Pivotable Semi-Rigid Helmet Strap for Incremental Fit Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional helmet chin straps are difficult to adjust properly, often leading to improper fitting, which compromises safety and comfort, and may result in helmet dislodgment during impact, especially when not adjusted tightly enough.
Innovation Solution
A semi-rigid, pivotable chin strap system that allows for easy adjustment and storage, featuring magnetic or frictional retention, and a twist mechanism for incremental length adjustment, ensuring secure fit without requiring removal from the head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional flexible webbing straps with buckles are used, then the helmet can be fastened to the wearer's head, but the straps are difficult to adjust properly and often result in improper fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical buckle system with a dial-based adjustment mechanism. The dial rotates to incrementally adjust the strap length through a ratchet or gear system, providing precise control without requiring complex buckling operations. This substitution transforms the adjustment process from a difficult mechanical buckling task into a simple rotational motion that achieves accurate fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements incremental adjustment capability that allows users to make small, controlled changes to strap length. The dial mechanism enables adjustment in discrete steps (e.g., 1mm increments), allowing precise tuning of the strap tension and length to achieve proper fitting. This parameter control resolves the contradiction by enabling both ease of operation and adjustment precision.
2Reliability
If the chin strap is adjusted tightly for safety, then helmet retention is improved, but comfort is reduced and users are unwilling to adjust it properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to independently and easily adjust the strap to the correct tightness without requiring assistance or complex procedures. The dial mechanism allows single-handed adjustment, and the incremental nature lets users find the optimal balance between retention and comfort on their own. This self-adjustability increases user willingness to achieve proper fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides dynamic adjustability, allowing users to modify the strap tension as needed throughout use. The dial can be rotated to tighten or loosen the strap incrementally, enabling users to adapt the retention level to their comfort preferences while maintaining adequate safety. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the chin strap remains in the deployed position for safety, then helmet retention is maintained, but the strap obstructs the user's field of view and is inconvenient during non-dangerous activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic chin strap system that can transition between deployed and stored positions. The pivot mechanism allows the strap to rotate and fold away from the user's field of view when not needed for retention, while returning to the deployed position when safety requires it. This dynamic positioning provides situational adaptability without compromising retention when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the chin strap into segmented components that can be folded and stored in a compact configuration. The strap includes pivot points and articulation that allow it to be broken into segments for storage, clearing the user's field of view during non-dangerous activities while maintaining the ability to deploy the full strap when retention is required.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the chin strap is made rigid for structural stability, then the strap maintains its shape, but it becomes uncomfortable and difficult to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the chin strap. The adjustment mechanism (dial and ratchet) uses rigid components for structural stability and precise geometry, while the strap webbing uses flexible material for comfort and adjustability. This local differentiation of material quality allows the rigid parts to maintain shape stability while the flexible parts provide ease of operation and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary adjustment mechanism (the dial system) between the user's hands and the strap webbing. The dial acts as a mediator that translates rotational motion into precise strap length adjustments without requiring the user to directly manipulate the flexible webbing. This intermediary mechanism provides structural stability for accurate adjustment while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Facilitates quick and correct adjustment of the chin strap to a snug fit, enhancing safety and comfort by preventing helmet displacement during impact, even when not fully tightened, and allowing easy transition between use and storage positions.
Implementation Method 1
The chin strap may include a magnet and the shell may include a magnet positioned and configured to effectuate magnetic coupling between the shell and the chin strap when the chin strap is in the stored position
Implementation Method 2
The shell and chin strap may be configured to effectuate frictional engagement between the shell and the chin strap to retain the chin strap in the stored position
Data Source
AI summary
A helmet includes a shell having a front portion, a crown portion, and a rear portion. The helmet additionally includes a chin strap having a first attachment body and a second attachment body defining a strap length therebetween, with the chin strap being configured to allow for selective adjustment of the strap length. The first attachment body and the second attachment body are each pivotally connected to the shell such that the chin strap is selectively pivotable relative to the shell between a stored position and a deployed position. The chin strap moves toward the front portion of the shell as the chin strap pivots from the deployed position toward the stored position. At least a portion of the chin strap is semi-rigid so as to be disposable in tension and compression without changing shape.