Helmet Visor Frame With LC Layer for Uniform Light Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective helmet visors fail to provide rapid and uniform light adaptation to varying ambient conditions due to mechanical stress-induced birefringence and low maximum brightness, especially with GH-type liquid crystal layers, and require bulky batteries for electrochromic solutions.
Innovation Solution
A protective helmet with a GH-type liquid crystal film controlled by an electronic board powered by a photovoltaic cell, integrated into a frame that stabilizes the LC layer against mechanical stress and ensures uniform transparency, combined with a structural lens for optimal light modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If GH-type liquid crystal layers are used in helmet visors, then light transmission and transparency are improved, but mechanical stress causes unwanted inhomogeneities and birefringence effects that compromise uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a preliminary counteracting action by introducing a depolarizing filter specifically designed to compensate for and neutralize the birefringence effects and inhomogeneities that arise from mechanical stresses in the GH-type liquid crystal layer. This filter is integrated into the visor assembly before use, preemptively correcting the optical distortions that would otherwise compromise transparency uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining multiple layers including the GH-type liquid crystal layer, a structural lens, a frame for mechanical support, and a depolarizing filter. This composite assembly works synergistically to maintain both high light transmission and uniform transparency, as each component addresses specific aspects of the optical performance while compensating for the weaknesses of others.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic lenses are used for automatic adaptation to ambient light, then light filtering capability is improved, but bulky batteries are required which increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrochromic lens mechanism (which requires bulky batteries and electrical systems) with a mechanically simpler optical system using GH-type liquid crystals combined with a depolarizing filter. This substitution maintains the adaptability function through optical means rather than electrical actuation, thereby eliminating the need for large power sources and reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If photochromatic lenses are used, then light filtering is achieved, but reaction speed to rapid changes in brightness is too slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter of the optical system from photochemical reaction (in photochromatic lenses) to liquid crystal optical switching controlled by a depolarizing filter. This parameter change enables much faster response times to brightness changes, as the liquid crystal system can be controlled electronically or mechanically without relying on slow photochemical transformation processes.
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 helmet provides rapid and uniform light adaptation with at least 60% visibility in bright conditions and up to 40% in dark conditions, maintaining comfort and reducing mechanical interference, without the need for bulky batteries.
Implementation Method 1
lenses that use layers of liquid crystals are known, and they are the only ones that are able to react quickly to changes in ambient light
Implementation Method 2
Electrochromic lenses are known that typically use polymers that may change optical properties when a magnetic field is applied
Implementation Method 3
A protective helmet with a GH-type liquid crystal film controlled by an electronic board powered by a photovoltaic cell
Implementation Method 4
a frame that stabilizes the LC layer against mechanical stress and ensures uniform transparency
Implementation Method 5
protection from light is achieved simply through the use of pigments that cause the visor to transmit only a fraction of the incident light
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A protective helmet (1) for practicing sports activities or using motorized vehicles, according to the present invention comprises a cap (2) equipped with a front opening (23), at the user's eye region, closed by a visor assembly (3). Said visor assembly (3) comprises: at least one at least partially transparent structural lens (41); a Guest-Host type liquid crystal LC film (43) adapted to modify its own transparency level, arranged behind the structural lens (41); at least one electrical source for powering the LC film (43); a frame (31) suitable for supporting the structural lens (41) and anchoring it to the cap (2), wherein said frame (31) follows at least partially the perimeter of said structural lens (41).