Helmet Accessory Attachment Rail With Automatic Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective helmets face challenges in easily and safely attaching, using, and removing accessories without compromising user safety or electrical protection.

Innovation Solution

A protective helmet with an accessory attachment rail featuring slots and a locking mechanism that allows for easy attachment and removal of accessories without needing to remove the helmet, while maintaining electrical protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If accessories are attached using existing methods (slots or through holes with fasteners), then accessories can be attached to the helmet, but installation and removal require removing the protective helmet, compromising user safety

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessory installation and removalVSAvoidUser safety during accessory installation/removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into two independent parts: the accessory itself and the attachment rail integrated into the helmet. This segmentation allows the accessory to be attached or removed from the rail without removing the helmet from the user's head, eliminating the safety risk while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment rail acts as an intermediary component between the helmet and the accessory. The rail is permanently attached to the helmet and provides a standardized interface for accessories, allowing quick attachment and removal without compromising helmet security or user safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing attachment arrangements are used, then accessories can be attached to the helmet, but many different pieces are required that can be easily lost during installation and removal, complicating the assembly process

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessory attachment capabilityVSAvoidNumber of attachment components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment rail provides a universal interface that can accommodate multiple different accessory types through standardized slots. Instead of requiring unique attachment mechanisms for each accessory type, the rail system handles various accessories with a single standardized component, reducing the number of different pieces needed and minimizing loss during installation and removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If attachment mechanisms are positioned on the helmet, then accessories can be attached, but electrical protection of the helmet may be compromised depending on the location of the attachment mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessory attachment optionsVSAvoidElectrical protection integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment rail is designed with specific local characteristics: it includes non-conductive or electrically isolated attachment points at locations that do not interfere with the helmet's electrical protection systems. The rail material and mounting configuration are specifically chosen to maintain electrical isolation where needed while providing attachment capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3890540B1Helmet with accessory attachment rail
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 MSA TECHNOLOGY LLC
  • EP3890540B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3890540B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3890540B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A protective helmet has an outer shell configured for surrounding a head of a user and at least one accessory attachment rail connected to the outer shell. The accessory attachment rail has a body having a front end, a rear end, and one or more slots between the front end and the rear end. Each of the one or more slots is configured for removably receiving at least one helmet accessory. A locking mechanism is associated with each of the one or more slots for automatically locking the at least one helmet accessory in the one or more slots upon insertion of the at least one helmet accessory within the one or more slots and for preventing removal of the at least one helmet accessory from the one or more slots. At least one connection element is provided for connecting the accessory attachment rail to the outer shell.