Helmet Mounting Assembly Break Away Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting assemblies for night vision devices on helmets do not adequately protect users from injury due to the transmission of external forces to the head and neck during impacts, as they lack a break-away connection mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly with a break-away connector between the night vision device mount and the helmet, allowing for automatic detachment upon sudden impacts, featuring a tether for easy retrieval and reattachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking plate with push button release mechanism is used to attach the night vision device to the helmet, then the device can be securely mounted and easily removed under normal conditions, but the mounting assembly transmits external impact forces to the user's head and neck causing injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is divided into two functional segments: a secure locking mechanism for normal operation and a break-away connector for impact protection. The break-away connector includes a connector body with a connector head that engages with the locking plate, and a connector tail that attaches to the mounting assembly. The connector head is designed to detach from the locking plate when subjected to excessive force, separating the secure mounting function from the impact transmission path.
Solution Approach 2:
The break-away connector changes the force threshold parameter of the mounting assembly. Under normal conditions, the connector maintains a secure connection with sufficient holding force. When impact force exceeds a predetermined threshold, the connector automatically detaches, changing the connection state from secure to disconnected. This parameter change allows the system to adapt its mechanical properties based on the applied load.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a break away connector is added to prevent impact force transmission, then user safety during impacts is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The break-away connector serves as an intermediary component between the locking plate and the mounting assembly. This intermediary element provides the break-away functionality without requiring modification of the existing locking plate or mounting assembly designs. The connector mediates the connection, allowing normal secure mounting while providing a controlled failure mode under impact conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The break-away connector is designed as a sacrificial component that may detach during impact events to protect the user. The connector body, connector head, and connector tail form a simple, relatively low-cost assembly compared to the potential injury costs. The connector can be replaced after detachment, providing an economical safety mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for mounting a night vision device to a helmet is provided that includes a helmet with a mounting device attached to the helmet, and a mounting assembly carrying a night vision device and having a helmet mounting surface for connection to the mounting device, wherein a break away connector is connected between the mounting device and the helmet mounting surface of the mounting assembly for establishing a break away connection between the helmet mounting surface of the mounting assembly and the mounting device.