Helmet Shield Locking Mechanism for Secure Vented Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorcycle helmets with locking mechanisms for shields are complex, costly to manufacture, and prone to unreliable operation due to the need for multiple locking components, and they do not allow for a stable intermediate position that permits airflow.
Innovation Solution
A locking device positioned on the outer shell, featuring a rotatable engaging member and elastic means, which securely locks the shield in operative and intermediate positions without additional components on the shield, allowing easy operation and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional protective helmets are designed with simple structures and limited functions, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but the helmet cannot effectively protect against multiple hazards (impact, penetration, weather, communication interference)
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet is divided into multiple functional modules: impact-resistant shell, communication device with micBoom, battery compartment, and weather protection elements. Each module independently addresses specific hazards while maintaining overall system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet integrates multiple functions into a single device: physical protection against impact and penetration, weather protection, communication capabilities, and power management. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate protective equipment.
2Reliability
If advanced materials and multiple protective features are integrated into the helmet, then protective capability and functionality are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is pre-formed with an optimized aerodynamic shape and integrated mounting points for communication devices and other attachments. This preliminary structuring reduces assembly complexity and manufacturing costs compared to post-production modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The helmet utilizes composite material construction combining different materials with complementary properties to achieve high protective capability while controlling weight and manufacturing complexity. The composite structure allows single-step molding of complex geometries.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the helmet includes integrated communication devices and additional features, then functionality and user capability are improved, but weight and comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is positioned to extend from the side of the helmet rather than being centrally mounted, distributing weight away from the head's center of gravity. This local optimization improves balance and reduces perceived weight while maintaining communication functionality.
4Manufacturing precision
If the helmet is designed with fixed functional components, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but adaptability to different users and situations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet incorporates adjustable components including removable micBoom elements, adjustable straps, and configurable communication settings. These dynamic elements allow the fixed shell structure to adapt to different user preferences and operational requirements while maintaining precise manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Protective helmet (1) adapted to be worn by a user and to protect the head of the user against impacts and comprising a rigid outer shell (2) delimiting an inner space designed for housing the head of a user and comprising a front opening (4). The protective helmet (1) further comprises a shield (8) removably coupled to the outer shell (2) and adapted to move at least between an operative position wherein the shield (8) covers the front opening (4) and doesn't allow entrance of air in the inner space and an inoperative position wherein the inner space is accessible from the outside through the front opening (4), the shield (8) being provided with a front hole (12). The protective helmet (1) comprises also a locking device (16) designed to lock the shield (8) in the operative position. The locking device (16) is positioned on the outer shell (2) and comprises a rotatable engaging member (18) designed to engage the front hole (12) of the shield (8) when the shield (8) is in the operative position.