Rotatable Strap Divider for Bicycle Helmets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing strap dividers for bicycle helmets lack the ability to securely divide the chin strap at a wide angle while maintaining sufficient strength to withstand significant force, limiting flexibility in strap arrangement.

Innovation Solution

A strap divider comprising a base plate with a post and a cover plate that rotatably connect, allowing a strap to be fed between them and divided at a wide angle, with strap-retaining elements to secure the strap in place, and made from suitable molded materials like acetal resin or metal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional rigid strap divider is used, then the structure maintains strength, but the strap division angle is limited and flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrap division angleVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cover plate rotatable relative to the base plate through a post-receiving cavity connection. This allows the strap divider to adapt its configuration dynamically - the cover plate can rotate to different angles to accommodate various strap arrangements while maintaining structural integrity through the robust post connection. The dynamic capability enables wide angle strap division without compromising strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the strap divider allows wide angle division, then flexibility in strap arrangement increases, but the structural strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrap arrangement flexibilityVSAvoidforce withstanding capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the strap divider into two main components: a stationary base plate and a rotatable cover plate. The base plate provides the structural foundation with strength, while the cover plate provides the flexible, adjustable component. This segmentation allows each part to specialize - the base plate maintains reliability and force withstanding capability, while the cover plate enables adaptable strap arrangements at wide angles through rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a rotatable connection is used between base plate and cover plate, then strap division flexibility increases, but the complexity of assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrap adjustment easeVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the post of the base plate inside the post-receiving cavity of the cover plate. The post is nested within the cavity, creating a simple yet effective rotatable connection. This nesting approach provides ease of operation for strap adjustment while keeping the assembly relatively simple - the post naturally guides the rotation and the cavity provides the necessary clearance and connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2468124B1Strap divider
Publication Date: 2013.11.27 DURAFLEX HONG KONG
  • EP2468124B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2468124B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2468124B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A strap divider (10) has a base plate (11) with an exterior surface and an interior surface, a post mounted to the interior surface of the base plate and running parallel to the interior surface of the base plate, and a cover plate (12) having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a front end and a rear end. The rear end of the cover plate has a post-receiving cavity that is adapted to snap onto the post to rotatably connect the base plate to the cover plate, with the interior surfaces of the base plate and cover plate facing each other.