Side-Mounted Actuator Chin Strap Adjustment System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional helmets with adjustable chin straps require users to remove the helmet to adjust the strap length, which is cumbersome and often leads to suboptimal safety and comfort, as adjustments cannot be made in real-time during activities, resulting in potential head trauma injuries.
Innovation Solution
A helmet with an integrated chin strap retention system that includes an actuator allowing for quick adjustment of the chin strap length without removing the helmet, featuring a chin strap anchored to the helmet shell with an actuator accessible on the side for easy manipulation, enabling real-time tightening or loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional chin strap buckles are used that require removal of the helmet for adjustment, then the chin strap can be adjusted to fit, but the adjustment process is cumbersome and cannot be performed in real-time during activities
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle mechanism is extracted from the traditional under-chin position and relocated to the side of the helmet shell. This allows the user to access and adjust the chin strap length by manipulating the buckle at the side, eliminating the need to remove the helmet for adjustment while keeping the adjustment mechanism accessible during activities
Solution Approach 2:
A cable or webbing intermediary connects the side-mounted buckle to the chin strap. When the user manipulates the buckle at the side, this intermediary transmits the adjustment force to the chin strap, enabling real-time length adjustment without requiring helmet removal or direct manipulation under the chin
2Reliability
If the chin strap is made adjustable to ensure proper fit and safety, then head trauma injuries can be reduced, but the adjustment mechanism adds complexity and may interfere with aerodynamic profile
Solution Approach 1:
The complex buckle mechanism is extracted from the visible external profile and positioned at the side of the helmet shell, where it does not interfere with aerodynamic contours. Only minimal components remain visible, while the adjustment functionality is maintained through the side-mounted mechanism connected via cable or webbing
Solution Approach 2:
The chin strap system is segmented into distinct functional components: the retention strap portion, the adjustment buckle, and the connecting cable/webbing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the strap for retention, the buckle for easy adjustment, and the connector for minimal interference with helmet profile
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are helmet and adjustable chin strap assemblies that include an adjustable chin strap retention system that solve some or all of the problems of the prior art. Specifically, disclosed are helmets and adjustable chin strap assemblies that include a helmet shell and a chin strap retention system, where the chin strap retention system includes a chin strap and an actuator that can be manipulated by the wearer using one hand to selective shorten or lengthen the chin strap in real time while the wearer is wearing the helmet and engaging in an activity. The chin strap can be configured to cleanly and simply connect to the helmet shell, with two opposing ends of the chin strap being attached to an inner component, an outer component, or between the inner and outer components of the helmet shell.