Ballistic Helmet Harness with Intermediary Accessory Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ballistic helmets face challenges in providing a secure and comfortable fit while allowing for the attachment of tactical accessories without compromising the helmet's integrity or weight, particularly in designs that require securement methods that do not drill or form holes, which can lead to potential failure under impact.
Innovation Solution
A ballistic helmet design featuring a harness system with a nape pad, tensioner, multiple securement straps, and a tension cable that is selectively adjustable, allowing for secure attachment to the helmet shell without direct connections to the nape pad, and utilizing a unitary tension cable structure that extends from one side of the front portion to the opposite side, providing adjustable and reinforced chin strap configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If securement methods that drill or form holes are used to attach accessories to the helmet shell, then the accessories can be firmly attached, but the helmet's integrity is compromised and potential failure points are created under impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary attachment system consisting of attachment members (such as clips, hooks, or magnetic elements) that connect accessories to the helmet shell without requiring holes or direct penetration. These intermediaries distribute loads across larger surface areas and maintain the helmet's structural integrity while enabling secure accessory attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into separate, modular components that can be independently positioned and secured on the helmet shell. This segmentation allows accessories to be attached at multiple discrete locations without compromising overall helmet integrity, as each attachment point is independently designed to minimize structural impact.
2Ease of operation
If a complex harness system with multiple securement straps and adjustable portions is used, then the fit and comfort are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harness system incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms such as sliding buckles, Velcro® straps, or ratchet systems that allow users to easily modify the fit and comfort characteristics. These dynamic elements enable continuous adjustment of strap lengths and tension without requiring complex assembly or disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The securement straps are designed to serve multiple functions: they secure the helmet to the user's head, provide adjustment for fit and comfort, and can also serve as attachment points for accessories. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall harness system.
3Device complexity
If the tension cable is directly connected to the nape pad, then the adjustment mechanism is simplified, but potential failure points are created under impact
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary connection element (such as a reinforced connector, distribution plate, or energy-absorbing interface) is introduced between the tension cable and the nape pad. This intermediary component distributes impact forces across a larger area, prevents direct stress concentration at the cable attachment point, and maintains connection reliability while preserving adjustment simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system incorporates pre-designed cushioning or energy-absorbing features at the tension cable attachment point to the nape pad. These features are built in advance to mitigate impact forces, preventing failure under sudden loads while maintaining the simplicity of the adjustment mechanism during normal use.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a ballistic helmet and a method of assembling a ballistic helmet that includes a helmet shell and a harness connected to the helmet shell. The helmet shell includes a front portion and a rear portion. The harness includes a nape pad, a tensioner disposed on the nape pad, a plurality of securement straps, and a tension cable. The plurality of securement straps are connected to the nape pad and are configured to fasten to the rear portion of the helmet shell. The tension cable is selectively adjustable by the tensioner and is configured to fasten to the front portion of the helmet shell.