Helmet Accessory Mounting Rail System for Secure Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing helmet accessory attachment methods, such as through-holes and clamps, are not suitable for easy affixation and detachment of multiple accessories, compromising security and helmet integrity.

Innovation Solution

A mounting rail system with slides, threaded holes, and recessed grooves is integrated into the helmet shell, allowing for adjustable and secure attachment of multiple accessories without compromising the helmet's structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If through-holes are used for accessory attachment, then secure attachment is achieved, but helmet shell integrity is compromised and adjustment is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidhelmet shell integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A mounting rail is introduced as an intermediary component between the helmet shell and accessories. The rail is secured to the shell using existing through-holes and fasteners, while accessories attach to the rail without requiring additional shell modifications. This mediator preserves shell integrity while providing secure accessory attachment through the rail's mounting fixtures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If clamping devices are used for accessory attachment, then positional adjustment is enabled, but attachment security is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositional adjustmentVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into three functional components: (1) mounting fixtures integrated into the rail that provide secure attachment points, (2) the rail structure itself that enables positional adjustment along its length, and (3) accessory interfaces that connect to the rail. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function while working together to achieve both security and adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple accessories are attached directly to the helmet, then accessory functionality is achieved, but attachment convenience and security are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple accessory capabilityVSAvoidattachment convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting rail serves multiple functions: it provides attachment points for multiple accessories simultaneously, enables positional adjustment for each accessory, maintains helmet shell integrity by using existing fasteners, and offers a standardized interface for various accessory types. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate attachment systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7849517B2Mounting system for accessories on a safety helmet

Publication Date: 2010.12.14 GENTEX CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of a fixture secured, securable to, or integral with the outer shell of a helmet to facilitate convenient positional adjustment, attachment and removal of multiple accessories include a fixture, attachable to the helmet, for securely receiving an accessory, wherein the fixture comprises a rail for slidably and adjustably receiving a plural of accessories thereon.