Radial Foldable Hat Structure for Compact Shape Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable hats require complex folding techniques, multiple steps, and securing elements to maintain their shape, making them inconvenient and prone to damage during storage and transport.
Innovation Solution
A foldable hat constructed from a 2-D net shape with radiating spokes, featuring radially symmetric fold lines that allow for single-step folding and unfolding without securing elements, maintaining a durable 3-D shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional foldable hat designs are used with reinforcement plates and flexible joints, then the hat can be folded, but the structure becomes complex and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hat is divided into multiple facets (crown facets and brim facets) that are foldably connected to form radiating spokes. Each spoke can be independently folded along fold lines, allowing the hat to collapse into a compact configuration without requiring complex reinforcement plates or flexible joints. The segmentation enables simple folding while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the hat is placed in a small bag or pocket for storage, then it is convenient to transport, but the hat becomes creased and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The hat transitions from a rigid 3-D worn configuration to a flexible folded configuration through radially symmetric fold lines that allow dynamic collapse. When folded, the hat becomes compact enough for small bags or pockets while the fold lines are designed to prevent creasing and damage. The dynamic folding mechanism protects the hat during storage by distributing stress evenly across the facets.
3Shape
If the hat is made rigid to maintain shape, then it retains its form, but it becomes difficult to fold and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The hat is segmented into multiple rigid facets (crown facets and brim facets) that are connected by fold lines. Each facet maintains its rigid shape to preserve the hat's aesthetic and functional form, while the fold lines between facets enable the entire structure to collapse into a compact configuration. This segmentation allows the hat to be both rigid when worn and foldable for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The hat transitions from a three-dimensional worn configuration to a two-dimensional folded configuration through radially symmetric fold lines. The radially symmetric arrangement of fold lines allows the hat to collapse flat while maintaining the integrity of each facet's shape. This dimensional transformation enables rigid shape retention during wear while achieving compact foldability for storage.
4Ease of operation
If complex folding techniques and securing elements are used, then the hat can be folded, but the process requires multiple steps and is prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fold lines are arranged radially symmetrically around the crown, creating a consistent folding pattern that simplifies the folding process. The radially symmetric arrangement ensures that all spokes fold in the same manner, requiring only a single folding motion rather than multiple complex steps. This symmetry eliminates the need for securing elements and reduces the folding mechanism to its simplest form.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a foldable hat constructed from a 2-D net shape comprising a central hub and a multiplicity of radiating spokes, each spoke of the 2-D net shape radiating from the central hub and comprising: a. a crown portion (3a) extending from the central hub; b. a brim portion (2a) extending from the crown portion; with at least one fold-line therebetween; and c. a top portion (4a) from which the crown portion extends, with at least one fold-line therebetween, the top portions of radiating spokes collectively forming the central hub; wherein adjacent spokes have interstices between their neighbouring crown and brim portions.