Helmet-Mounted Mirror With Dual-Axis Pivot For Cyclist Rear View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety devices for cyclists, such as handlebar and helmet-mounted mirrors, are unsteady, bulky, and prone to damage, causing increased risk of frontal collisions and impairing movement, while also posing injury risks in accidents.
Innovation Solution
A wearable reflective device with a mirror connected to a base via a pivotal and rotational element, allowing 360-degree rotation and adjustable strap for secure fitting, enabling cyclists to view their surroundings without turning their head, while being compact and vibration-resistant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mirror is mounted to a bicycle handlebar using an extended arm, then the mirror is raised to a suitable position for viewing, but the device becomes bulky and prone to damage and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the mirror from handlebar mounting to helmet mounting, changing the spatial dimension and attachment point. This allows the mirror to be positioned close to the rider's eye without requiring an extended arm, eliminating the bulky structure while maintaining viewing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The extended arm component is completely removed from the design. The mirror is mounted directly to the helmet without any intermediate extending structure, extracting the problematic element that caused bulkiness and vulnerability
2Ease of operation
If a mirror is mounted to a cyclist's helmet, then the viewing position is improved and compactness is achieved, but it requires certain types of helmets and may impair movement
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet mounting system is designed to be universally compatible with different helmet types through adjustable attachment mechanisms. The strap and mounting interface can accommodate various helmet shapes and sizes, making the device adaptable to multiple helmet models without requiring modifications
3Loss of information
If a cyclist turns their head to look behind, then awareness of surroundings is improved, but vision is taken off the path and straight riding position is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror acts as an intermediary that provides visual information about the surroundings behind the cyclist without requiring the cyclist to physically turn their head. The reflected image delivers the necessary information while the cyclist maintains their forward-facing position and focus on the path
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
Enhances cyclist safety by maintaining focus on the travel path, reducing vibration-induced blur, and allowing compact storage with easy reconfiguration, while also providing a means to store medical information for emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
the pivotal element comprises a hinge
Implementation Method 2
the rotational element comprises an annular channel along which one or more protrusions can travel
Implementation Method 3
the mirror comprises a polished aluminium surface
Implementation Method 4
the strap is attached to the base using a hook and loop fastener and a channel of the base
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable reflective device. The wearable reflective device includes a mirror, a base and a strap. The strap is attached to the base for securing the device to a user. The mirror is connected to the base by a pivotal element and a rotational element, wherein the pivotal element is configured to allow the mirror to pivot along a first plane, the rotational element configured to allow the mirror and pivotal element to rotate in a second plane. The first plane is substantially orthogonal to the second plane.