Helmet Retention System with Simultaneous Strap Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmet retention systems often fail to provide a secure and comfortable fit across various head sizes due to inadequate adjustment mechanisms, leading to instability and potential loss of the helmet during use.
Innovation Solution
A helmet retention system featuring a rear portion with adjustable straps and an elongated flexible member that allows simultaneous adjustment of upper and lower straps, utilizing directional guides and an adjustment device to optimize fit and security, including a BOA type lacing system for easy length adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional retention systems use separate adjustment mechanisms for each strap, then individual strap adjustment is possible, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate adjustment mechanisms into a single integrated adjustment device located at the rear of the helmet. This single device controls all four straps (two upper and two lower) simultaneously, allowing the user to adjust the entire retention system with one operation rather than adjusting each strap individually. This merging of functions directly resolves the contradiction by simplifying the adjustment process while reducing the time required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the helmet retention system uses fixed strap lengths, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various head sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed strap length system into a dynamic, adjustable system. The retention straps are equipped with adjustment mechanisms that allow their lengths to be modified based on the user's head size and shape. This dynamic capability enables the same helmet to fit various head dimensions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of standardized adjustment components.
3Measurement precision
If the retention system uses multiple independent adjustment devices for each strap, then precise individual control is achieved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges four separate adjustment devices into one integrated adjustment mechanism positioned at the rear of the helmet. This single device simultaneously controls the length of all four retention straps, maintaining precise control over each strap's length while dramatically reducing the number of adjustment devices from four to one. This resolves the contradiction by preserving measurement precision through the integrated design while reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a helmet retention system for securing a helmet to the head of a user. In certain versions, the helmet retention system comprises a rear portion connected the rear of the helmet, a chin portion configured to receive the chin of the user, a first side upper strap extending from the rear portion to the front of the helmet, a second side upper strap extending from the rear portion to the front of the helmet, a first side lower strap extending from the rear portion to the chin portion, a second side lower strap extending from the rear portion to the chin portion, and an adjustment device operably attached to the rear portion. The adjustment device is configured to selectively and simultaneously adjust the length of the first side upper strap and the second side upper strap between the rear portion and the front of the helmet and simultaneously adjust the length of the first side lower strap and the second side lower strap between the rear portion and the chin portion.