Hard Hat Face Shield Assembly With Sliding-Pivot Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional face shield attachment systems for hard hats often interfere with the brim or accessories when pivoted, causing inconvenience and potential obstruction.
Innovation Solution
A hard hat face shield system that utilizes a sliding and pivoting mechanism to move the face shield away from the face, avoiding interference with the brim and accessories by translating the shield linearly and pivoting it upwards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the face shield is pivoted to move away from the face, then the face shield can be stowed, but it interferes with the brim or accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The face shield attachment system transitions from a single-axis pivot mechanism to a two-stage mechanism involving both linear sliding along the brim and pivoting motion. This dimensional change in the movement path allows the face shield to clear the brim and accessories during stowing without interfering with them, as the shield moves along a composite trajectory rather than a simple arc
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: a sliding mechanism that moves the face shield along the brim, and a pivoting mechanism that rotates the shield upward. This segmentation of the stowing motion into distinct phases allows each component to perform its function independently, preventing interference with brim-mounted accessories while achieving complete stowage
2Device complexity
If the face shield is attached directly to the hard hat, then the structure is simple, but it obstructs the brim or attached accessories
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary attachment mechanism is introduced between the face shield and the hard hat brim. This intermediary consists of a sliding interface that allows the face shield to move along the brim surface, and a pivoting joint that enables upward rotation. This intermediary structure mediates the conflict between direct attachment simplicity and accessory clearance by providing a controlled movement path that avoids obstruction
3Device complexity
If the face shield pivots in a conventional manner, then the mechanism is simple, but it causes inconvenience and potential obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system employs dynamic motion characteristics by combining translational sliding with rotational pivoting. The face shield transitions from a static or simple pivot attachment to a dynamically adaptive mechanism that adjusts its movement path based on the interaction between the sliding and pivoting components, providing obstruction-free operation while maintaining operational simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
Various face shield assemblies for hard hats are described. In one embodiment, the face shield assembly includes a hard hat, a mounting bracket, a face shield, a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm. The first pivot arm and second pivot arm are pivotally coupled to the hard hat and rotate with respect to the mounting bracket and the face shield. The face shield is coupled to the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm. The face shield actuates between stowed and operating positions such that the face shield can avoid objects near a front of the hard hat, such as a bill and/or lamp. In other embodiments the face shield assembly includes an adjustable frame coupled to the face shield and the hard hat. The adjustable frame rotates and/or slides with respect to the hard hat.