Helmet Bridge Mount with Pivot Arm for Optical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for mounting optical devices on headgear, such as helmets, lack versatility and convenience in transitioning between operational and stowed positions, particularly for night vision and thermal imaging devices, which can cause discomfort and safety issues due to their bulkiness and visibility when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A bridge mount assembly with a pivot arm mechanism that allows rotation of optical devices around a pivot axis, enabling multiple stowed positions and easy adjustment for binocular or monocular configurations, along with a magnetic arm for automatic device shutdown in stowed mode, to optimize user comfort and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical devices are mounted on helmets for night vision or thermal imaging, then the user gains enhanced viewing capabilities, but the devices cause discomfort and safety issues due to their bulkiness and visibility when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mounting system where the optical device can rotate between a deployed viewing position and a retracted stowed position. The pivot arm mechanism allows the device to move from an extended position where it provides night vision or thermal imaging capabilities to a retracted position where it lies flat against the helmet, reducing bulkiness and improving safety by lowering the user's profile.
2Device complexity
If optical devices are kept in a fixed position on the helmet, then the mounting system is simple, but the user cannot easily transition between operational and stowed positions
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates a pivot arm with a pivot axis that enables smooth rotational movement of the optical device. This dynamic mechanism allows the user to easily transition the device between operational and stowed positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall mounting structure that attaches to the helmet via a mounting shoe and receiver.
3Device complexity
If the optical device is mounted with fixed interpupillary distance, then the mounting structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate different user configurations or device types
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge mounting member includes an adjustable bridge span that can be modified to accommodate different interpupillary distances. The pivot arm mechanism also allows adjustment between monocular and binocular configurations. This dynamic adjustability enables the mounting structure to adapt to different user configurations and device types without requiring completely different mounting systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved monocular/binocular bridge and helmet mounting device employing same for an optical device are provided. The mounting device herein includes a mount with a bridge attachment for providing multiple options for a monocular or binocular optical device and multiple options for moving the attached optical device to any of multiple stowed positions out of the user's line of sight when the optical device is not in use. The bridge attachment and multiple stow positions also allow the unit to be adapted for a variety of viewing devices.