Helmet Integrated Power Source for Connected Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Modern ballistic helmets lack an integrated solution to power and operate conductively connected electronic devices, such as lights, GPS, thermal imagers, and cameras, which are often mounted on them for enhanced operational capabilities, and require accessible switches or buttons for easy operation.

Innovation Solution

A ballistic helmet design that includes an adapter for each earcup with an integrated electronic circuit capable of powering and operating conductively connected devices, featuring a primary printed circuit board connected to battery packs, a battery pack selector assembly, and an interface for electronic devices, allowing for continuous power supply and easy device integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic devices are mounted on the helmet to enhance operational capabilities, then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and power supply management become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidpower supply management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The helmet integrates a universal power distribution system with a single battery pack that can power multiple different electronic devices (lights, GPS, thermal imager, camera, etc.) through conductive connections. The electronic circuit board provides multi-functional power management capability, allowing any mounted device to receive power without requiring separate power sources for each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the battery pack serves as a common power source for all electronic devices, the electronic circuit board integrates power distribution and device control, and the switch assembly consolidates control functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate power supplies and control mechanisms for each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If switches or buttons are added to operate electronic devices, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice controlVSAvoidcontrol mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch assembly serves as a universal control interface for multiple electronic devices. A single switch can control different devices (lights, GPS, camera, etc.) by establishing conductive connections through the electronic circuit board, eliminating the need for separate switches for each device while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic circuit board acts as an intermediary between the switch assembly and the various electronic devices. The circuit board manages the conductive connections, routing power and control signals from the single switch to the appropriate device, thereby simplifying the control mechanism while enabling easy operation of multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If battery packs are integrated into the helmet, then the power supply capability is improved, but the weight and volume of the helmet increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidhelmet weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The battery pack is nested within the helmet structure, integrating the power source into the existing helmet design. This nesting approach minimizes the additional weight and volume by utilizing the helmet's internal space rather than adding external components, thereby improving power supply capability while limiting the increase in overall helmet mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If conductive connections are used to power devices, then the reliability of power transfer is improved, but the adaptability to different devices becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transferVSAvoiddevice integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic circuit board provides a universal conductive connection interface that can adapt to different electronic devices. The same conductive connection mechanism powers various devices (lights, GPS, thermal imager, camera) with different power requirements, maintaining reliability through consistent electrical connection while achieving versatility through the circuit board's ability to interface with multiple device types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230251063A1Helmet with an integrated power source for connected electronic devices

Publication Date: 2023.08.10 UNITY TACTICAL LLC

AI summary

Implementations of a helmet with an integrated power source for connected electronic devices are provided. An example helmet comprises: at least one battery pack attached to the helmet; an accessory interface on an exterior side of the helmet; and an electronic device removably attached to the accessory interface. The at least one battery pack includes at least one power source and the accessory interface is configured to conductively connect the electronic device to the at least one battery pack.