Spring-Loaded Clamping Device for Mask-Helmet Contact Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mask-helmet attachment systems require high skill and are time-consuming to adjust for proper contact pressure, often involving complex mechanisms that make alignment difficult and require tensile force for fixation.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with adjustable coupling devices and a spring tensioning system that allows for easy attachment to both the helmet and mask, enabling adjustable contact pressure without requiring significant user effort, featuring a locking mechanism that ensures secure attachment and automatic release of tension for consistent mask fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latching mechanism with plug part and plug receiving part is used to fix the mask to the helmet, then the mask can be securely attached, but the contact pressure can only be varied by inserting the plug part at different depths, which requires high skill and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the distance between the first coupling device (on helmet) and second coupling device (on mask) to be varied. This enables continuous adjustment of contact pressure by changing the relative position of coupling devices, rather than relying on discrete insertion depths, making the adjustment process simpler and more intuitive while maintaining secure attachment through the latching mechanism
2Reliability
If spring elements are used to pull mounting struts together to generate contact pressure, then the mask can be tightened, but a tensile force must be applied against the spring element to couple the hook to the helmet, making alignment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional segments: the spring element is integrated with the mask side (second coupling device) while the helmet side (first coupling device) has a separate coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows the spring to exert tension on the mask independently, while the helmet coupling can be aligned and attached without directly opposing spring force, simplifying the alignment process while maintaining mask tightness
3Reliability
If a strap system is used to attach the mask to the helmet, then the mask can be fixed with contact pressure, but the helmet cannot be put on separately from the mask, and achieving proper contact pressure requires high skill and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses separate coupling devices for the helmet and mask rather than a continuous strap. The first coupling device attaches to the helmet and the second coupling device attaches to the mask, with these couplings being independently adjustable. This allows the helmet to be worn separately from the mask, and enables independent adjustment of mask position and contact pressure without requiring skillful manipulation of a continuous strap system
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
Facilitates quick and easy attachment of the mask to the helmet with a consistent, reproducible contact pressure, reducing the time and skill required for setup and ensuring a secure, tight fit without the need for complex adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the tensioning device has a spring element which is designed to adjust the first coupling device and the second coupling device from the first relative position in the direction of the second relative position
Implementation Method 2
the tensioning device has a locking means which is designed to have the spring element in a tensioned state in a locking position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A clamping device (1) for releasably holding a mask on a helmet, comprising a first holding device (2) with a first coupling device (2a) for attaching the clamping device (1) to a helmet and a second holding device (3) with a second coupling device (3a) for attaching the clamping device (1) to a mask. The first holding device (2) and the second holding device (3) are adjustable relative to each other between at least a first relative position (R1) and a second relative position (R2), wherein the distance between the first coupling device (2a) and the second coupling device (3a) is greater in the first relative position (R1) than in the second relative position (R2).The clamping device (1) has a spring element (4) configured to move the first coupling device (2a) and the second coupling device (3a) from the first relative position (R1) towards the second relative position (R2). The clamping device (1) has a detent (5) configured to hold the spring element (4) in a tensioned state in a detent position such that the spring element (4) does not influence any relative movement of the first coupling device (2a) and the second coupling device (3a) between the first relative position (R1) and the second relative position (R2) by means of a spring force. The detent (5) is further configured to release the spring element (4) in a release position. The clamping device (1) has a release means (6) configured to release the detent (5).