Breakaway Visor With Segmented Side Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visors attached to helmets are either rigidly attached and prone to breaking upon impact, or they use magnetic fasteners that can detach easily under minor external forces such as vibrations or bumps.
Innovation Solution
A breakaway visor design featuring a central portion and side portions with a side coupling mechanism that includes an opening with partial flanges and cut-out portions, allowing for secure attachment to a helmet using screws, while also enabling easy detachment under external impact or force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid attachment mechanisms (screws) are used to secure the visor to the helmet, then the visor remains firmly attached during normal use, but the visor or attachment breaks upon impact
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into multiple independent side coupling mechanisms (at least two) positioned at different locations on the visor. This segmentation allows the attachment to fail progressively rather than catastrophically, improving reliability under impact while maintaining strength during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic breakaway connection. The side coupling mechanisms are designed to remain firmly attached during normal use but automatically release when subjected to impact forces exceeding a threshold, resolving the contradiction between maintaining attachment strength and ensuring safety under impact.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic fasteners are used to attach the visor to the helmet, then the visor is easily detachable and reduces torque on the head, but the visor detaches under minor external forces such as vibration or bumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces side coupling mechanisms as an intermediary between the visor and helmet. These mechanisms provide a controlled attachment interface that is more stable than direct magnetic attachment but easier to detach than rigid screw attachment, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and attachment stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism uses adjustable parameters including the number of side coupling mechanisms (at least two), their positioning, and the design of coupling elements to optimize the balance between attachment stability during normal use and ease of detachment when needed.
3Strength
If multiple side coupling mechanisms are positioned at different locations on the visor, then the attachment remains secure during normal use, but the visor breaks away under impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of impact forces into a beneficial automatic release mechanism. When impact forces exceed a threshold, the side coupling mechanisms are designed to fail in a controlled manner, causing the visor to break away and prevent injury, thus converting the harmful impact into a safety feature.
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning multiple side coupling mechanisms at different locations on the visor, the attachment gains distributed strength during normal use while creating multiple potential failure points that can sequentially engage or disengage during impact, providing both security and controlled breakaway capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a breakaway visor. The visor comprises a central portion and a side portion extending from each side of the central portion. The side portion includes a side coupling mechanism having an opening to receive a screw to couple the visor with a side part of a helmet. In event of exertion of an external force, the visor is configured to be detached from the helmet without being broken.