Helmet Faceguard Retaining Device with Shock-Absorbing Grommet
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing faceguard attachment systems for helmets are cumbersome to remove quickly, especially in emergency situations, and may compromise safety due to lack of shock absorption and potential structural failure under impact.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release faceguard retaining device featuring a cooperating base with a shock-absorbing grommet and a latch mechanism, including a hinged latch with a hooked part and a C-shaped clip, which allows for rapid release without removing the entire helmet shell, and incorporates a shock stabilizer made of a softer material for impact absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a faceguard is securely attached to a helmet shell using a rigid attachment system, then the faceguard remains stable during normal use, but the faceguard cannot be quickly removed in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system with movable components. The latch can be held in a locked position during normal use, then quickly released when needed, allowing the faceguard to be securely attached during play but rapidly removed in emergencies without compromising either stability or removal speed
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: a base attached to the helmet, a latch mechanism for securing, and a faceguard. This segmentation allows the latch to be independently operated to release the faceguard without removing the entire helmet or base assembly, enabling quick faceguard removal while maintaining helmet integrity
2Strength
If a rigid attachment structure is used to secure the faceguard, then the faceguard remains firmly attached during impact, but the structure may fail under sufficient impact force
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the mechanical properties of the attachment structure by incorporating a resilient member that can deform elastically under impact loads. This allows the attachment to maintain strength during normal use while preventing catastrophic failure under extreme impact forces, as the resilient member absorbs energy through deformation rather than brittle fracture
Solution Approach 2:
A resilient member is pre-installed in the attachment structure to provide shock absorption capability before impact occurs. This cushioning element is positioned to absorb impact forces during collisions, protecting the rigid components from excessive stress and preventing sudden structural failure while maintaining secure attachment during normal play
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to secure the faceguard, then the faceguard attachment is secure, but the mechanism is difficult to operate quickly in emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-latching, automatically securing the faceguard when closed without requiring additional fastening steps. During release, the system allows easy manual operation where applying force in the release direction automatically disengages the latch from the slot, eliminating complex multi-step release procedures and enabling quick one-action removal
Solution Approach 2:
The complex locking mechanism is simplified by extracting only the essential securing function. The latch and slot geometry provide automatic engagement and securement, while the release mechanism removes unnecessary intermediate steps, allowing the faceguard to be securely attached during play but quickly released by simply applying force in the release direction
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
Enables rapid and secure removal of the faceguard without compromising helmet integrity, providing enhanced safety by allowing for shock absorption and preventing structural failure during impacts.
Implementation Method 1
The grommet is typically a shock-absorbing disc
Implementation Method 2
incorporates a shock stabilizer made of a softer material for impact absorption
Data Source
AI summary
A faceguard retaining device has a base with underlying portion extending along a surface of a helmet shell. A latch, pivotally mounted to the base, has a hooked part, a pair of nubs and a pair of trunnions, the nibs and trunnions being in grooves of the base when the latch is in a closed and locked condition to prevent the latch from opening. A clip engaged to the latch and base biases the latch closed. A stabilizer is in a stabilizer groove of the base and a plate extends over the underlying portion. A fastener fastens the plate and base to the shell to resists bending of the underlying portion. The latch is lifted from the underlying portion to lift the nubs from the grooves and allow the latch to pivot upwardly into an open condition.