Face Shield Lens Retention via Interlocking Detents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing face shield assemblies face issues with the protective lens becoming dislodged, especially upon impact, due to the lack of secure fastening mechanisms, which complicates replacement and retention.
Innovation Solution
The face shield assembly employs interlocking members, such as slots and pins/posts, at the peripheral edge of the protective element and the support frame, allowing for secure engagement and easy release, ensuring the lens is positively retained without the need for fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lens is secured in a groove or channel without fasteners, then the lens can be readily replaced, but the lens can dislodge from the frame when impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is divided into multiple discrete detents positioned at different locations within the groove, each independently engaging with the lens to provide cumulative retention force without requiring a single complex fastening system
Solution Approach 2:
The detents are designed to be spring-loaded or movable, allowing them to dynamically adjust their engagement level based on applied forces, providing strong retention during normal use while allowing easy manual release when needed
2Reliability
If detents are used to capture the lens, then the lens is more securely retained, but the lens can still dislodge when the face shield assembly is dropped
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retention features are combined into a single integrated groove structure, where several detents work together to distribute impact forces across multiple engagement points, preventing lens dislodgement during drops while maintaining ease of replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The groove and detent structure is designed to absorb and distribute impact forces before they can dislodge the lens, providing a cushioning effect that protects the lens during accidental drops or impacts
Data Source
AI summary
A face shield assembly that includes a protective element including an edge and a frame including a top portion, a bottom portion and a side portion, the frame further including: a) an opening sized to fit the protective element, the opening defined by an upper inner edge, a lower inner edge, and side inner edges of the frame; b) a lip spaced from the upper, lower and side inner edges so as to form a channel constructed and arrange to receive a portion of the edge of the protective element. The shield further includes an upper detent supported from the frame; a lower detent supported from the frame; an upper interlock disposed behind the upper detent and including at least one through passage in the protective element adjacent a top edge thereof, and at least one forwardly directed pin that engages with the passage; and a lower interlock disposed behind the lower detent and including at least one through passage in the protective element adjacent a bottom edge thereof, and at least one forwardly directed pin that engages with the passage.