Helmet Visor Automatic Retraction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cyclists' eyes lack protection from impact and adverse weather conditions in existing bicycle helmets, which can lead to vision obstruction and injury, and current visors require manual retraction, risking damage and forgetfulness.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle helmet with a retractable visor that automatically moves from a forward position to a retracted position upon removal, using a mechanical system with a biasing member and actuator to ensure the visor is protected and out of the way when not in use, featuring a lockable hinge system and override mechanism for manual adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the visor is left in the forward position for eye protection, then eye protection is improved, but the visor may be knocked and marked causing vision obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The visor is automatically retracted to the stored position before the helmet is removed from the user's head. This preliminary action ensures the visor is in a safe, protected state when not in use, preventing damage from knocks and marks while maintaining eye protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic retraction mechanism uses the natural motion of removing the helmet to automatically retract the visor. The system serves itself by converting the removal action into the retraction action, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring consistent protection.
2Reliability
If the visor is manually retracted when not in use, then the visor is protected from damage, but the user may forget to do so leaving the visor in a vulnerable position
Solution Approach 1:
The visor retraction system is self-actuating, using the removal of the helmet from the user's head as the trigger mechanism. This eliminates the need for the user to remember or manually operate the retraction, as the system automatically performs the protective action based on the natural removal motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism detects the removal of the helmet through the motion of the actuator and automatically triggers visor retraction in response. This feedback loop ensures the visor is always retracted when the helmet is removed, providing reliable protection without user intervention.
3Reliability
If the visor is kept in the stored position to protect it, then the visor is safe from damage, but visibility is reduced when eye protection is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The visor is designed to be dynamically repositionable between a forward position for eye protection and a retracted position for safety. The automatic retraction mechanism ensures the visor transitions to the appropriate position based on whether the helmet is being worn or removed, optimizing both visibility and protection.
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
Provides enhanced visibility and protection for the cyclist's eyes by automatically retraction of the visor when the helmet is removed, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring it is always in a safe position, while allowing manual override for user control.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to bias the actuator in the first configuration when the head of the user is removed from the shell such that the visor is biased in the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A helmet having a visor and a method of manufacturing such helmet are disclosed. The helmet comprises a shell dimensioned to receive the head of a user. A visor is moveably attached to the shell, and configurable between (1) a first position in which the visor extends from a forward region of the shell and (2) a second position in which the visor is substantially retracted with respect to the forward region of the shell. It is contemplated that actuation of the movement of the visor between the first position and the second position is automated on placement or removal of the helmet from the head of a user.