Pivoting Headgear with Lowered Axis of Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headgear systems often require adjustments that are uncomfortable and inconvenient, necessitating removal of the gear to change sizes, and they can be stressful to wear for extended periods due to unbalanced designs.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting headgear system with a lowered axis of rotation, featuring transition arms and pivots positioned below the ear or headband, allowing for easier adjustment and reduced stress on the user's head by moving the center of gravity closer to the pivot point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the headgear uses a traditional head suspension with headbands and adjustable straps, then the headgear can be supported on any size head, but the headgear requires removal to adjust size and causes discomfort during extended wear
Solution Approach 1:
The head suspension is designed with a dynamic pivot mechanism that allows the protective headgear element to rotate and adjust to different positions and orientations. The pivot point with lowered axis of rotation enables continuous adjustment of the headgear angle and position without requiring removal, providing both size adaptability and operational convenience through dynamic repositioning capability
2Reliability
If the headgear uses a traditional head suspension design, then the headgear can be supported on the user's head, but the headgear causes excessive stress and discomfort during extended wear
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism with lowered axis of rotation acts as a fulcrum that redistributes the weight and forces acting on the user's head. By positioning the pivot point below the ear level, the system creates a lever arm that reduces the moment arm and consequently the torque and stress transmitted to the user's head, maintaining support stability while minimizing harmful stress factors
Solution Approach 2:
The head suspension system introduces a vertical dimension to the support structure by lowering the axis of rotation below the traditional headband level. This dimensional change allows the protective headgear element to pivot in multiple orientations while distributing forces more evenly across the head and neck structure, reducing concentrated stress points and improving comfort during extended wear
3Adaptability or versatility
If the headgear uses a traditional pivot position, then the protective headgear element can be attached to the head suspension, but the headgear requires excessive force to pivot and is difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
By lowering the axis of rotation to a position below the ear level, the system creates a more favorable lever arm geometry. This dimensional repositioning reduces the perpendicular distance from the pivot point to the center of gravity of the protective headgear element, thereby reducing the torque and force required to initiate and maintain pivoting motion while preserving full positioning flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A pivoting protective headgear system includes a head suspension and two pivots coupled to the head suspension. A protective headgear element is pivotally connected to each pivot. In one exemplary embodiment, two transition arms are coupled to the head suspension and extend longitudinally extending away from the head suspension, and each transition arm has a distal end and a pivot at the distal end. In another exemplary embodiment, two pivots are coupled to the head suspension and each pivot has an axis of rotation configured to be below any portion of an ear of a user. In a further exemplary embodiment, two pivots are each spaced apart from the headband and coupled to the headband, and the headband is configured to be disposed against a forehead of a user and each pivot has an axis of rotation below the headband.