Helmet Mount Pivoting Mechanism for Stowable Optical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmet-mounted optical device mounting systems do not efficiently allow for the secure and adjustable positioning of viewing devices between operational and stowed positions without requiring removal from the helmet.
Innovation Solution
A helmet mount system featuring pivoting segments with adjustable mechanisms, including vertical adjust mechanisms and resilient protrusions, allows for secure attachment and adjustable positioning of optical devices between operational and stowed positions, with optional magnetic activation for power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the viewing device is mounted on the helmet in a fixed position, then the device is securely attached to the helmet, but the device cannot be adjusted or stowed when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system employs a pivoting segment that allows the viewing device to rotate between an operational position (in front of the user's eye) and a stowed position (above the helmet). This dynamic mechanism enables the device to change position while remaining securely attached to the helmet through the pivot connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into multiple segments: a first pivoting segment attached to the helmet, a second pivoting segment attached to the viewing device, and connecting elements. This segmentation allows independent movement and adjustment of each component while maintaining secure connections between them.
2Productivity
If the viewing device is made accessible for frequent use, then the device can be quickly positioned, but power consumption increases due to continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a magnetic switch that automatically detects when the viewing device is in the operational position and activates it, and when stowed and deactivates it. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual power control, ensuring the device is powered on only when needed and conserves battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic switch provides automatic feedback-based power control by detecting the position of the viewing device through magnetic field changes. When the device is positioned in front of the user's eye, the magnetic switch closes the circuit and activates the device; when stowed above the helmet, the circuit opens and deactivates it.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mounting system allows vertical adjustment, then the viewing device can be positioned at different heights, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical adjustment mechanism replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a simpler friction-based or spring-loaded mechanism that allows the viewing device to be positioned vertically along the pivoting segment and held in place without intricate locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting segment is designed to provide multiple functions: it enables both vertical adjustment of the viewing device height and rotation between operational and stowed positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each degree of freedom.
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
Enables secure, adjustable, and convenient operation of optical devices on helmets, ensuring they are accessible when needed and safely stowed when not in use, while also managing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient protrusion received within the second opening when the first pivoting segment is attached to the helmet mount interface
Implementation Method 2
A magnet is pivotally carried on a pivot arm on the second pivoting segment and the pivot arm is pivotable under the influence of gravity to move the magnet into proximity with a magnetically operated switch
Implementation Method 3
the pivot arm is pivotable under the influence of gravity to move the magnet into proximity with a magnetically operated switch
Data Source
AI summary
Helmet mounts for mounting an associated viewing device on a helmet, includes a first pivoting segment for attachment to the helmet and a second pivoting segment for attachment to the associated viewing device. The second pivoting segment is pivotable relative to the first pivoting segment for selectively supporting the associated viewing device in a first, operational position before the eyes of a user donning the helmet and a second, stowed position above a line of sight of a viewer donning the helmet. In one aspect, the first pivoting segment includes a vertical adjust mechanism having a base plate, a pair of guide rails attached to the base plate and defining a channel therebetween, a sliding plate slidably attached to the guide rails, and a clamping mechanism for selectively applying a clamping force to secure the sliding plate at a desired position relative to the base plate.