Self-Closing Helmet Strap with Constant Force Spring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmet straps, typically made of nylon, often fail to securely hold helmets in place due to slippage and high tensile strength, posing a risk of strangulation and ineffective protection in accidents.
Innovation Solution
A self-closing helmet strap system using pre-formed straps that automatically return to a closed position under the chin, utilizing materials like spring steel and polyurethane, with features such as constant force springs, torsion springs, or interlocking mechanisms to ensure securement without manual adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional nylon straps are used to secure helmets, then the helmet can be attached to the head, but the straps often slip and become loose, failing to maintain securement
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system automatically adjusts and secures itself without manual intervention. The constant force spring continuously applies tension to maintain the strap in a secured state, while the cam mechanism with retention feature automatically locks the strap at the desired tension level, eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of strap tension from static to dynamic. The constant force spring maintains a predetermined level of tension that is sufficient to secure the helmet without causing discomfort or strangulation, automatically adjusting to maintain optimal tension parameters.
2Reliability
If nylon straps with high tensile strength are used, then the helmet can be securely fastened, but strangulation becomes a major risk if the helmet gets caught on something
Solution Approach 1:
The dangerous function of the nylon strap (high tensile strength that can cause strangulation) is extracted and replaced. The system uses a constant force spring instead of elastic nylon material, providing securement through controlled mechanical tension rather than high-strength elastic properties that pose strangulation risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism includes a release feature that allows the strap to be quickly disengaged. While the strap itself is durable, the connection mechanism is designed to be easily breakable or releasable, allowing the helmet to be quickly removed if caught on an object, thus eliminating the strangulation hazard.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of helmet straps is required, then the straps can be customized to fit, but users often fail to properly strap them together, leaving the helmet unsecured
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the adjustment function automatically. When the user pulls the strap to achieve the desired fit, the cam mechanism automatically engages with the retention feature, locking the strap in place without requiring the user to manually fasten or secure it. The constant force spring maintains the tension, ensuring the helmet remains secured.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is pre-configured with engagement features that automatically activate when the strap is pulled to the correct tension. The retention feature is positioned and shaped to engage with the cam lobe at the optimal point, ensuring proper securement occurs automatically as part of the normal strapping action.
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 self-closing strap system effectively maintains helmet position without slipping, reduces the risk of strangulation, and ensures secure attachment, meeting safety standards for various activities.
Implementation Method 1
a constant force device connected to the helmet, and a front strap having a first and second end. The front strap is connected to the strap end of the constant force device at its first end
Implementation Method 2
The straps are pre-formed to wrap under a chin of a user and mate with each other at the other end
Data Source
AI summary
A self-closing helmet strap is contemplated to automatically strap a helmet to a user's head. The self-closing strap may be in the form of a curved strap configuration with the straps configured to curve under the user's chin. The self-closing strap may be a spring strap configuration with a strap designed to self-close with the aid of a spring.