Helmet Tensioning Unit with Pivoting Neck Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tightening units for protective helmets with interior fittings are uncomfortable to operate with gloved hands and require adjustment after removing gloves, leading to an inadequate fit when putting on or taking off the helmet.
Innovation Solution
A tightening unit with a neck shell hinged to a basic body, where a pivoting mechanism allows the basic body to move away from the neck shell during tightening, maintaining the neck shell's comfortable position against the head, and incorporating a transmission lever and spring elements for adjustable tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the basic body is pushed against the back of the head to tighten the supporting band, then the helmet fit is improved, but the wearing comfort deteriorates due to the sharp-edged basic body
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate functional components: the neck shell that contacts the head and the basic body that tightens the band. The neck shell is designed with a smooth, comfortable surface for head contact, while the basic body contains the sharp edges needed for effective tightening. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The neck shell acts as an intermediary between the user's head and the tightening mechanism. It transmits the tightening force from the basic body to the supporting band while protecting the user's head from direct contact with the sharp-edged basic body. The neck shell mediates between the conflicting requirements of effective tightening and comfortable wear.
2Device complexity
If the operating element is a rotary button that requires two-handed operation, then the tightening mechanism is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates when wearing gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element transitions from a static rotary button to a dynamic lever system that pivots on an axis. This lever can be operated with a single hand even when wearing gloves, as it provides mechanical advantage and can be actuated through a larger arc. The lever's movement creates sufficient force to tighten the band effectively while being accessible to gloved hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating mechanism moves from a rotational (circular) motion to a pivoting (angular) motion in a different dimensional space. The lever pivots on an axis perpendicular to the direction of tightening force, creating a mechanical advantage that allows easy operation with gloved hands. This dimensional change in the operating motion makes the device accessible to users wearing protective gloves.
3Device complexity
If the basic body is fixed relative to the neck shell, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates because adjustment must be made at the back of the head
Solution Approach 1:
The basic body is made movable relative to the neck shell through a pivoting mechanism. The lever connected to the basic body allows it to pivot on an axis, creating a mechanical advantage that enables easy operation at the back of the head. This dynamic relationship between the basic body and neck shell transforms a difficult adjustment task into an easily operable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting mechanism allows the basic body to move through an arc rather than requiring linear movement. This curved motion path, similar to spheroidality, enables the lever to be operated easily with rotational motion that is natural for the user's hand, even when reaching around the back of the head.
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
Enables effortless operation of the helmet tightening unit with gloved hands and maintains wearing comfort by allowing the neck shell to remain in contact with the head, ensuring a secure and adjustable fit.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element which strives to pivot the neck shell away from the first end of the transmission lever
Data Source
AI summary
A tightening unit is described for a supporting band which is attached to the lower edge of interior fittings of a protective helmet for fastening the helmet on the head of a user. The supporting band comprises a head band which continues in a neck band which has two free ends connected to each other by a basic body of the tightening unit. The tightening unit has a neck shell and a basic body which are connected to each other in an articulated manner by a transmission lever. The basic body can be pivoted relative to the neck shell by a tightening lever linked thereto which is supported on the transmission lever by a cam.