Single-Lock Helmet Accessory Connector with Multi-Axis Adjustment

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors for helmet accessories lack flexibility in positioning and often require users to interact with multiple locking mechanisms for desired rotation adjustments, making them cumbersome to use.

Innovation Solution

A connector with a first and second attachment portion and an extendable arm, allowing translation and rotation around multiple axes, with a single locking mechanism that can switch between locked and unlocked configurations to facilitate easy adjustment and secure positioning of helmet accessories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional connectors use multiple locking mechanisms to enable rotation adjustments, then the positioning flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of locking mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single locking mechanism that can lock and unlock all attachment portions simultaneously. This single mechanism replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate locking mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to secure the accessory at various positions and orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single locking mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it can lock and unlock each attachment portion independently or simultaneously, and it can secure the accessory at any position within its range of motion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms for each degree of freedom, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional connectors use multiple locking mechanisms for rotation adjustments, then the positioning flexibility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoiduser interaction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single locking mechanism that can lock and unlock all attachment portions simultaneously. This single mechanism replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate locking mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to secure the accessory at various positions and orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single locking mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it can lock and unlock each attachment portion independently or simultaneously, and it can secure the accessory at any position within its range of motion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms for each degree of freedom, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the connector allows translation and rotation around multiple axes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedegrees of freedomVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector employs dynamic joints that allow movement in multiple degrees of freedom while maintaining structural integrity. The joints enable translation and rotation around multiple axes, providing adaptability for positioning the accessory in various orientations. The dynamic nature of these joints allows the connector to accommodate movement while using a relatively simple overall structure compared to rigid multi-mechanism systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9943127B2Adjustable connector for a helmet accessory

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 GALVION LTD

AI summary

Connectors for adjusting the location and/or orientation of a helmet accessory relative to a helmet are disclosed. In some embodiments, a connector may have a single lock and/or a single actuator that a user uses to selectively restrict or permit adjustment of the helmet accessory in multiple directions, including translating and/or rotating the helmet accessory relative to the helmet along one or more axes of translation and/or rotation.