Helmet Combiner Screen With Vertical Motion and Angle Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing helmet-mounted displays (HMDs) face challenges in adjusting the position of the shield to accommodate the wearer's posture and physical characteristics, making it difficult to ensure optimal visibility and comfort during use.

Innovation Solution

A helmet with a projector and screen device featuring a vertical movement mechanism and combiner that allows for adjustable positioning and angle adjustment of the screen within the field of view, using a support system with an arcuate rail and latch mechanism to secure the combiner at optimal viewing angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed shield is used as the screen in the helmet, then the structure is simple and stable, but the screen position cannot be adjusted to fit different wearers' postures and physical characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different wearersVSAvoidshield adjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed shield into a movable one. The shield is equipped with a support mechanism that allows it to move vertically and change its tilt angle, enabling adaptation to different wearers' postures and physical characteristics while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shield adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent components: a support unit with vertical movement capability and an angle adjustment unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the design and making the system more adaptable to different users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the shield position is fixed, then the manufacturing and installation are simple, but it is difficult to adjust the shield to the optimal position in the wearer's field of view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen position adjustabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shield is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing it to move vertically and change tilt angles. This enables the screen to be easily positioned within the wearer's field of view without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as the adjustment is achieved through mechanical movement rather than custom fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shield adjustment mechanism is designed to be user-operable, allowing the wearer to independently adjust the screen position and angle to suit their needs. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex professional installation while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the shield is made movable to adjust position, then it fits different wearers better, but the shield may move unintentionally during use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen position adaptabilityVSAvoidshield position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the locking unit, which detects when the shield reaches the desired position and automatically locks it in place. This feedback system ensures that the shield remains stable during use while still being easily adjustable when needed, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The shield system dynamically transitions between two states: a movable state for adjustment and a locked state for stability. The support unit enables movement when adjustment is needed, while the locking unit maintains stability during use, allowing the system to adapt to different wearers while preventing unintentional movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables easy adjustment of the screen position and angle to suit the wearer's field of view, reducing interference and maintaining visibility while using the helmet, and minimizing unwanted movements.

Implementation Method 1

the HMD reflects the image showing light on a shield so that the image showing light is directed to the eyes of the driver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3900563B1Screen device and helmet
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SHOEI CO LTD
  • EP3900563B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3900563B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3900563B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This screen device comprises: a combiner that shows, on a helmet, an image projected by the helmet; and a vertical movement mechanism which is attached to a shell of the helmet and which supports the combiner so that the combiner can move vertically and so that the inclination of the combiner can be changed relative to the vertical direction.