Helmet Plug Retention Plate With Cantilever Contact Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing helmet-mounted electronic devices face issues with secure retention of electrical plugs, which are prone to physical damage and environmental contamination when not connected.

Innovation Solution

A plug retention plate with receptacles and cantilever arms that mechanically retain compatible plugs, featuring a configuration for attachment to helmets using hook-and-loop materials or rail systems, ensuring secure and durable plug retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrical plugs are left unconnected on helmet-mounted devices, then device portability and flexibility are maintained, but the electrical contacts are exposed to physical damage and environmental contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoidcontact exposure to damage and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a retention plate as an intermediary component between the helmet and the electrical plugs. This plate provides dedicated receptacles that securely hold plugs when not connected to devices, acting as a protective mediator that prevents direct exposure of contacts to environmental hazards while maintaining the portability of the helmet system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention plate performs preliminary protective action by providing pre-configured receptacles ready to receive and secure plugs before they are exposed to harmful environments. The cantilever arms are pre-positioned to automatically engage with plugs, ensuring protection is established in advance rather than reacting to damage after it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If electrical plugs are securely retained on the helmet, then protection from damage and contamination is improved, but additional retention mechanisms increase device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact protectionVSAvoidretention mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention system is segmented into modular components: a base retention plate with multiple independent receptacles, each with its own cantilever arm mechanism. This segmentation allows each receptacle to function independently, providing protection for individual plugs without requiring a complex integrated system for all connections simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cantilever arms are designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded or elastic mechanisms that automatically engage with plugs upon insertion and release upon removal. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual operation or complex actuation systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple plug receptacles are integrated into the retention plate, then versatility for different electronic devices is improved, but the plate occupies more space on the helmet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-device compatibilityVSAvoidplate mounting area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The retention plate is designed with universal receptacles that can accommodate multiple types of electrical plugs through standardized dimensions and flexible cantilever arms. This multi-functionality allows a single plate to serve multiple electronic devices simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate retention mechanisms for each device type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple plug receptacles are merged into a single integrated plate structure rather than using separate retention devices for each plug. The plate combines multiple receptacles and their supporting structures into one unified component, reducing the total mounting area required compared to individual retention devices while maintaining versatility for different plug types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260033581A1Helmet-attachable plug retention plate

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 TNVC INC

AI summary

A helmet-attachable plug retention plate is disclosed. The plug retention plate includes a front side and a rear side opposite the front side, with the rear side configured for attachment to a helmet. At least one plug receptacle is disposed on the front side, and includes a depression defined by a raised sidewall and at least one cantilever arm. The cantilever arm is configured to deflect upon insertion of a compatible plug and includes a distal end configured to mechanically retain the compatible plug within the plug receptacle.