Helmet Rail Accessory Mount With Lever Lock for One-Handed Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head gear mounting systems require tools for accessory adjustment and removal, limiting single-handed operation and necessitating helmet removal for changes.
Innovation Solution
An accessory mounting device with a body and locking mechanism, including levers connected at pivots, allowing engagement with elongated rails and enabling single-handed attachment and detachment of accessories without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rail mounting systems are used, then accessories can be attached to head gear, but tools are required for adjustment and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device enables self-service operation through a lever-actuated locking mechanism that allows users to attach, adjust, and remove accessories without external tools. The lever directly manipulates the locking components (cam or clamp) to engage or disengage from the rail, making the system self-sufficient for user operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the user's manual input and the locking mechanism. By pivoting the lever, users indirectly actuate the locking components that secure the accessory to the rail, providing mechanical advantage and simplified control without requiring direct manipulation of complex locking parts.
2Ease of operation
If traditional rail mounting systems are used, then accessories can be secured to head gear, but single-handed operation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the lever simultaneously controls both locking components (cam or clamp), the rail engagement features are integrated into the device body, and the accessory mounting interface is combined with the locking mechanism. This consolidation enables single-handed operation despite the sophisticated locking capability.
3Productivity
If traditional rail mounting systems are used, then accessories can be mounted, but helmet removal is necessary for accessory changes
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device enables self-service accessory replacement by providing a user-actuated lever mechanism that directly controls the locking system. Users can quickly release and replace accessories without removing the helmet, as the lever mechanism allows one-handed operation for both securing and releasing accessories while the helmet is worn.
4Reliability
If tools are required for accessory adjustment, then secure mounting is achieved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional tool-based mechanical system with a direct manual lever-actuated system. Instead of requiring external tools to manipulate screws, clips, or fasteners, the integrated lever mechanism provides direct mechanical control over the locking components, eliminating the need for tool intervention while maintaining secure mounting through the cam or clamp locking action.
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 easy, tool-free adjustment and attachment of accessories on head gear, allowing users to change or position accessories while wearing the helmet.
Implementation Method 1
The lever can be a resilient lever
Implementation Method 2
The lever can extend from the pivot beyond one of the first and second end surfaces of the body. The lever can also rotate about a pivot axis that intersects the pivot such that the lever rotates toward the top surface of the body when the locking mechanism is manipulated from a locked position to an unlocked position.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of an accessory mounting device are disclosed. The device can be adapted to engage an elongated rail. The device can include a body having top, bottom, and first and second side surfaces. Each of the side surfaces can include a rail engagement portion adjacent the bottom surface of the body and an accessory engagement portion adjacent the top surface. The device can also include a locking mechanism including a lever connected to the body at a pivot, and a tab extending from the lever in a direction away from the bottom surface. In one or more embodiments, the locking mechanism can include first and second levers each connected to the body at a pivot. The lever can rotate about a pivot axis in a direction toward the top surface of the body when the locking mechanism is manipulated from a locked position to an unlocked position.