Helmet Accessory Attachment System with Pivot Arm Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmet accessory attachment systems do not allow convenient and secure attachment and removal of mandible guards, limiting access to the lower face and requiring both hands for securement, which is a hindrance in high-risk environments.
Innovation Solution
A helmet accessory attachment system featuring a pivot arm lock mechanism that allows for single-handed attachment and removal of mandible guards by engaging a slidable insert into an elongate slot on the helmet mount, with a locking mechanism that prevents unintentional disengagement and allows partial removal for access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional helmet accessory attachment system is used, then the mandible guard can be securely attached to the helmet, but both hands are required for securement and removal, which is a hindrance in high-risk environments
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the lock can transition between engaged and disengaged states through a single-handed operation. The lock engages with the mounting surface to secure the accessory, and can be released by applying force in a specific direction, allowing quick attachment and removal without requiring both hands
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-latching, where the lock automatically engages with the mounting surface when the accessory is attached. The system uses the geometry of the lock and mounting surface to maintain the secured state without continuous input, and allows release through a simple manual action on one component
2Ease of operation
If the mandible guard is fully removed from the helmet, then complete access to the lower face is achieved, but security and protection are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system allows the mandible guard to be dynamically positioned in multiple states: fully attached for maximum protection, partially detached for access, or fully removed. The lock mechanism maintains secure attachment when engaged, while allowing controlled partial removal when needed, providing flexibility in protection levels
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into separable components (mandible guard, mounting surface, and lock) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the guard to be partially detached from one side while remaining attached on the other, enabling access to the mouth area while maintaining protection on the secured side
Data Source
AI summary
A helmet accessory attachment member includes a finger-actuatable lock configured to secure an accessory attachment member mount to a helmet mount as part of securing an accessory such as a mandible guard to a helmet. The lock includes a pivot arm with a rotation axis that is parallel to the helmet surface, and also includes one or more blocking surfaces on the pivot arm to engage with grooves on the helmet mount. The lock may be positioned on a slidable insert of the accessory attachment member.