Helmet Visor Elastic Tether and Frictional Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional visors for horseback riding helmets lack sufficient extension to shade the face from overhead sunlight and provide an unobstructed view of hazards, are prone to dismounting due to wind forces, and are often heavy and poorly designed for extended wear.

Innovation Solution

A visor with an extended, lightweight polycarbonate bill that engages with the helmet via a biased frictional system and elastic tether, allowing for secure attachment and easy removal, while maintaining an overhead view and resisting wind-induced dismounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the visor bill is extended to shade the entire face, then sun protection is improved, but the overhead view is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesun protectionVSAvoidoverhead view

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The visor bill utilizes transparent or translucent material that allows light transmission, enabling the rider to see through it while still providing UV protection and shading. This optical property resolves the contradiction by maintaining visibility while achieving sun protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The visor bill is constructed from composite materials that combine UV-blocking properties with optical transparency, allowing simultaneous sun protection and overhead visibility. The material composition enables both functions to coexist.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the visor bill is made solid for structural integrity, then durability is improved, but the overhead view is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidoverhead view

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The visor employs transparent solid material that maintains structural integrity while allowing light transmission. The optical transparency of the solid material resolves the contradiction between strength and visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

Composite materials with transparent matrices provide both the required structural strength and optical clarity, enabling the visor to be both durable and see-through for overhead hazard detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If the visor is secured with frictional engagement, then ease of removal is improved, but reliability under wind force deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removalVSAvoidattachment under wind force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system transitions from static frictional engagement to dynamic elastic tethering that adapts to wind forces. The elastic properties allow the system to maintain reliability under varying load conditions while preserving ease of removal when forces are low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism changes its engagement parameters based on applied force - using elastic deformation and tension to maintain secure attachment under wind load, while allowing easy release when forces are minimal, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional canvas material is used for the visor, then ease of manufacture is improved, but weight increases during extended wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidvisor weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The visor transitions from heavy canvas composite to lightweight synthetic composite materials that maintain structural integrity and UV protection properties while significantly reducing weight for extended wear comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The material selection changes physical parameters such as density and strength-to-weight ratio, adopting modern lightweight composites that are easier to manufacture and significantly lighter than conventional canvas, resolving both ease of manufacture and weight reduction goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The visor effectively shades the entire face, provides an unobstructed view of hazards, and remains securely attached during high-speed rides, reducing the risk of injury from sunlight and overhead obstacles.

Implementation Method 1

elastic tether configured for an easy engagement between the bill of a riding helmet and the front of the visor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

engages with the helmet via a biased frictional system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9498015B2Visor adapted for helmet or head engagement

Publication Date: 2016.11.22 KIM HEIVI MIN

AI summary

A visor configured for engagement to a riding helmet for horseback riders in an as-used position. The visor has an extra long frontal bill which extends around the helmet to side portions. The bill protects the eyes and most of the rider's face from sun and the sides protect the ears and side of the face. An elastic band provides a biased engagement to a helmet and optional vent apertures and retainment clips are employable to hold the device to a helmet more securely in high wind.