Helmet Bracket Assembly With Strap for Secure Vehicle Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmet mounting systems fail to securely retain heavy helmets in emergency vehicles, risking damage and injury from movement, and do not accommodate helmets with protruding features or varying sizes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A mounting bracket assembly with a planar or oblique main vertical upright, a mounting hook, ear plates with rubber bumpers, and a securement strap assembly that includes adjustable buckles and a metallic strap mounting loop, designed to securely engage helmets with or without mounting loops, minimizing moving parts and maintenance while protecting against injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple hook is used to mount helmets, then the device complexity is reduced, but the helmet becomes loose and can move about the interior causing injury
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a bracket body for structural support, a movable jaw for engagement, and a ratchet mechanism for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates a movable jaw that can transition between engaged and disengaged states, and a ratchet mechanism that provides dynamic locking. This dynamic design allows the system to securely retain the helmet during transport while still enabling quick release when needed, resolving the contradiction between security and operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If a secure mounting system with multiple components is used, then the helmet retention security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism automatically locks the jaw in the engaged position once the helmet is inserted, eliminating the need for additional locking actions or complex control systems. The system self-regulates to maintain secure retention without requiring constant attention or complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism acts as an intermediary between the simple insertion action and the secure locked state. It provides a mechanical mediation that transforms a simple loading motion into a secure, reliable retention system without requiring complex electronic or hydraulic controls.
3Reliability
If a rigid mounting structure is used, then the helmet is securely held, but it cannot accommodate helmets with protruding features or varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The movable jaw can adjust its position and angle to accommodate different helmet shapes, sizes, and protruding features. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same mounting system to securely retain various helmet configurations while maintaining reliable retention through the ratchet locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system applies retention force at specific engagement points on the helmet rather than requiring uniform contact across the entire helmet surface. This localized engagement approach allows protruding features to be accommodated while maintaining secure retention at the critical contact points.
4Reliability
If a complex securement system with many moving parts is used, then the helmet retention security is improved, but the maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism is designed to be self-lubricating and self-adjusting, reducing the need for external maintenance. The simple mechanical design with few moving parts minimizes wear and tear, and the system can be quickly inspected and serviced by basic personnel without specialized tools or procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting bracket configuration with two lower mounting locations and an optional upper mount and a flexibly resilient securement strap attachable thereto to securely retain a helmet such as those used by firefighters securely in place against a mounting surface such as the interior of the passenger compartment of an emergency vehicle, such as a fire truck. The present apparatus also includes a bumper construction for protecting a user from being injured by the protruding upper hook while also preventing damaging of the helmet itself during mounting or removal. A release lanyard provided for easy release and engagement. The upper hook can attach to a fire helmet directly and/or to the securement strap.