Faceguard Retaining Device with Shock-Absorbing Grommet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing faceguard attachment systems for helmets are either difficult to quickly release in emergency situations or lack sufficient shock absorption, posing safety risks during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release faceguard retaining device featuring a cooperating base and latch with a shock-absorbing grommet and a softer shock stabilizer, along with a hinged latch and C-shaped clip for secure and rapid deployment, utilizing materials like SURLYN and thermoplastic polymer for enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a locking-arm-and-latch structure is used to secure the faceguard, then the faceguard is securely attached to the helmet, but the structure can break under impact force causing the faceguard to fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from hard rigid materials to soft compliant materials. The base and latch are made of soft compliant material that can deform under impact force, preventing structural failure while maintaining attachment security. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by allowing the attachment to remain both strong and impact-resistant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction with a hard shell outer layer and soft compliant material inner structure. This composite approach allows the external hard shell to resist impact forces while the internal soft material provides compliance and prevents catastrophic failure, simultaneously achieving both strength and reliability.
2Strength
If a rigid attachment structure is used, then the faceguard is securely held, but there is no shock absorption capability during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to soft compliant, enabling the attachment structure to absorb shock through deformation. The soft material dissipates impact energy through viscoelastic damping, preventing shock transmission to the faceguard and helmet while maintaining secure attachment during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates soft compliant material throughout the attachment structure that acts as a cushion before impact occurs. This material is pre-positioned to absorb and distribute impact forces, providing beforehand cushioning that protects against shock damage while maintaining attachment integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the entire helmet shell is removed to access the player's face, then medical personnel can treat the player, but head and neck movement is avoided which is critical in suspected brain or spinal injury cases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the faceguard attachment from the helmet shell, allowing the faceguard to be independently removed while the helmet shell remains in place. This segmentation enables medical personnel to access the player's face by removing only the faceguard, avoiding the need to remove the entire helmet and thus preventing harmful head and neck movement in suspected brain or spinal injury cases.
4Strength
If a complex locking mechanism is used to secure the faceguard, then the attachment is secure, but rapid release becomes difficult in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-latching mechanism where the soft compliant material automatically engages with the faceguard wire to secure it in place. For release, the user simply pulls the faceguard wire, which automatically disengages from the soft material without requiring manipulation of complex locking components. This self-service mechanism maintains secure attachment during normal use while enabling rapid release in emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex locking mechanism from the attachment system, replacing it with a simple friction-based hold using soft compliant material. The faceguard wire is held securely by the deformable material without requiring locks, latches, or clips, allowing for both secure attachment and rapid release by simply pulling the wire free.
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 device provides secure attachment while allowing rapid release of the faceguard without removing the helmet shell, offering improved shock absorption and safety by distributing impact forces effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The device includes a grommet located in the opening of the base and a shock stabilizer located in a shock stabilizer-receiving groove of the base
Implementation Method 2
the shock stabilizer is of a softer material than the base... Upon impact there is no 'give' in the device and such is important for allowing for effective absorption of impact
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-release retaining device for securing a faceguard to a helmet shell. A selectively engageable latch structure maintains the retaining device in a closed condition. When the retaining device is urged to the open condition, the faceguard may be moved away from a wearer's face. The device is biased in the closed condition by a C-shaped clip, and has a sliding-bar feature for additional securement. The sliding bar is further secured by a locking pin.