Helmet Ear Cup Joint Assembly With Quiet Locking Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactical helmet systems suffer from wear and noise issues due to the sliding pin mechanism in the ear protector mounting arrangement, leading to potential unintended movement and discomfort or hearing damage in noisy environments.
Innovation Solution
A joint assembly for a helmet system featuring a locking element and a spring assembly that secures the ear cup arm in a fixed position, eliminating the need for movable parts and reducing wear and noise by using dedicated locking surfaces and spring forces to maintain the ear cup's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding pin mechanism is used to secure the ear cup arm, then the ear cup arm can be positioned in open and closed positions, but wear on the pin and sliding surface causes play and unintended movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the sliding pin mechanical system with a latch-based locking mechanism. The latch engages with a locking surface on the ear cup arm to secure it in the closed position, eliminating the sliding motion that caused wear. The spring assembly provides the necessary force to engage and disengage the latch without requiring the pin to slide over a surface, thus resolving the wear and play problem while maintaining positioning capability.
2Productivity
If the sliding pin passes through the point of equilibrium, then the spring member pulls the pin forcefully, but this causes a loud noise when the pin hits the end position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a cushioning element between the latch and the locking surface. When the spring assembly rapidly pulls the latch to engage the ear cup arm in the closed position, the cushioning element absorbs the impact energy, preventing the loud noise that would otherwise occur when the latch strikes the locking surface directly. This allows the spring to maintain its fast return capability while eliminating the harmful noise.
3Device complexity
If the spring member holds the arm in position through spring force alone, then the structure is simple, but the ear cup arm may undesirably move from secured positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning function into two separate components: the spring assembly provides the force to move and hold the ear cup arm in position, while the latch mechanism provides the secure locking function. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function - the spring in maintaining position and the latch in preventing unintended movement - achieving both simplicity and reliability.
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
The solution provides a more secure and quieter attachment of ear protectors, enhancing user comfort and safety by preventing unintended movement and reducing component wear, thus improving the overall performance of the helmet system.
Implementation Method 1
a spring assembly (5) configured to move the ear cup arm (3) to a second position relative to the assembly base (2) upon release of the locking element (4)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a joint assembly for a helmet system. The joint assembly comprises an assembly base, an ear cup arm, a locking element, and a spring assembly. The ear cup arm is pivotably arranged to the assembly base. The locking element is configured to lock the ear cup arm in a first position relative to the assembly base. The spring assembly is configured to move the ear cup arm to a second position relative to the assembly base upon release of the locking element.