Helmet Apex Light Mount for Balanced Accessory Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmet-mountable lights cause weight imbalance and interfere with the attachment of other accessories or tools on helmets, such as night-vision goggles, headsets, and identification plaques, due to their mounting locations on the sides or fronts of helmets.
Innovation Solution
Development of attachment devices comprising straps and clips that extend over the apex of the helmet, centrally distributing the weight and allowing for the lighting device to be attached without interfering with other accessories, with options for adjustable or fixed lengths and materials like elastic fabric.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lighting device is mounted on the side or front of the helmet, then the attachment is simple and direct, but the weight distribution becomes unbalanced and interferes with other accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from mounting the light on the lateral surface (side) or anterior surface (front) of the helmet to mounting it on the superior surface (top/apex) of the helmet. This dimensional change in mounting location redistributes the weight along the vertical axis through the center of the helmet, achieving balanced weight distribution while maintaining simple attachment procedures through the strap system.
2Ease of operation
If the lighting device is mounted on the front of the helmet, then the light is easily accessible, but it interferes with the attachment of night-vision goggles and other accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the lighting device from the front (anterior) dimension of the helmet to the top (superior) dimension, specifically at or near the apex. This spatial relocation eliminates overlap with front-mounted accessories such as night-vision goggles, identification plaques, and communication devices, thereby improving accessory compatibility while maintaining operational accessibility of the light.
3Ease of manufacture
If the lighting device is mounted on the side of the helmet, then the attachment is straightforward, but it interferes with headsets, earmuffs, and other side accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the lighting device attachment point from the lateral dimension (side of helmet) to the superior dimension (top of helmet). This dimensional shift removes the light from competition with side-mounted accessories including headsets, earmuffs, and communication devices, resolving conflicts while preserving straightforward attachment through the strap-and-clip mechanism.
4Strength
If a strap is routed around the circumference of the helmet parallel to the brim line, then the attachment is secure, but the light causes weight imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the strap routing from a horizontal circumferential path (parallel to the brim line) to a vertical path that extends over the apex of the helmet from the brim area upward. This dimensional change in strap configuration repositions the light's weight along the vertical centerline of the helmet, achieving balanced weight distribution while maintaining secure attachment through the same strap-and-clip mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an attachment device for supporting a lighting device or other tool or accessory from a hat or helmet, or a kit including same, are shown and described.