Bendable Detachable Chin Protector for Clear Face Shield Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chin protectors integrated with protective face shields can obstruct the wearer's view and limit flexibility in size, shape, and material selection, while being difficult to replace or retrofit.

Innovation Solution

A detachable chin protector that can be bent from a planar to a curved configuration for easy attachment to a protective face shield or helmet, allowing independent selection and replacement based on wearer needs, with optional attachment means like pins and receptacles for secure fitting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If chin protectors are integrally molded with protective face shields, then viewing conditions are improved, but flexibility in size, shape, and material selection is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing conditionsVSAvoidflexibility in size, shape, and material selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The chin protector is separated from the face shield, allowing independent selection and attachment of different chin protector types while maintaining clear viewing through the face shield. Users can choose from various sizes, shapes, and materials without being constrained by integral molding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Attachment means serve as an intermediary between the chin protector and face shield, enabling flexible connection while maintaining optical clarity. The attachment mechanism allows the chin protector to be positioned optimally for both protection and viewing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If chin protectors are attached to protective face shields, then protection against spatter and radiation is improved, but view obstruction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against spatter and radiationVSAvoidview obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective system is divided into separate components: the face shield provides clear viewing while the detachable chin protector provides protection against spatter and radiation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the protective system have different properties: the face shield is transparent for viewing, while the chin protector is positioned to provide localized protection where needed. The attachment means enable precise positioning to minimize view obstruction while maximizing protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If chin protectors are made as part of a strap assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different face shields is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability to different face shields
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The chin protector with attachment means is designed to be universally compatible with different face shield types. The attachment mechanism can accommodate various face shield configurations, allowing the same chin protector to be used across multiple face shield models while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If chin protectors are attached using gluing or connection elements, then reliability of attachment is improved, but ease of repair and replacement is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of attachmentVSAvoidease of repair and replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment means provide a dynamic balance between secure attachment and easy release. The mechanism maintains reliable attachment during use but allows for simple removal and replacement when needed, enabling both high reliability and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable attachment system allows chin protectors to be easily removed, replaced, or recovered for maintenance. Users can discard damaged protectors and attach new ones without complex procedures, while the attachment means ensure secure attachment during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP4213674B1Chin protector, assembly and kit of parts therewith and method of retrofitting a chin protector
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP4213674B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4213674B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4213674B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a chin protector 10, 10', 10'' to be attached to a protective face shield 100, 100' or a protective helmet 200. The present disclosure further relates to an assembly 300, 300' of a protective face shield 100, 100' and a chin protector 10, 10', 10'' as well as to an assembly 400 of a protective helmet 200 and a chin protector 10, 10', 10''. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to a kit of parts comprising a protective face shield 100, 100' and a chin protector 10, 10', 10'' as well as to a method of retrofitting a protective face shield 100, 100' with a chin protector 10, 10', 10''. The chin protector 10, 10', 10'' is provided generally planarly and is bendable to a curved configuration for use. The chin protector 10, 10', 10'' is easily and quickly attachable to a protective face shield 100, 100' or a protective helmet 200 and provides for an increased freedom of selection.