Adjustable Strap Brake Mechanism for Quiet Tension Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional adjustable strap systems for head-worn devices, such as head-mounted displays, often result in audible clicking noises and loss of tension setting when adjusting strap length, leading to discomfort during removal and limited strap travel without rotating the adjustment knob.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable strap system with a braking mechanism and spiral springs that allow for additional strap length travel without changing the tension setting, enabling comfortable removal by maintaining initial tension and length while allowing the straps to extend, thus eliminating clicking noises and maintaining the set point adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional ratchet design is used to adjust strap length, then the strap tension can be increased, but audible clicking noises are generated and the tension setting is lost when rotating the adjustment knob
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the braking element as a separate component that independently controls strap length without affecting the tension setting. This allows the tensioning mechanism to maintain force while the braking mechanism provides silent length adjustment, eliminating the clicking noise problem inherent in traditional ratchet designs where tension and length control are coupled.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into two independent functions: a tensioning mechanism that maintains strap tension and a braking mechanism that controls strap length. This segmentation allows each mechanism to operate independently without generating harmful clicking noises, resolving the contradiction between achieving strap tension and avoiding audible noise.
2Length of moving object
If the adjustment knob is rotated to change strap length, then the strap length is adjusted, but the tension setting is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments length control and tension control into separate mechanisms. The braking element controls strap length by releasing or maintaining brake engagement, while the tensioning mechanism independently maintains the tension setting. This allows strap length to be adjusted without rotating the adjustment knob, preserving the tension setting stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking element acts as an intermediary between the adjustment knob and the strap length. When the brake is engaged, it prevents the strap from moving, allowing length adjustment without affecting tension. This intermediary mechanism enables length change while maintaining stable tension setting.
3Reliability
If the strap tension is maintained for secure fitting, then the head-worn device is securely held, but discomfort occurs during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The braking mechanism provides dynamic control during removal operations. When removal is needed, the brake can be temporarily disengaged to allow strap extension and device removal, then re-engaged to restore secure fitting. This dynamic switching between engaged and disengaged states resolves the contradiction between maintaining secure fitting and enabling comfortable removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows preliminary disengagement of the brake before removal, enabling the strap to extend without rotating the adjustment knob. This preliminary action prepares the system for comfortable removal while maintaining the tension setting, and after removal, the brake can be re-engaged to restore secure fitting.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the strap length is limited without rotating the adjustment knob, then the tension setting is maintained, but additional strap travel is needed for comfortable removal
Solution Approach 1:
The braking element serves as an intermediary that decouples length adjustment from tension adjustment. When the brake is disengaged, it allows the strap to travel and extend without rotating the adjustment knob, providing the necessary strap travel for comfortable removal. When engaged, it maintains the tension setting, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining tension and providing strap travel.
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 system provides a quiet, comfortable, and efficient method for adjusting and removing head-worn devices by maintaining tension and length settings, allowing for additional strap travel without rotating the adjustment knob, enhancing user experience and device compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
An adjustable strap system with a braking mechanism and spiral springs that allow for additional strap length travel without changing the tension setting
Implementation Method 2
An adjustable strap system with a braking mechanism and spiral springs that allow for additional strap length travel without changing the tension setting
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed strap adjustment device may include a pinion gear secured to an adjustment knob, a first rack secured to a first strap and engaged with the pinion gear, a second rack secured to a second strap and engaged with the pinion gear, a braking element disposed adjacent to an inner surface of a drum, a brake engagement element configured to press the at least one braking element toward the inner surface of the drum to maintain a length of the first strap and the second strap by engagement of the braking element against the inner surface of the drum, and a spiral spring configured to allow for an increase in a length of the first strap and the second strap when a tension force is applied to at least one of the first strap or the second strap.