Firefighter Helmet Eye Shield Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye protectors for firefighters and emergency rescue workers lack efficient mechanisms for transitioning between storage and usage positions, which can affect their ability to effectively shield the eyes from hazards like sparks and liquids.
Innovation Solution
An eye protector system featuring a bracket mounted to the helmet brim with snap fit connectors and journals, allowing the eye shields to pivot between storage and usage positions, utilizing cylindrical elements and U-shaped bearing surfaces for secure connection without separate fasteners, enhancing structural integrity and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional eye shields are mounted to helmet brim, then eye protection function is achieved, but the mechanism for transitioning between storage and usage positions is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the connection mechanism by introducing a snap-fit connector with a journal that allows the eye shield to pivot between positions. This enables smooth transitions while maintaining stable positioning through the bearing surface geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The eye shield is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic transition between storage and usage positions. The snap-fit connector with journal enables this dynamic movement while providing stable positioning in both states through its bearing surface design.
2Reliability
If separate fasteners are used to connect eye shield to bracket, then secure connection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connector and journal into a single integrated snap-fit connector assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate fasteners while maintaining secure connection through the bearing surface that receives the journal.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit connector serves multiple functions: it connects the eye shield to the bracket, allows pivoting movement, provides stable positioning in both storage and usage positions, and eliminates the need for separate fasteners. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective helmet (10) of the type worn by a firefighter or other emergency worker has a crown (12) and a brim (14) that projects forwardly and laterally from the lower part of the crown (12). An eye protector (16) is provided on the helmet (10) in the form of a pair of transparent eye shields (18) that are mounted to the underside of the brim (14) by a bracket (20) for manual movement between a storage position and the usage position. A snap fit connector or hinge is provided on either the bracket (20) or each of the eye shields (18) to pivotably connect the eye shields to the bracket (20) for movement between the storage and usage positions.