Strap-Mounted Accessory Module for Wearables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Attaching accessory devices to user-wearable items like helmets and backpacks often requires modifications to these accessories, leading to inconvenient and potentially insecure mounting solutions.
Innovation Solution
The development of accessory structures with strap engagement mechanisms that allow for secure attachment to the straps of user-wearable items, utilizing a module with strap retention members to maintain contact and prevent accidental disengagement, enabling the integration of devices like controllers, microphones, and cameras without modifying the existing accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accessory devices are attached to the exterior of user-wearable accessories using conventional methods, then the devices can be mounted, but the mounting requires modification of the user-wearable accessories or inconvenient and potentially insecure mounting accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a strap-mounted accessory structure that serves as an intermediary between the user-wearable accessory and the accessory device. This structure includes a module positioned in the wedge-shaped gap between straps, with engagement structures that interface with both the straps and the accessory device, eliminating the need to modify the original accessory while providing secure mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory structure is divided into separate functional components: a module positioned in the gap between straps, first and second engagement structures for interfacing with straps, and mounting structures for attaching the accessory device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, providing secure mounting without modifying the user-wearable accessory
2Ease of operation
If conventional mounting accessories are used to attach devices, then devices can be mounted, but the mounting process becomes inconvenient and potentially insecure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting function directly into the strap engagement structure. The module includes both strap engagement structures for securing to the wearable accessory and mounting structures for attaching the accessory device, combining these functions into a single integrated component that is convenient to operate while maintaining security
3Adaptability or versatility
If users wear user-wearable accessories that they would not normally wear to attach devices, then devices can be mounted, but user comfort and normal usage patterns are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The strap-mounted accessory structure is designed to be universal and compatible with various user-wearable accessories that have strap systems. The engagement structures interface with standard strap configurations, allowing the same accessory structure to be used with different wearable items without requiring users to wear accessories they wouldn't normally use, maintaining both versatility and user comfort
Data Source
AI summary
Accessory structures for connection to straps of user-wearable accessories include a module, a first strap engagement structure disposed on a first side of the module, and a second strap engagement structure disposed on a second side of the module. The module may comprise at least one of an integral accessory device and an attachment feature configured for attachment to a separate accessory device. The strap engagement structures are configured for connection to straps of a user-wearable accessory. User-wearable accessory systems include such an accessory structure and a user-wearable accessory to which the accessory structure may be connected. Methods include the formation of such an accessory structure. Additional methods include the connection of such an accessory structure to a user-wearable accessory.