Face Shield Mounting Assembly with Spacer and Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching face shields to helmets using multiple mechanical fasteners are problematic due to the biasing force of the face shield, which resists initial attachment and can cause screws and components 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 frictionally engages with the helmet, allowing for secure attachment and removal of the face shield without the need for constant pressure on multiple components, using slots and ridges for easier alignment and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical fasteners (screws) are used to attach the face shield to the helmet, then the face shield can be securely attached to the helmet, but the biasing force of the face shield resists initial attachment and can cause screws and components to be flung away during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is divided into separate functional components: a base plate for positioning, posts for penetration through the helmet, spacers for maintaining distance and preventing flinging, and fasteners for securing. This segmentation allows each component to address a specific problem, with the spacer specifically designed to prevent the flinging effect during removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer acts as an intermediary component between the post and the face shield. It maintains a consistent distance, prevents direct contact that could cause flinging, and provides a stable platform for the fastener. The spacer mediates the interaction between moving parts, eliminating the need for constant pressure during attachment and removal.
2Reliability
If multiple mechanical fasteners are used to attach the face shield, then the face shield can be securely mounted, but the user must apply constant pressure on multiple components simultaneously, making the process frustrating
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated components. The base plate combines positioning and support functions, the posts combine penetration and fastening functions, and the spacer assembly combines distance maintenance and flinging prevention functions. This merging reduces the number of separate components the user must handle simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate and posts are pre-positioned on the helmet before the face shield is attached. The spacers are pre-installed on the posts to maintain proper spacing. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for the user to apply constant pressure on multiple components simultaneously, as everything is pre-configured for easy attachment and removal.
3Strength
If the face shield is made from high impact-resistant clear plastic, then the face shield provides adequate protection, but the terminal ends of the shield bias outwardly away from the exterior surface of the helmet, resisting attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate and spacer assembly act as counterbalancing elements that offset the outward biasing force of the face shield. The base plate provides a stable anchor point on the helmet interior, while the spacers maintain proper spacing and prevent the face shield from biasing outward during attachment. This counteracts the inherent biasing force of the high-impact plastic.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate and spacers are pre-installed on the helmet before the face shield is attached. This preliminary positioning creates a stable foundation that counteracts the outward biasing force of the face shield material, making attachment easier and more reliable.
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 assembly components in place, reducing the risk of hardware loss and making it easier to handle both the face shield and helmet, while providing secure attachment and protection for the wearer's face and eyes.
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 into the holes that are formed in the side of the helmet. The posts may or may not extend completely through the holes formed in the helmet. The spacer assembly engages the first and second posts such that the helmet is disposed between the base and the spacer assembly. The spacer assembly receives corresponding fasteners that attach the face shield to the helmet.