Helmet Accessory Attachment System with Independent Bearing Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmet attachment systems often require shared bolts, which can loosen all accessories when adjusting one, compromising ballistic performance and accessory stability, and typically include bolt holes that may detract from helmet protection.
Innovation Solution
A dual-attachment system where a first attachment portion is mounted to the helmet shell and a second attachment portion is selectively connected to secure accessories, using various connectors to lock or compress against the accessory's bearing surface, eliminating the need for shared bolts and reducing the presence of bolt holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If shared bolts are used to attach accessories to the helmet shell, then the attachment system is simpler and easier to manufacture, but adjusting one accessory loosens all accessories and compromises ballistic performance
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate independent attachment points, each with its own bolt and bearing surface. This segmentation allows each accessory to be attached and adjusted independently without affecting other accessories, while maintaining the simplicity of the manufacturing process by using standardized bolt components.
2Strength
If bolt holes are created in the helmet shell for accessory attachment, then accessories can be securely mounted, but the ballistic performance and protection of the helmet is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a traditional through-bolt configuration to a bearing surface interface that engages with the accessory from one side. This dimensional change allows the bolt to engage the bearing surface without requiring a corresponding hole through the helmet shell, thereby maintaining ballistic integrity while securing accessories.
3Reliability
If a dual-attachment system with separate bolts for each accessory is used, then accessory stability and ballistic performance are improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system employs universal bearing surfaces and standardized bolt components that can be used across multiple attachment points and different accessory types. This multi-functionality reduces the variety of unique components needed, thereby lowering overall system complexity despite having multiple attachment points.
Data Source
AI summary
Attachment systems for attaching accessories to a helmet shell and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, an attachment system may include a first attachment portion mounted to a helmet shell and extending through an opening in an associated accessory. The attachment system also may include a second attachment portion that is selectively connectable to the first attachment portion. A surface of the second attachment portion facing the helmet shell engages with a bearing surface of the accessory to selectively attach the accessory to the helmet shell. In certain embodiments, the first and second attachment portions may be selectively connected to one another using a connector that moves the second attachment portion both vertically and horizontally relative to the first attachment portion when the connector is tightened.