Helmet Strap Y-Shape Linear Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional helmet straps with Y-shaped designs often fail to maintain a secure connection under high forces, such as during a fall, due to punctiform connections that can break or tear, compromising safety.
Innovation Solution
The helmet strap features two part belts that extend along different arms and are fixedly interconnected along a third arm, either through material integration, adhesive bonding, sewing, or riveting, creating a linear or areal connection for enhanced strength and stability, eliminating the need for additional connection elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If additional connection elements or fasteners are used to form the Y shape, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential breakage under high forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two part belts into a single continuous belt structure where the first part belt and second part belt are formed as one integral piece. This eliminates the need for separate connection elements at the junction, combining multiple components into a unified structure that maintains both manufacturability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by interconnecting the first and second part belts along the third arm through material integration. This forms a composite belt structure that distributes forces across multiple material pathways, enhancing reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture through a single-piece construction.
2Ease of manufacture
If connection elements are used to join part belts, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the strength deteriorates due to punctiform connections that can tear under high forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from punctiform (point-based) connections to linear and areal (surface-based) connections by interconnecting the part belts along the entire third arm. This dimensional expansion distributes connection forces across a larger area, significantly enhancing strength while maintaining manufacturability through continuous material formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates the interconnection of the first and second part belts along the third arm as an integral part of the belt manufacturing process itself, rather than as a subsequent assembly step. This preliminary integration ensures strength is built into the structure during formation, eliminating the need for separate connection operations.
3Device complexity
If the part belts are connected only at the junction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability deteriorates due to insufficient force distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force distribution function across multiple regions: the first part belt carries forces along the first arm, the second part belt carries forces along the second arm, and both part belts share force distribution along the third arm. This segmentation of functional responsibilities enhances stability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous force distribution along the entire length of the third arm where both part belts are interconnected, rather than relying on discrete connection points. This continuous interconnection maintains structural stability throughout the belt assembly while keeping the overall device complexity low through a unified construction approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A helmet strap for fastening a helmet to a head comprises at least one strap belt having a Y shape that has a first arm, a second arm and a third arm to be fastened to the helmet at a respective helmet side by two of the arms and for the remaining arm to be able to extend up to a chin region of the head. In this respect, the strap belt comprises a first part belt that extends without interruption along the first and third arms and a second part belt that extends without interruption along the second and third arms, wherein the first and second part belts are fixedly interconnected along the third arm or are formed materially integrally with one another along the third arm.