Helmet Mount Latching With Power Contacts for Night-Vision Goggles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmet-mounted systems for night-vision goggles lack an efficient and secure method for electrical power distribution and accessory mounting, which can lead to cumbersome and unreliable operations.
Innovation Solution
A helmet mount system featuring a latching plate with electrical contacts and an accessory mount with corresponding contacts, along with a latching mechanism that includes a spring-loaded design to securely attach night-vision goggles, ensuring reliable power transfer and minimal profile integration with the helmet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If night-vision goggles are mounted to the helmet using existing systems, then visibility in low light conditions is improved, but the helmet becomes heavier and more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the night-vision equipment into separate components: the goggles themselves, the accessory mount attached to the goggles, and the helmet mount attached to the helmet. The power source is further segmented and positioned separately on the torso rather than on the helmet, reducing helmet weight while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet mount acts as an intermediary component between the helmet and the accessory mount. It provides a secure mechanical connection through latching structures and electrical connection through contacts, allowing the goggles to be mounted on the helmet without directly adding all weight and complexity to the helmet itself
2Ease of operation
If existing mounting systems are used for night-vision goggles, then the goggles can be worn on the helmet, but the electrical power distribution becomes cumbersome and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges mechanical mounting and electrical connection functions into a single integrated helmet mount assembly. The latching structures and electrical contacts are combined in one component that simultaneously secures the accessory mount mechanically and establishes electrical power distribution, simplifying operation and improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet mount serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical attachment through latching structures, establishes electrical connections through contacts, and enables power distribution to the accessory mount. This multi-functionality in a single component reduces the number of separate elements needed, making the system more reliable and easier to operate
3Reliability
If a secure mounting system is implemented for night-vision goggles, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a nested structure where the accessory mount attaches to the helmet mount, which in turn attaches to the helmet. The latching structures are nested within the mounting assemblies, with first latching structures on the helmet mount engaging with second latching structures on the accessory mount. This nesting provides secure attachment while keeping individual components relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The latching spring automatically engages the latching structures to secure the accessory mount to the helmet mount without requiring additional fastening operations. The spring-loaded mechanism provides self-service attachment, improving reliability while maintaining simplicity by eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms
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
The system provides a secure, low-profile mounting solution for night-vision goggles with efficient electrical power distribution, enhancing usability and reducing weight on the helmet by balancing the power source elsewhere, such as on the torso.
Implementation Method 1
a latching spring mounted below the latching plate and configured to engage and disengage the accessory mount
Implementation Method 2
One or more second electrical contacts are mounted to the accessory mount and positioned to be in electrical contact with the one or more first electrical contacts
Data Source
AI summary
A helmet mount includes a latching plate defining a latching opening with wide and narrow portions and a notch. A latching spring below the latching plate urges a spring portion against the wide portion. The shaft of a first pin on an accessory mount is sized to fit in the narrow portion while its widened head only fits through the wide portion. The spring portion engages the widened head and prevents sliding within the narrow portion. The shaft of a second pin slides within the notch with its widened head preventing removal. A wedge may be slid against the spring to retract the spring portion allowing removal of the first pin. Electrical contacts on the helmet mount may engage electrical contents on the accessory mount to supply power to an accessory such as night-vision goggles.