Helmet Mounting Rail Assembly for Secure Multi-Position Accessory Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional helmet systems lack effective and non-detrimental methods for attaching accessories, with adhesives causing dislodgment and drilling for screws compromising helmet integrity.
Innovation Solution
A mounting rail assembly with a rail and shim system that includes a mounting groove and recesses for accessory attachment, utilizing fasteners and shims to secure accessories without drilling, allowing multiple attachment points and flexible alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adhesive is used to attach accessories to the helmet, then the accessory can be mounted without drilling, but the accessory may become dislodged from the helmet
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a base plate that attaches to the helmet, a rail assembly that provides mounting grooves, and fasteners that secure accessories. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate acts as an intermediary between the helmet and the rail assembly, providing a stable foundation without requiring direct attachment of accessories to the helmet. The fasteners serve as intermediaries to securely connect accessories to the rail, preventing dislodgment while maintaining ease of attachment.
2Reliability
If screws with anchors are used to mount accessories to the helmet, then the accessory attachment is secure, but holes must be drilled into the helmet which compromises structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate serves as an intermediary that attaches to the helmet without requiring drilled holes, thereby preserving helmet structural integrity. The rail assembly and fasteners provide the secure attachment mechanism, separating the function of helmet attachment from the function of accessory securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the traditional mechanical drilling and screwing process with a base plate attachment mechanism that does not require penetrating the helmet structure. This substitution maintains helmet integrity while achieving secure accessory mounting through the rail and fastener system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional helmet systems are used, then the helmet structure remains simple, but there are limited options for attaching accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into modular components (base plate, rail assembly, fasteners) that can be independently selected and configured. This modular approach provides versatility in accessory mounting options while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate and rail assembly serve multiple functions: they provide structural attachment to the helmet, offer multiple mounting positions through the rail groove, and accommodate various accessory types through different fastener configurations. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting rail assembly comprises a rail configured to be coupled to a helmet. The rail may include a rear surface and a front surface with a mounting groove extending along a length of the front surface. The mounting groove may be open outwardly from a front surface of the rail and be configured to couple to a first accessory device at two or more positions along the length of the rail. A recess may be proximate an edge of the mounting rail assembly. The recess may be open generally perpendicular to the mounting groove and configured to receive a second accessory device. At least a portion of the recess may be positioned between the mounting groove and the rear surface of the rail.