Neck Protector Attachment System Using Cord and Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing attachment systems for neck protectors in protective face masks are difficult to adjust and prone to issues such as knot tightening, cord fraying, and damage, which complicates proper attachment and quick replacement, especially for users with limited experience, leading to safety and reliability concerns.
Innovation Solution
A neck protector attachment system using a cord with a connector having throughbores of varying diameters, allowing secure attachment and adjustment by engaging elements, ensuring the cord is locked at desired lengths through the connector's portions, enhancing ease of use and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cord with knot-tying attachment is used, then the neck protector can be attached to the face mask, but it becomes difficult to make small adjustments and quickly change the neck protector
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a first portion and a second portion, each with corresponding engaging elements. This segmentation allows the cord to be attached in discrete sections rather than requiring a continuous knot-tying process, enabling easier adjustment and quicker changes by simply disconnecting the portions from each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary device between the cord and the attachment points. Instead of directly tying knots in the cord itself, the connector provides a mechanical interface with throughbores that simplify the attachment process, allowing users to thread the cord through predefined holes and secure it without complex knot-tying maneuvers.
2Reliability
If a tight knot is used to secure the cord, then the attachment becomes more secure, but it becomes difficult or impossible to undo quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector provides a dynamic attachment system where the engaging elements can be easily engaged and disengaged. The first and second portions can be connected to create a secure attachment during use, and quickly separated when adjustment or replacement is needed, without requiring the undoing of tight knots.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical knot-tying system is replaced with a connector-based mechanical system. Instead of relying on friction and tension from knots, the connector uses throughbores and engaging elements to provide secure yet easily reversible attachment, substituting the complex mechanics of knot manipulation with simpler threading and engagement actions.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the cord is used repeatedly for attachment, then it becomes frayed or cut during use
Solution Approach 1:
The connector extracts the stress and wear from the cord by providing a dedicated attachment interface. Instead of the cord bearing the full mechanical load of attachment and adjustment, the connector absorbs these forces through its engaging elements and throughbore structure, protecting the cord from fraying and cutting during repeated use.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment system is provided for attaching a neck protector to a face mask. The attachment system includes a cord and a connector where the connector comprises a first portion and a second portion with corresponding engaging elements and a throughbore defined through each of the first portion and the second portion for receiving the cord. Kits for attaching a neck protector to a face mask are also provided where the kits include one or both of the neck protector and face mask together with the attachment system.