Magnetic Polygonal Hose Coupling for Secure Helmet Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional forced air hose connectors for helmets are difficult to remove quickly and securely attach to the helmet's barb, often requiring additional components like zip ties or tape, which can be slow and unreliable in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic hose coupling system comprising a first coupling conduit segment with a hinged clamp and a second coupling conduit segment, both featuring angled polygonal mating surfaces with magnetic attractors, allowing secure and quick attachment and detachment of the forced air hose to the helmet's barb.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the forced air hose is stretched over the helmet barb and secured with a zip tie or tape, then the attachment is secure, but the removal process becomes slow and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (zip ties, tape, or friction-fit stretching) with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic attractors on both the hose end and barb end create a secure attachment through magnetic force, while allowing quick release by simply pulling the hose away. This substitution eliminates the need for tools or complex manual manipulation during removal, directly resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and quick removal.
2Loss of time
If the forced air hose is stretched over the helmet barb without additional fasteners, then the removal is quick, but the attachment becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple friction-fit mechanical system with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic attractors provide reliable attachment through magnetic attraction force while maintaining the ability for quick removal. The magnetic force ensures the hose stays securely attached during normal use but can be easily detached by pulling, resolving the contradiction between attachment reliability and quick removal capability.
3Reliability
If conventional fastening methods like zip ties are used to secure the hose, then the attachment is secure, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the attachment function and the fastening function into a single integrated magnetic coupling system. Instead of having separate components (hose, barb, and additional fasteners like zip ties), the magnetic attractors are built into both the hose end and barb end, creating a unified system that provides secure attachment without requiring external fastening components. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining attachment reliability.
4Ease of operation
If the hose is stretched over the barb without proper engagement features, then the attachment is simple, but the connection becomes loose and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple stretch-fit mechanical system with a magnetic coupling system that provides reliable connection stability. The magnetic attractors ensure the hose remains securely connected to the barb during use, preventing loosening while maintaining the simplicity of the attachment process. The magnetic force provides consistent holding power without requiring complex engagement features or multiple steps.
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
The magnetic coupling system provides a secure and consistent attachment of the forced air hose to the helmet's barb, ensuring reliable airflow while allowing for easy removal in emergencies, enhancing safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second coupling conduit segments are detachably held together by an attractive force between the first and second magnetic materials
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A magnetic hose coupling system for a helmet includes first and second coupling conduit segments magnetically coupled to each other. The first segment includes a hinged clamp at a first end to attach to a forced air intake barb on a motorsport helmet and an angled polygonal mating surface at a second end with magnetic attractors in the polygonal mating surface. The second segment includes an internally threaded first end to attach to a forced air hose and an angled polygonal mating surface at a second end with magnetic attractors in the polygonal mating surface. The polygonal mating surfaces of the first and second segments magnetically couple together and resist rotational and sheer movement of the first and second segments with respect to each other.