Segmented Helmet Chin Strap for Reliable, Easier Fitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional helmet chin straps are difficult to adjust properly, often resulting in improper fitting that compromises safety, leading to potential head trauma and discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A helmet with a chin strap system featuring semi-rigid material segments and adjustable mechanisms, such as twist adjustment knobs or cable-type adjusters, allowing for easy and comfortable fitting without requiring symmetrical adjustments on both sides of the user's ears.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional flexible webbing straps are used for helmet retention, then the helmet can be secured to the wearer's head, but the straps are difficult to adjust properly resulting in improper fitting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehelmet retention effectivenessVSAvoidstrap adjustment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The chin strap is divided into multiple segments including a first segment, second segment, and third segment. The first and second segments are rigid or semi-rigid components that provide structural stability, while the third segment is flexible to accommodate the user's chin contour. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, making adjustment easier and more reliable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chin strap system incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow dynamic modification of strap length and tension. The rigid/semi-rigid segments can be adjusted relative to each other or to the helmet shell, enabling the user to achieve proper fit dynamically rather than being fixed at a single configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If conventional adjustable chin straps are used, then the helmet can be secured tightly, but the adjustment process is cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehelmet securityVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The chin strap system is pre-configured with rigid or semi-rigid segments and attachment mechanisms that are prepared in advance. The segments are designed to be easily connected and adjusted before the helmet is placed on the user's head, reducing the time required for proper adjustment during actual use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By dividing the strap into distinct rigid/semi-rigid segments with clear adjustment mechanisms, the system allows for quick, step-by-step adjustment rather than requiring complex manipulation of a single continuous flexible strap, thereby reducing adjustment time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Length of moving object

If conventional flexible webbing straps are used, then the straps can be made long enough to go around the chin, but they become loose and allow helmet dislodgement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap lengthVSAvoidhelmet retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The chin strap is segmented into rigid or semi-rigid components that maintain their shape and provide consistent tension. These segments prevent the strap from becoming loose or sagging, ensuring reliable helmet retention even when the strap is long enough to properly surround the user's chin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chin strap system combines rigid or semi-rigid materials with flexible elements to create a composite structure. The rigid/semi-rigid portions provide structural integrity and tension maintenance, while the flexible third segment accommodates the chin contour, ensuring both proper length and reliable retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If the chin strap is made tight for safety, then helmet displacement is prevented, but the user experiences discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehelmet stabilityVSAvoiduser discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The chin strap is divided into rigid/semi-rigid segments and a flexible third segment. The rigid segments provide the necessary tension and stability to prevent helmet displacement, while the flexible third segment conforms to the user's chin contour, distributing pressure evenly and reducing discomfort points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the chin strap have different properties: the first and second segments are rigid or semi-rigid for structural support and tension, while the third segment is flexible to adapt to the local anatomy of the user's chin. This local differentiation allows the strap to be tight where needed for safety while comfortable where it contacts the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250331593A1Helmet and chin strap

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 DOUBLETHREE LLC

AI summary

A helmet comprises a shell having a front portion, a rear portion, and a pair of lateral portions extending between the front portion and the rear portion. The shell is sized and configured to be placeable on the head of a user. The helmet additionally includes a chin strap having a pair of end portions and an intermediate portion located between the pair of end portions. The end portions are fixedly connected to respective ones of the pair of lateral portions of the shell so as to restrict movement of the end portions relative to the shell. The chin strap is flexible to facilitate placement of the chin strap around a chin of a user in connection with placement of the shell on the head of the user.