Helmet Interconnect Mechanism with Rotating Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for attaching helmet-mounted devices, such as lights and night vision systems, lack reliable and simple mechanisms for mechanical and electrical coupling, which is critical for tactical operations where secure and environmental sealing is necessary.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a dual interconnect mechanism with rotatable frames, biasing members, and projections to establish a secure mechanical and electrical connection between the helmet and the device, ensuring environmental sealing and easy attachment/removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional attachment system is used for helmet-mounted devices, then the device can be attached and removed, but the connection lacks reliability and environmental sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate interconnect mechanisms: a first interconnect mechanism on the helmet and a second interconnect mechanism on the device. These segments can independently exist and are designed to mate together, allowing for modular assembly and disassembly while maintaining connection reliability through precise engagement features like pins, slots, and biasing members.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnect mechanisms feature nested structural elements where the second interconnect mechanism attaches to the first through interlocking components. The frame, pins, slots, and biasing members create a nested arrangement where inner components are contained within or engaged by outer components, ensuring secure mechanical and electrical coupling.
2Reliability
If a secure mechanical connection is established, then the device is firmly attached, but the attachment and removal process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system incorporates dynamic elements including rotatable frames and biasing members that automatically engage and disengage. The frame can rotate to facilitate attachment, and the biasing member provides automatic spring-loaded engagement, reducing the manual effort required while maintaining secure connection during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member provides self-service functionality by automatically applying force to maintain engagement between the interconnect mechanisms. Once attached, the system self-secures through the spring-loaded biasing member that continuously pushes to maintain contact, eliminating the need for constant manual adjustment or complex locking procedures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If environmental sealing is implemented, then the connection is protected from adverse conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect mechanisms incorporate sealing elements that act as flexible barriers between the helmet and device interfaces. These sealing components conform to the mating surfaces and prevent environmental contaminants from penetrating the connection interface, protecting internal components while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged with the mechanical interconnection structure rather than being a separate system. The biasing member simultaneously provides both the mechanical engagement force and the sealing pressure, while the frame structure integrates both structural support and sealing surface functions, reducing overall system complexity.
4Reliability
If electrical interconnections are established through the mechanical connection, then power and signals are transmitted, but the risk of environmental damage to electrical contacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are nested within the protected interior space created by the interlocking frame structures. The pins and slots create a enclosed pathway where electrical contacts are shielded from environmental factors, and the biasing member maintains contact pressure while keeping the electrical interface sealed and protected throughout operation.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Systems (100) for establishing electrical interconnections for helmet- mounted devices are disclosed. A system for establishing an electrical interconnection for a helmet-mounted device is comprises a first interconnect mechanism (110) coupled to one of a helmet and the helmet-mounted device, and a second interconnect mechanism (160) coupled to the other one of the helmet and the helmet-mounted device. The first interconnect mechanism (110) comprises a first frame (120), a biasing member (140), a plurality of first electrical contacts (130), and a first projection (150). The second interconnect mechanism (160) comprises a second frame (170), a plurality of second electrical contacts (180), and a second projection (190). As the first interconnect mechanism (120) is moved toward the second interconnect mechanism (160), the contact between the first projection (150) and the second projection (190) causes rotation of the first frame (110) in a direction opposite the predetermined rotational direction.