Helmet Face Shield Linkage With Spring-Assisted Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective helmets lack an efficient linkage mechanism for easy and assisted movement of the face protection shield between deployed and stowed positions, limiting their usability in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A protective helmet with a linkage mechanism comprising a first and second link connected to the outer shell and protection shield, and a biasing member that moves along a slot during position change, assisted by a tension spring for easy movement between deployed and stowed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional linkage mechanism is used to connect the protection shield to the helmet, then the shield can be moved between deployed and stowed positions, but the movement requires significant manual force and lacks assisted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism is divided into separate functional components: first link, second link, and biasing member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the links provide mechanical connection and movement paths, while the biasing member provides assisted movement force, resolving the contradiction by distributing the movement assistance function across dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member is configured to automatically provide assisted movement force during shield transition without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The mechanism uses the natural motion of the shield between positions to engage and disengage the biasing member, allowing the system to serve itself by converting the shield's movement into mechanical advantage.
2Reliability
If the protection shield is positioned on the exterior of the helmet shell in the raised position, then face protection is provided, but the linkage mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism components (first link, second link, biasing member) serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support for the shield, enable controlled movement between positions, provide assisted movement through the biasing member, and maintain the shield in both deployed and stowed positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing complexity while ensuring reliable face protection.
3Ease of operation
If a biasing member is added to assist movement of the protection shield, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member acts as an intermediary element between the first and second links, providing assisted movement force without requiring direct connection to the shield or helmet shell. This intermediary configuration allows the biasing member to influence shield movement through the existing linkage structure, adding functionality while minimizing increases in overall device complexity.
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 and effective movement of the protection shield, enhancing user convenience and adaptability across different environments.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member having a first end connected to the first link and a second end connected to the second link... The biasing member is movable between a first or unstretched configuration to a second or stretched configuration upon application of a biasing force
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A protective helmet has an outer shell, a face shield movable relative to the outer shell between a deployed position and a stowed position, and a linkage mechanism for connecting the face shield to the outer shell and permitting movement of the face shield between the deployed and stowed positions. The linkage mechanism has a cover with a first end connected to the outer shell and a second end connected to the face shield, a pivoting link having a first end connected to the outer shell and a second end connected to the face shield, and a biasing member having a first end connected to the cover and a second end connected to the pivoting link. The second end of the biasing member moves between the first and second ends of the pivoting link during movement of the face shield between the deployed and stowed positions.