Face Shield Mounting Assembly for Easier Helmet Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for attaching face shields to helmets using multiple screws are problematic, as the biasing force of the face shield resists initial attachment and can cause hardware to be flung away during removal, making the process frustrating and prone to hardware loss.

Innovation Solution

A mounting assembly comprising a rectangular base, cylindrical posts, and a spacer assembly that securely attaches the face shield to the helmet using mechanical fasteners, with the posts extending into the helmet holes and the spacer assembly allowing for easy alignment and secure fastening, preventing inadvertent movement or loss of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional screws and nuts are used to attach the face shield to the helmet, then the face shield can be securely attached, but the biasing force of the face shield resists initial attachment and can cause hardware to be flung away during removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidease of attachment and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting assembly introduces intermediate components (mounting base, posts, spacers) between the face shield and helmet that mediate the attachment process. The posts extend into the helmet and provide threaded receptacles, while spacers maintain proper spacing and alignment, making the attachment process easier and preventing hardware loss during removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting assembly is divided into separate functional components: a mounting base that attaches to the helmet, posts that extend from the base into the helmet holes, and spacers that maintain spacing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function and makes the overall assembly easier to manipulate and install.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If multiple mechanical fasteners are used to attach the face shield, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device complexity and difficulty of manipulation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting base, posts, and spacers are combined into a single integrated mounting assembly that attaches to the helmet as one unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components the user must handle and assemble, simplifying the overall process while maintaining secure attachment through the integrated fastening system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If the posts extend through the helmet holes, then secure attachment is possible, but the terminal ends may protrude and cause safety hazards or discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidprotruding hardware hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The posts are nested within the helmet structure, extending into the helmet holes but with terminal ends that are substantially flush with or below the exterior surface. This nesting approach allows the posts to provide secure threaded attachment points while preventing protruding ends that could cause safety hazards or discomfort to the wearer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a secure and easy-to-manipulate attachment system for face shields, reducing the frustration of attaching and removing the shield while preventing hardware loss, ensuring reliable protection for the wearer's face and head.

Implementation Method 1

The posts are configured to threadingly receive one or more mechanical fasteners

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

mechanical fasteners, such as screws, extend through the slots in the face shield and thread into the posts to secure the face shield to the helmet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11266197B2Mounting assembly for a face shield with an enhanced base

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 TATOMIR WALLY WAYNE

AI summary

A face shield, such as a visor, mounts to a protective helmet using a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly has a base, a spacer assembly, and a pair of posts. The base is disposed on the interior of the helmet. The posts are connected to the base and extend outwardly into corresponding holes that are formed in the side of the helmet. The spacer assembly spaces the face shield away from the exterior surface of the helmet, and receives a mechanical fastener that releasably attaches the face shield to the helmet.