Helmet Sun Visor Mechanism for Stable Constant-Speed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sun visor opening/closing mechanisms in helmets often result in unstable movement due to imbalance in force, inconsistent opening/closing speeds, and potential collisions with the helmet body, leading to noise and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism featuring a sliding member coupled to the sun visor's central top end, guided by a holder with a damper and saw-toothed surface, allowing controlled forward and backward movement at a constant speed, and incorporating a returning spring for automatic return and a button assembly for position fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manipulating lever is installed at one end portion of the sun visor, then the sun visor can be opened and closed, but unstable movement occurs due to imbalance in force
Solution Approach 1:
A manipulating grip is installed at the top portion of the helmet main body, separate from the sun visor itself. This grip acts as an intermediary that transmits user force to the sun visor through a connecting mechanism, allowing operation while maintaining force balance and movement stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation interface is moved from the sun visor's lateral dimension (end portions) to the vertical dimension (top portion of helmet). This spatial repositioning allows for more balanced force application and stable movement control.
2Productivity
If force is applied to the manipulating lever, then the sun visor opens and closes, but the opening/closing speed varies too fast or too slow depending on force magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
A damper mechanism is introduced to control the movement speed parameter. The damper provides resistance that regulates the opening and closing speed, ensuring consistent speed regardless of the magnitude of force applied by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper provides continuous feedback resistance during the sun visor's movement, automatically adjusting the force opposition based on movement speed to maintain constant opening and closing rates.
3Ease of operation
If the sun visor is inserted into the helmet main body, then the sun visor can be retracted, but collision with the helmet main body occurs causing noise and reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer or damping mechanism is provided between the sun visor and the helmet main body interior. This cushioning element prevents direct collision by absorbing impact energy, reducing noise and preventing damage to the sun visor during retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
A buffer element acts as an intermediary between the sun visor and the helmet main body, preventing direct contact and collision while allowing the sun visor to be fully retracted into the helmet.
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 stable and controlled opening/closing of the sun visor without imbalance, prevents collisions with the helmet, and extends the sun visor's lifespan by maintaining consistent speeds and reducing noise.
Implementation Method 1
a damper that is attached to one side of the guide holder such that the sliding member is moved forwards and backwards at a constant speed
Implementation Method 2
a returning spring of which one end is connected with a rear surface of the one end portion of the sliding member, and the other end is connected with a bottom surface of the guide holder. The returning spring may have elasticity when the sliding member moves forwards, and the sliding member automatically may return to its original position from a forward position by the elasticity of the returning spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Provided is an opening/closing apparatus (30) allowing a sun visor (20) to be readily opened and closed with a helmet (10) on as well as maintaining an opening/closing speed of the sun visor (20) to be constant and a helmet (10) including the same.