Helmet Ventilation System with Interior Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing helmets with ventilation systems often compromise on aesthetics by having visible ventilation components, which may not meet the aesthetic and functional preferences of users.

Innovation Solution

A helmet design that incorporates a ventilation system with a vent slider anchor and vent slider, which are in-molded within the helmet, allowing for airflow control without visible components from the outside.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If ventilation components are made visible on the outer shell, then airflow control function is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow control functionVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The vent slider mechanism is nested within the inner liner of the helmet, with the button accessible only from the interior. This nesting approach allows the ventilation control function to be fully operational while completely hiding the mechanism from external view, thus resolving the contradiction between functional accessibility and aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilation control button is extracted from the outer shell and relocated to the inner liner, separating the aesthetic exterior from the functional interior. This extraction allows the outer shell to maintain its sleek appearance while the inner components provide full ventilation control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Shape

If ventilation components are hidden within the inner liner, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidventilation control accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the ventilation control button on the exterior of the helmet for easy access, the design inverts the approach by placing it on the interior. This inversion prioritizes aesthetic appearance while maintaining operational ease for the wearer who can access the button from inside the helmet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If multiple attachment points are used for the vent slider, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevent slider attachment reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of attachment components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vent slider anchor combines multiple attachment functions into a single integrated component. The anchor includes both the snap rivet anchors and the projection for detent engagement in one piece, which is in-molded to the inner liner. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining reliable attachment through multiple attachment points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4559342A1Helmet comprising a ventilation system

Publication Date: 2025.05.28 BELL SPORTS INC

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AI summary

A helmet is provided. The helmet can include an outer shell and an inner liner in-molded to the outer shell, where the outer shell is oriented away from an interior of the helmet and the inner liner is oriented toward the interior of the helmet. The helmet can include one or more vents and a ventilation system to open and close the one or more vents. The ventilation system can be user-actuated from the interior of the helmet.