, then the valves resist impacts and wear, but removal of the internal pad assembly becomes cumbersome and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the valve cap from the valve body, the invention enables quick access to the valve mechanism without requiring removal of the entire pad assembly or valve body. This significantly reduces the time needed for pad assembly removal while maintaining valve durability through the secure press-fit of the valve body.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve cap is extracted as a separate, easily removable component from the valve assembly. This allows users to access the valve functionality without disturbing the securely installed valve body or the pad assembly mounting, thereby eliminating time-consuming removal operations.
3Strength
If buckles are made from metal to provide durability and impact resistance, then the buckles can withstand impacts during play, but the buckles become heavier and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle assembly uses composite construction combining metal components (for strength and impact resistance where needed) with plastic or polymer components (for weight reduction and cost reduction). This composite approach maintains the necessary durability while significantly reducing the overall weight and manufacturing cost compared to fully metal construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A pad assembly is provided for use with a protective sports helmet in a contact sport, the helmet having an opening. The pad assembly includes a pad member within a pad housing, and a retainer having a projection that fits within the helmet opening. The pad assembly also includes a cap detachably coupled to the retainer, the cap including a base portion that fits within the helmet opening and a flange portion that fits within a countersunk recess disposed around the helmet opening, the cap detachably receiving the projection of the retainer. A protective sports helmet having a pad assembly is also provided.