Ballistic Helmet Visor Composite Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optically transparent visors used in combat helmets do not provide sufficient protection against higher threat levels, such as NIJ threat levels III and IV, as they lack the materials used in armor for enhanced protection.
Innovation Solution
A ballistic rated, opaque visor is designed to be attached to a helmet, offering protection against threat levels I, IIA, II, III, and IV, and can be selectively removable, with optional features like a mandible guard and optical systems, and is capable of being positioned to allow or block the wearer's line of sight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If optically transparent visors are used, then visibility is maintained, but protection against high threat levels (III and IV) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The visor employs a composite structure combining a ballistic plate (providing ballistic protection against threat levels III and IV) with an optically transparent material layer (maintaining visibility). This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties - the ballistic plate provides the necessary protection while the transparent layer preserves optical clarity, allowing the visor to simultaneously achieve high-level ballistic protection and maintain visibility.
2Reliability
If opaque ballistic plates are used, then protection against high threat levels is improved, but visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The visor is segmented into distinct functional layers: a ballistic plate layer for protection and an optically transparent layer for visibility. This segmentation allows each layer to independently perform its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between protection and visibility by assigning different materials to different layers based on their primary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The visor uses composite materials where a ballistic plate is combined with an optically transparent material. This composite construction enables the visor to provide high-level ballistic protection against threat levels III and IV while maintaining optical clarity, as the transparent material layer allows light transmission through the protective structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed visor design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different combat situations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The visor incorporates dynamic elements including a removable ballistic plate and adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow the visor to be configured or removed based on combat situations. This dynamic design enables the visor to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure for manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The visor is divided into separable components including a removable ballistic plate and a mounting assembly, allowing for flexible configuration. This segmentation enables the visor to be adapted to different combat situations by adding or removing components while keeping the overall manufacturing process relatively simple through modular assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
Helmet systems and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, an opaque, ballistic rated visor is attached to a helmet such that the visor covers a wearer's eyes.