Flexible Optical Insert with Adhesive Border for Curved Visors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical inserts for eye-shielding devices, such as helmet visors and goggles, face challenges in fitting curved surfaces and maintaining a seal, leading to light leakage and interference with the helmet gasket, as they are typically either too small or too large, and current attachment methods like foam or mechanical clips are unsightly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A flexible border attachment element with adhesive areas that creates a buffer zone around the optical insert, allowing it to be securely attached to a curved viewing lens without interfering with the helmet gasket, and can be made of perforated materials for better conformance and light filtering effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flat optical insert is used, then it can be manufactured simply, but it cannot fit a double or multiple curved viewing lens of an eye-shielding device
Solution Approach 1:
The optical insert is made from a flexible material that allows it to be stretched and conform to double or multiple curved viewing lenses of eye-shielding devices, while maintaining optical clarity and functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the optical insert by making it flexible and stretchable, allowing it to adapt to curved surfaces while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a single-piece construction
2Area of stationary object
If the insert is made large to cover the visor, then it provides better optical coverage, but it interferes with the sealing properties between the visor and helmet gasket
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by creating a buffer zone that extends beyond the optical insert perimeter, allowing the insert to be large for full coverage while the buffer zone absorbs the interference with the gasket sealing
3Ease of operation
If the insert is made smaller to avoid gasket interference, then it allows seamless visor movement, but it creates light leakage between the visor insert and gasket
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer zone acts as an intermediary element between the optical insert and the gasket, allowing the insert to maintain full size for optimal coverage while the buffer zone prevents direct contact and interference with the gasket sealing
4Strength
If foam or mechanical clips are used to hold the insert in place, then the insert is securely attached, but it interferes with the gasket and creates unsightly appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the attachment function from traditional foam or mechanical clips and integrates it directly into the flexible optical insert through adhesive application, eliminating the need for separate attachment components that interfere with the gasket
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is merged with the optical insert itself by applying adhesive directly to the insert, combining the optical element and attachment function into a single integrated component that does not interfere with the gasket
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 enables seamless attachment of optical inserts to curved surfaces, enhancing optical performance while maintaining a tight seal and reducing light leakage, and allows for easy detachment and reattachment, improving both functionality and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The border attachment element has a first adhesive area for attachment to the optical insert and a second adhesive area for attachment to the viewing lens of the face shielding device
Implementation Method 2
can be made of perforated materials for better conformance and light filtering effects
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a kit, an optical insert assembly and a method for attaching an optical insert to a viewing lens of an eye-shielding device. The kit includes an optical insert with an outer perimeter, and a flexible border attachment element with an inner periphery area extending inward of the outer perimeter of the optical insert, and an outer periphery area extending outward of the outer perimeter of the optical insert, and having a first adhesive area for attachment to the optical insert and a second adhesive area for attachment to the viewing lens. When attached, the border attachment element defines a buffer zone spanning the inner periphery and outer periphery areas. The optical insert assembly includes the elements of the kits described herein, attached to a viewing lens of an eye-shielding device.