Helmet Brim Mount Multi-Axis Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flashlight mounting apparatuses on helmets lack the ability to adjust the orientation of the light beam without tools, requiring inconvenient trial-and-error processes or tool-based adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped clamp body with a pivot arm and binding barrel assembly allows the flashlight to pivot 180 degrees in one plane and 360 degrees in an orthogonal plane, secured by a retainer, enabling tool-free adjustment and secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamp requires tools to fasten to the helmet, then the mounting is secure, but the adjustment and installation process becomes complex and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The binding barrel assembly with binding screw allows the user to tighten and adjust the mounting themselves without requiring external tools. The self-tapping screw mechanism enables tool-free installation and adjustment while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot joints enable dynamic adjustment of the flashlight orientation in multiple planes while maintaining secure mounting. The binding barrel assembly allows controlled tightening and loosening for easy adjustment without tools.
2Device complexity
If the mounting apparatus lacks pivot capability, then the structure is simple, but the orientation adjustment capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Two pivot joints are integrated into the mounting structure, enabling the flashlight to rotate in multiple planes. The first pivot allows rotation in one plane while the second pivot enables rotation in an orthogonal plane, providing versatile orientation adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from fixed to multi-dimensional movement by adding a second pivot joint that operates in an orthogonal plane to the first pivot, enabling 360-degree rotation in both planes for comprehensive orientation control.
3Ease of operation
If the binding barrel assembly allows tool-free adjustment, then the ease of operation improves, but the precision and security of positioning may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The binding screw with binding barrel creates a self-tapping mechanism that secures the pivot joint positioning through friction and mechanical engagement, providing precise positioning without requiring tools for tightening or adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The wear washer is designed as a sacrificial component that wears over time, allowing the binding screw to maintain secure positioning through friction while enabling easy adjustment when needed, balancing precision with ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An articulated brim mount for a helmet light that mounts on the brim of a hat or worker's helmet enables pivoting of the helmet light through angles of up to 210 degrees in a vertical plane and at least 360 degrees in a horizontal plane. The pivots are configured to provide controlled friction so that the angles of the light can be adjusted by hand without tools while retaining the position set by the user.