Adhesive Helmet Mount Cleat Preserving Ballistic Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmet mounting systems compromise the ballistic integrity of helmets by requiring holes to be drilled, which can lead to moisture infiltration and structural weakening, and often result in incorrect or misplaced attachments due to mismatched hole patterns.
Innovation Solution
A modular helmet mount system using adhesive-backed cleats with integrated threaded inserts that attach to the helmet surface without drilling, allowing for secure and adaptable mounting of various devices without compromising the helmet's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If holes are drilled in the ballistic shell for mounting hardware, then mounting capability is achieved, but ballistic integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical drilling system with an adhesive bonding system. Instead of creating holes through the ballistic shell to mount hardware, the invention uses adhesive-backed mounting surfaces that bond to the exterior of the shell, eliminating the need for penetrations and preserving ballistic integrity while achieving mounting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adhesive layer as an intermediary between the mounting hardware and the ballistic shell. This adhesive mediator transfers mounting loads without requiring direct mechanical penetration of the shell, thus maintaining ballistic integrity while enabling secure attachment of accessories.
2Adaptability or versatility
If holes are drilled by end user to accommodate mounting hardware, then mounting adaptability is improved, but ballistic integrity is further compromised and positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-formed mounting surfaces with integrated threaded inserts into the mounting hardware itself, before attachment to the helmet. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for end-users to drill holes, ensuring both positioning accuracy and preservation of ballistic integrity, while maintaining adaptability through the modular nature of the mounting surfaces.
3Strength
If threaded inserts are bonded into holes by manufacturer, then ballistic integrity is partially maintained, but moisture infiltration risk remains and structural weakening occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the threaded inserts from the ballistic shell entirely, placing them only in the non-ballistic mounting surfaces. This separation eliminates moisture infiltration pathways into the ballistic structure while preserving both ballistic integrity and mounting capability, as the threaded inserts are only where needed for attachment, not penetrating the protective shell.
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 solution maintains the ballistic integrity of helmets, allows for interchangeable and standardized attachment of diverse accessories, and reduces snag hazards, while being independent of helmet material and shape, thus enhancing modularity and compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
The outer portion has an inward facing surface configured to receive an adhesive layer for coupling the inward facing surface to the helmet surface
Data Source
AI summary
A modular helmet interface with a mounting cleat, threaded insert, and adhesive layer is provided. In one aspect, a mounting cleat is affixed to a helmet, such as a ballistic helmet, by an adhesive layer, the mounting cleat having an outer portion and a threaded insert within a cavity formed in the outer portion. The outer portion has an inward facing surface configured to receive an adhesive layer for coupling the inward facing surface to the helmet surface. In another aspect, a mounting cleat is secured to a helmet by way of a cleat-receiving securing member, the securing member affixed to the helmet by an adhesive layer. In a more limited aspect, a helmet having multiple mounting cleats configured to support an accessory mounting rail or a helmet mount assembly.