Helmet Flashlight Mounting System With Adjustable Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firefighters and others face impaired ability to operate equipment safely when holding a flashlight, as existing helmet-mounted light holders do not provide sufficient adjustability and versatility for various helmet styles and flashlight sizes, limiting illumination and safety in dark or hazardous conditions.
Innovation Solution
A versatile flashlight mounting system featuring a light-receiving holder with adjustable coupling and adaptor, allowing for secure attachment to different helmet styles, easy detachment, and adjustable light direction, using inserts for accommodating various flashlight sizes and shapes, and a frictional retainer mechanism for secure engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a flashlight is held in one hand for illumination, then the illumination requirement is met, but the individual's ability to effectively operate equipment and safely perform duties is seriously impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The flashlight mounting system separates the illumination function from the hands, attaching the flashlight to the helmet so that one hand is freed for operating equipment while the other provides illumination. The helmet-mounted holder divides the lighting task from manual tasks, resolving the contradiction between needing light and needing free hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet acts as an intermediary carrier that holds the flashlight in a fixed position relative to the user's head and eyes. This intermediary mounting system provides stable illumination without requiring the user to hold the flashlight, thereby maintaining both illumination and operational capability.
2Reliability
If existing helmet-mounted light holders are used, then the flashlight can be mounted on the helmet, but the holders do not provide sufficient adjustability and versatility for various helmet styles and flashlight sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates universal features including multiple adapter types that can accommodate different helmet styles (firefighter helmets, mining helmets, etc.) and various flashlight sizes and shapes. The holder body, adapters, and coupling mechanisms are designed to work with multiple configurations, providing both secure mounting and broad versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes adjustable coupling mechanisms that allow the flashlight position to be dynamically adjusted relative to the helmet. The coupling can be positioned at different locations around the holder body, and the flashlight can be oriented in different directions, providing adaptability while maintaining secure attachment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed mounting system is used, then the flashlight position is stable, but the light direction cannot be adjusted for different operational needs
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism allows the flashlight to be positioned at different angular orientations around the holder body while maintaining a secure, stable attachment. The coupling can be locked in various positions to provide stable mounting, yet can also be adjusted to change light direction as needed for different operational scenarios.
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 quick and safe removal of the flashlight for handheld use without removing the helmet, maintaining the light's position and direction, and accommodating various helmet and flashlight types, enhancing user safety and operational efficiency in dark conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The connector ring has frictional retainer means such as a groove or ridge engageable with a cooperating groove or ridge on a ring on an adaptor so the holder and adaptor may be engaged or disengaged to separate the flashlight and holder from the helmet.
Data Source
AI summary
A flashlight mounting system for a helmet of the type used by firefighters. The system has a light holder which is engageable with an adaptor on or secured to a helmet. A coupling is adjustable relative to the holder at engaging teeth and grooves to adjust the light and the path of the light beam. The adaptor and holder may be manually disengaged to change the orientation of the light or to allow the user to manually use the light and reattach the light in the original position without removing the helmet in dangerous environments and other environments.Inserts may be provided to adopt the light-receiving section to various styles, types and shapes of flashlights. The system allows the user to quickly adjust the flashlight and also allows the use of the light and holder with different helmets.