Face Shield Mounting Assembly Frictional Spacer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching face shields to helmets using multiple screws are cumbersome and prone to hardware loss due to the biasing force of the face shield, making installation and removal difficult and frustrating.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly comprising a rectangular base, cylindrical posts, and a spacer assembly that frictionally engages with the helmet to secure the base in place, allowing for easier attachment and removal of the face shield using mechanical fasteners that thread into the posts, with optional ridges for alignment assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
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 installation and removal process becomes cumbersome and hardware may be lost due to the biasing force of the face shield
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is divided into separate functional components: a base that attaches to the helmet, posts that extend through the helmet, and a spacer assembly with through-holes that receives the posts. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system easier to operate while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer assembly acts as an intermediary component between the base and the face shield. It provides a frictional engagement interface with the posts, securing the base to the helmet without requiring the user to directly handle small screws and nuts during installation and removal. The mechanical fasteners thread into the posts, which are held in place by the spacer assembly's frictional engagement.
2Reliability
If multiple mechanical fasteners are used to attach the face shield, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base, posts, and spacer assembly are combined into a single integrated mounting assembly unit that attaches to the helmet as one piece. This merging reduces the number of separate components the user must handle during installation and removal, while the mechanical fasteners still provide secure attachment by threading into the posts.
Solution Approach 2:
The posts serve multiple functions: they provide threaded receptacles for mechanical fasteners to secure the face shield, and they act as engagement members with the spacer assembly for frictional attachment to the helmet. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining attachment security.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the face shield is made from high impact-resistant clear plastic, then protection is provided, but the terminal ends bias outwardly creating resistance during attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer assembly serves as an intermediary that mediates between the biasing force of the face shield and the mounting components. The through-holes provide frictional engagement with the posts, creating a secure interface that accommodates the outward biasing force without creating resistance during attachment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the geometric parameters of the mounting assembly, specifically extending the posts through the helmet and providing frictional engagement surfaces in the spacer assembly. This geometric configuration allows the face shield's terminal ends to bias outwardly while maintaining easy attachment and removal, as the frictional engagement accommodates the biasing force without creating operational resistance.
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 simplifies the attachment and removal process by maintaining the mounting components in place, reducing the risk of hardware loss and making it easier to handle both the helmet and face shield, while providing secure and stable attachment.
Implementation Method 1
Such frictional engagement between the spacer assembly and the outer surfaces of the extended posts maintains the base securely in place on the inside of the helmet during the installation and removal of the face shield.
Data Source
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 through holes that are formed in the side of the helmet. The spacer assembly slides over the posts when the posts are inserted through the corresponding holes in the helmet, and frictionally engages the outer surfaces of the first and second posts such that the helmet is disposed between the base and the spacer assembly. The posts threadingly receive corresponding fasteners that attach the face shield to the helmet.