Conical Face Shield Asymmetry for Helmet Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cylindrical face shields used with advanced sports helmets often compromise safety and optical clarity due to bending, leading to gaps and distorted vision, which can result in injuries and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A conical face shield design with angled attachment tabs and clips that securely fit advanced sports helmets, reducing the risk of extremities or clothing getting stuck and minimizing bending, while maintaining optimal optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional cylindrical face shield is used with an advanced sports helmet, then the shield can be manufactured with a simple structure, but the shield must be bent to fit the helmet structure which compromises safety and optical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The face shield transitions from a traditional cylindrical symmetric shape to an asymmetric conical shape with a larger top arcuate length than bottom arcuate length. This asymmetric geometry allows the shield to conform to the contours of advanced sports helmets without requiring bending, thereby maintaining both structural integrity and optical clarity while eliminating gaps between the shield and helmet.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional cylindrical face shield is bent to fit advanced helmets, then the shield can be installed on modern helmets, but gaps occur between the shield and helmet where players may get fingers or clothing stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The conical asymmetric shape with larger top arcuate length and smaller bottom arcuate length creates a tapered profile that eliminates gaps between the shield and helmet structure. This asymmetric geometry allows the shield to conform precisely to the helmet contours, preventing extremities or clothing from becoming trapped while maintaining full compatibility with advanced helmet designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional cylindrical face shield is bent to fit the helmet, then the shield can be installed on advanced helmets, but the distorted optical properties prevent the player from seeing clearly
Solution Approach 1:
By adopting an asymmetric conical shape rather than a symmetric cylindrical form, the shield can be manufactured to fit advanced helmets without bending. This eliminates optical distortion and maintains clear visibility. The asymmetric geometry with varying top and bottom arcuate lengths allows precise contouring to the helmet while preserving the uniform optical properties of the shield material.
4Reliability
If attachment tabs are extended at an angle inclined to fit securely against the helmet surface, then the shield fits more securely, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment tabs are designed with asymmetric angular orientations relative to the shield face, with each tab angled to match the specific contour requirements of the helmet surface. This asymmetric angular configuration provides secure attachment and prevents rotation or loosening during play, while the tabs remain simple extensions of the shield structure rather than complex mechanical fastening systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Conical face shields, sports helmets, and methods for orienting a conical face shield in a sports helmet are described. In embodiments, the conical face shield has at least two opposing arcuate edges, at least two opposing side edges, and a shield. The arcuate edges each have a first end, a second end, and an edge surface extending between the first end and the second end. Further, the edge surface of the first arcuate edge and the edge surface of the second arcuate edge include an arc segment and the arc segment of the edge surface of the first arcuate edge is part of an ellipse with a greater semi-minor axis than the semi-minor axis of the ellipse forming the arc segment of the edge surface of the second arcuate edge. In various other embodiments, the conical face shield may be horizontally and/or vertically tapered.