Double-Pivot Visor Carrier Assembly for Safety Helmets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visor carrier assemblies for safety helmets are bulky, uncomfortable, and prone to wear, with complex mechanisms that disrupt the balance and optical performance, and often require separate visor carriers and elastic straps that are unsightly and susceptible to failure.
Innovation Solution
A double-pivot mechanism attached to the sides of the helmet allows the visor to be pivoted between multiple positions, minimizing weight and bulk, eliminating the need for a separate visor carrier and reducing points of wear, while maintaining balance and comfort by keeping the center of gravity low and the pivots above the brim.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple pivot mechanism is used to allow the visor to move between raised and lowered positions, then the visor can be selectively positioned, but the stowed configuration disrupts the balance of the helmet and causes discomfort for prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-pivot mechanism to a dual-pivot mechanism, adding another dimension of movement. The first pivot allows vertical movement between raised and lowered positions, while the second pivot enables forward/backward rotation to position the visor close to the crown. This two-dimensional movement space resolves the contradiction by allowing the visor to be stowed in a position that maintains balance while still providing selective positioning capability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a dual-pivot mechanism is used to improve visor positioning and balance, then the visor can be stowed closer to the crown improving balance, but the assembly becomes bulky with several moving parts and potential points of wear and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pivot connections with a flexible connection system. The visor is connected to the helmet shell via a flexible element (such as a flexible membrane or thin film structure) that allows the necessary movements without requiring multiple rigid mechanical joints. This flexible connection reduces the number of moving parts, eliminates wear points associated with mechanical pivots, while still enabling the dual-pivot movement pattern to maintain balance.
3Reliability
If an elasticated strap is used to secure the visor assembly to the helmet, then the visor can be secured for use, but the strap is unsightly and susceptible to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the elasticated strap from the visor assembly design. Instead of using a strap to secure the visor to the helmet, the design relies on the integrated dual-pivot mechanism and flexible connection system to provide both security and attachment. This eliminates the unsightly strap while also removing the wear susceptibility associated with elastic materials, maintaining reliability through the mechanical connection system.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the visor is positioned at an angle inwardly from the upper brim to the lower edge, then facial protection is improved, but the user's ability to see properly through the visor is detrimental
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the visor angle dynamic rather than fixed. The dual-pivot mechanism allows the visor to be positioned at different angles depending on the operational requirements. When facial protection is prioritized, the visor can be angled inwardly. When optical performance is prioritized, the visor can be rotated to a position that is substantially at right angles to the user's eyeline. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction by allowing optimization for either protection or vision based on the situation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A visor carrier assembly for a safety helmet, comprising: a visor; and an attachment device for attaching the visor to a safety helmet for use, the attachment device including a double-pivot mechanism attachable to each side of a safety helmet and configured to enable the visor to be selectively pivoted relative to said safety helmet, in use, between at least first, second and third visor positions, each double-pivot mechanism comprising an elongate arm, said elongate arm being coupled, by a first pivotal coupling at one end thereof, to a respective side region of the visor and coupled, by a second pivotal coupling at a longitudinally opposing second end thereof, to a fixed point, in use, at a respective side of said safety helmet, each pivotal coupling comprising a coupling member and a coupling region, each coupling member comprising a fixed elongate pin having rounded portions at each end, each coupling region comprising an aperture defining, along its inner edge, a first notch or aperture within which one of the rounded portions of a respective coupling member is received to define a fixed pivot point, and an arcuate guide wall with which the opposite rounded portion of said respective coupling member engages and having a plurality of ridges defining grooves or notches for receiving said opposite rounded portion as a respective pivotal coupling is pivoted about said fixed pivot point, each said groove or notch defining a respective said visor position, a visor carrier assembly for a safety helmet.