Adjustable Breathing Mask Assembly for Helmet Condensation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Full-face helmets experience condensation issues on the visor due to exhaled humid air, which can be uncomfortable for wearers, especially in cold weather, and existing solutions require cumbersome adjustments that are difficult with gloves on.
Innovation Solution
A helmet with a breathing mask assembly that includes a flexible connector and actuator, allowing for adjustment of the breathing mask's position relative to the helmet shell, enabling effective humid air management without exposing the wearer to cold air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the visor is opened to allow outside air to flow into the helmet to eliminate condensation, then the condensation problem is solved, but the wearer is exposed to cold air which is uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The breathing mask is divided into separate right and left mounts that can be independently adjusted, allowing the breathing air channels to be positioned away from the visor while maintaining separate adjustment mechanisms for each side
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible connectors (cables) are used as intermediaries to transmit adjustment forces from the actuators to the breathing mask mounts, enabling remote adjustment without direct manual manipulation of the mask itself
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a breathing mask is provided to capture and exhaust humid air away from the visor, then condensation is prevented, but the adjustment mechanism becomes complex and difficult to operate with gloves on
Solution Approach 1:
The breathing mask assembly incorporates movable mounts that can be adjusted along the helmet shell to optimize positioning, transforming a static assembly into a dynamically adjustable system that adapts to different wearer needs
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism replaces complex manual manipulation with a simplified actuator-cable system, where a single actuating motion on each side translates to precise positioning of the breathing mask through flexible cable transmission
3Ease of operation
If the breathing mask position is made adjustable to improve comfort and effectiveness, then the breathing performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is segmented into independent right and left sides, each with its own actuator and cable mechanism, allowing localized adjustment without affecting the other side and simplifying the overall control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible connectors serve multiple functions: they transmit adjustment forces, accommodate movement of the breathing mask, and maintain the structural connection between the mounts and helmet shell, reducing the need for separate adjustment linkages
Data Source
AI summary
A helmet has a helmet shell, and a breathing mask assembly connected to the helmet shell. The breathing mask assembly has: a breathing mask; a flexible connector connecting the breathing mask to the helmet shell; and an actuator mounted to the breathing mask and operatively connected to the flexible connector. The actuator and the flexible connector are configured such that moving the actuator from a first position to a second position shortens a length of the flexible connector extending between the actuator and the helmet shell thereby moving the breathing mask closer to a rear of the helmet shell, the actuator moving with the breathing mask closer to the rear of the helmet shell.