Helmet Chin Guard Linkage for Synchronized Shield Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmet designs with chin guards and shields often require separate and independent pivoting mechanisms, making it cumbersome to wear and adjust the helmet for different modes of use.
Innovation Solution
A chin guard pivoting mechanism that allows the chin guard and shield to pivot in tandem, with the chin guard and shield interlocking to facilitate easy transitions between full face, wearing, and open face modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate and independent pivoting mechanisms are used for chin guard and shield, then each component can be controlled independently, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pivoting mechanisms of the chin guard and shield into a single integrated system. The chin guard and shield are coupled through a common pivoting axis or linkage mechanism, allowing both components to rotate together as a unified assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate independent pivoting mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while improving ease of operation during helmet donning and mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pivoting mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls both the chin guard position and shield position, enables transitions between different helmet modes (full face, open face, etc.), and simplifies the donning process. This multi-functionality allows a single mechanism to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and mechanical complexity.
2Productivity
If chin guard and shield pivot independently, then each can be adjusted separately for different modes, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the pivoting actions of the chin guard and shield into a single coupled motion system, the patent enables simultaneous adjustment of both components. When the user initiates a pivoting action, both the chin guard and shield rotate together through the shared mechanism, dramatically reducing the time required to transition between helmet modes compared to adjusting each component separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupled pivoting mechanism is pre-configured so that the chin guard and shield are mechanically linked to move in coordinated sequences. This preliminary mechanical arrangement ensures that when adjustment is initiated, both components begin moving simultaneously in the correct sequence, eliminating the need for manual separate adjustment and accelerating mode transitions.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple independent mechanisms are used for chin guard and shield, then each mechanism can be optimized independently, but the overall device becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pivoting mechanisms into a single integrated assembly that can be manufactured as one unit or pre-assembled module. This reduces the total number of mechanical components, simplifies the bill of materials, and reduces assembly steps during manufacturing. The coupled design allows for fewer precision-machined parts and simpler fastening requirements compared to two independent mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single integrated pivoting mechanism performs multiple functions (controlling both chin guard and shield), which reduces the overall part count and simplifies manufacturing processes. Instead of manufacturing and quality-testing two separate mechanisms, the unified design allows for streamlined production and easier assembly into the helmet structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a chin guard pivoting mechanism, and the chin guard pivoting mechanism (100) according to the present disclosure is provided in a helmet which comprises a helmet body (10), a chin guard (20) pivotally coupled to the helmet body (10), and a shield (30) pivotally coupled to the helmet body (10). When the chin guard (20) is pivoted from the front of a user's chin up to a first predetermined angle (A) with respect to the helmet body (10), the shield (30) is pivoted upward, and when the chin guard (20) is pivoted up to a second predetermined angle (B) greater than the first predetermined angle (A) with respect to the helmet body (10), the shield (30) is pivoted downward. Alternatively, when the chin guard (20) is pivoted from the front of a user's chin up to the first predetermined angle (A) with respect to the helmet body (10), the shield 30) is pivoted upward, and when the shield (30) is pivoted downward, the chin guard (20) is pivoted up to the second predetermined angle (B) with respect to the helmet body (10).