Single Actuator Adjustment Mechanism for Hockey Helmet Shells

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustable hockey helmets require two actuators on either side for different locked positions, which is cumbersome and increases manufacturing costs and bulkiness.

Innovation Solution

A single actuator with transverse teeth and apertures on the helmet's top portions allows for three positions: a first locked position defining a hollow space, a released position for shell movement, and a second locked position defining a different hollow space, eliminating the need for dual actuators and reducing component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two actuators are used on each side of the helmet for locked positions, then secure locking is achieved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure lockingVSAvoiddual actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate actuators into a single actuator located on the top portion of the helmet. This single actuator controls both the first and second locking devices through a unified mechanism, reducing component count while maintaining the secure locking function. The actuator includes a single lever that can engage with multiple locking positions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the first locking device and the second locking device, and can engage with multiple aperture configurations (first aperture, second aperture, third aperture) to provide different locked positions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate actuators for each locking position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two actuators are used on each side of the helmet, then multiple locked positions are achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple locked positionsVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of two actuators into one, reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. The single actuator design simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces material costs while still providing multiple locked positions through its ability to engage with different aperture configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single actuator is designed as a universal component that can engage with multiple aperture types (first, second, and third apertures) to provide different locked positions. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single standardized part, which is more cost-effective to manufacture than multiple specialized actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If two actuators are used on each side of the helmet, then adjustment functionality is achieved, but helmet thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize adjustmentVSAvoidhelmet thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates the adjustment mechanism into a single actuator located on the top portion of the helmet, eliminating the need for bulky side-mounted actuators. This reduces the lateral thickness of the helmet while maintaining the size adjustment functionality through the single actuator's ability to control both locking devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent relocates the actuator from the side portions of the helmet to the top portion, changing the spatial dimension where the adjustment mechanism is located. This dimensional change allows for a thinner side profile while maintaining adjustment functionality, as the actuator now protrudes from the top rather than the sides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11375766B2Adjustable helmet for a hockey or lacrosse player

Publication Date: 2022.07.05 BAUER HOCKEY LLC

AI summary

An adjustable helmet having first and second shells and a single actuator comprising at least one tooth, the single actuator being moveable between: a first locked position, wherein the at least one tooth retains the first and second shells and the first and second shells define a first hollow space; a released position, wherein the at least one tooth no longer retains the first and second shells such that one of the first and second shells is moveable relative to the other of the first and second shells; and a second locked position, wherein the at least one tooth retains the first and second shells and the first and second shells define a second hollow space, the second hollow space being different than the first hollow space.