Helmet Sweat Gutter Diversion Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional helmets do not effectively address the issue of sweat accumulation, which can distract wearers by flowing into their eyes or down their face, impacting performance.

Innovation Solution

A helmet design featuring a sweat diversion assembly with a sweat-collecting strap and gutter system that biases against the forehead, diverting sweat away from the eyes using an adjustable strap mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional helmets are used, then the helmet structure is simple, but sweat accumulation causes distraction and hinders performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewearer performanceVSAvoidhelmet structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sweat diversion assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a sweat-collecting strap with gutter structure, a biasing member, and an adjustment strap. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while collectively addressing the sweat management problem without overwhelming complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing member acts as an intermediary element between the sweat-collecting strap and the helmet body, providing the necessary force to maintain contact between the gutter and the wearer's forehead. This intermediary component enables effective sweat diversion without requiring direct rigid attachment, thus simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a sweat diversion assembly is added to the helmet, then sweat management improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesweat accumulationVSAvoidhelmet structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sweat-collecting strap serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support element, a sweat collection device, and a contact point for the biasing member. The gutter structure simultaneously defines the sweat collection path and provides a surface for sweat contact. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sweat-collecting strap and gutter structure utilize flexible materials that can conform to the wearer's head shape and movement. This flexibility allows the sweat diversion assembly to adapt to different users without requiring rigid, complex adjustment mechanisms, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity while maintaining effective sweat management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sweat-collecting strap is made displaceable, then fit adjustment is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehelmet fitVSAvoidstrap positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sweat-collecting strap is designed to be displaceable relative to the helmet body, allowing dynamic adjustment of its position along the side portions. This dynamic capability enables the strap to adapt to different wearer head shapes and sizes. The displacement is controlled by the adjustment strap mechanism, which provides manageable precision requirements through standardized adjustment increments rather than requiring manufacturing precision at the component level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment strap mechanism allows for parameter changes in the effective length of the sweat-collecting strap. By enabling users to modify the strap length through the adjustment mechanism, the system achieves adaptability to different fits without requiring high manufacturing precision. The parameter change is user-controlled and occurs during assembly or use rather than during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Effectively redirects sweat away from the face, improving wearer comfort and performance by keeping the face dry and clear.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member mounted to the interior of the helmet body and to the sweat-collecting strap, and operable to displace the sweat-collecting strap and bias the gutter against a forehead of the wearer above the eyes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10750811B1Helmet with sweat gutter

Publication Date: 2020.08.25 SPORT MASKA

AI summary

A helmet includes a helmet body, and a sweat-collecting strap extending between opposed ends along an interior of the helmet body. The sweat-collecting strap has a gutter between the opposed ends thereof. Each end of the sweat-collecting strap is mounted along one of the side portions of the helmet body. The sweat-collecting strap is displaceable with respect to the helmet body to bias the gutter against a forehead of the wearer above the eyes.