Helmet Shield Locking Mechanism with Sloping Face and Pressing Piece

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing helmet shield locking mechanisms fail to simplify the operation of engaging and disengaging the projection from the fitting portion and do not securely maintain the fully closed position, especially during shocks.

Innovation Solution

A locking mechanism with a sloping face portion and a pressing piece, supported on the helmet main body, that allows for simplified operation by pivoting and sliding to release and maintain the engaged position, ensuring the fully closed position is securely maintained by preventing upward pivoting and allowing outward spreading of the shield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a projection and fitting portion locking mechanism is used to maintain the fully closed shield position, then the fully closed position is steadily maintained, but the operation for engaging and disengaging the projection from the fitting portion is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteady maintenance of fully closed positionVSAvoidoperation for engaging and disengaging projection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shield's own weight and the gravitational force acting on it are utilized to automatically engage the projection with the fitting portion when the shield is lowered into the closed position, eliminating the need for manual engagement operations. The system serves itself by using the shield's movement to trigger the locking action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A pressing piece is introduced as an intermediary element between the shield and the fitting portion. This pressing piece facilitates the engagement process by applying force to guide the projection into the fitting portion, simplifying the user's interaction while ensuring reliable locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a projection and fitting portion locking mechanism is used to maintain the fully closed shield position, then the locking mechanism maintains the closed position, but the lock may be unexpectedly released by shield deflection due to shock during an accident

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking mechanism stabilityVSAvoidshield deflection due to shock
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing piece is pre-positioned and pre-loaded to continuously apply force that keeps the projection firmly engaged with the fitting portion. This preliminary counteracting force is prepared in advance to resist any unexpected deflection forces that may occur during accidents, preventing premature disengagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing piece acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes shock forces before they can cause the projection to disengage from the fitting portion. By being in place beforehand, it provides protective buffering against harmful shock-induced deflections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS8375474B2Shield locking mechanism for helmet
Publication Date: 2013.02.19 ARAI MICHIO
  • US8375474B2 patent drawing
  • US8375474B2 patent drawing
  • US8375474B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A locking mechanism for a helmet with a rotatable face shield includes an operating element that, when the shield is in a fully closed position, holds the shield from the outside against the outer wall of the helmet main body, and to open the shield, spreads out the shield and disengages a projection from a fitting portion.