Sport Helmet Rear Support with Biasing Member for Occipital Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sport helmets lack a design that effectively reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies the design, and provides a proper fit on the wearer's head while maintaining pressure on the occipital region.
Innovation Solution
A sport helmet design featuring an outer shell with inner padding, an occipital inner pad, and a rear support with a biasing member that moves between two positions to maintain pressure on the occipital region, utilizing a hinged mechanism and resilient materials for adjustable fit and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single actuator and wedging member are used to adjust the occipital region fit, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity is reduced only partially while manufacturing cost remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment mechanism and retention function into a single integrated rear support structure. The retention member is formed as an integral part of the rear support, eliminating the need for separate actuators and wedging members. This merging of functions reduces the number of components while maintaining ease of operation for adjusting the occipital region fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables adjustment of the occipital region fit, and retains the inner padding in place. The retention member is designed to work with the hinged movement of the rear support to achieve both adjustment and retention functions through a single mechanism, reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used to ensure proper helmet fit and pressure maintenance, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member is formed as an integral part of the rear support through a single-piece construction method. This merging of components into one manufacturable unit simplifies the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable connection between the rear support and inner padding, eliminating potential failure points from multiple assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the hinged movement parameter of the rear support to dynamically adjust the position and pressure applied to the occipital region. By changing the angular parameter of the hinged connection, the system maintains reliable pressure contact while allowing for adjustment, ensuring both reliability and ease of manufacture through a simple mechanical parameter change rather than complex active control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rear support is made movable to improve fit adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rear support is designed with a hinged connection that allows it to move between a retracted position and an extended position. This dynamic capability enables the occipital inner pad to apply varying pressures and adjust to different head shapes and sizes, improving adaptability. The simplicity of the hinged mechanism keeps device complexity low while achieving the desired dynamic adjustment functionality.
4Reliability
If a biasing member is added to maintain pressure on the occipital region, then the reliability of pressure maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is integrated into the rear support structure and automatically maintains pressure on the occipital region through the natural hinged movement of the rear support. When the wearer inserts their head, the rear support pivots forward, and the biasing member automatically engages to maintain consistent pressure without requiring external control mechanisms. This self-service approach improves pressure maintenance reliability while minimizing additional device complexity.
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
The design enhances the fit and comfort of the helmet by maintaining pressure on the occipital region, reduces manufacturing complexity, and lowers production costs through fewer components and a simplified mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member between the inner surface of the rear shell portion and the rear support, the biasing member having a portion abutting the inner surface of the rear shell portion such that the rear support and occipital inner pad are movable between a first position wherein the rear support is biased to extend inwardly from the inner surface of the rear shell portion, and a second position when the wearer puts on the sport helmet, wherein the rear support and occipital inner pad are deflected towards the inner surface of the rear shell portion while the rear support and occipital inner pad maintain pressure on the occipital region of the wearer's head
Data Source
AI summary
A sport helmet having an outer shell, an inner padding for covering at least partially the wearer's head, an occipital inner pad for facing the occipital region of the wearer's head, a rear support having an upper part hingedly mounted to the helmet and a lower part mounted to the occipital inner pad, and a biasing member having a portion abutting the rear inner surface of the outer shell such that the rear support and occipital inner pad are movable between a first position wherein the rear support is biased to extend inwardly from the rear inner surface, and a second position when the wearer puts on the sport helmet to cause the rear support and occipital inner pad to be deflected towards the rear inner surface while the rear support and occipital inner pad maintain pressure on the occipital region of the wearer's head.