Motorcycle Helmet Visor Locking Mechanism One-Handed Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current protective helmets for motorcyclists require the use of both hands to disassemble the visor, as the side mechanisms tend to remain in a locked position and need manual intervention to unlock for disassembly.

Innovation Solution

The helmet incorporates side mechanisms with a radially movable part and flexible tabs that automatically stay in the unlocked position, allowing one-handed disassembly and automatic locking for easy visor rotation between positions, utilizing springs and elastic means for retention and release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the movable part is designed to remain permanently in the locked position by pushing means, then the visor is securely locked, but both hands are required to disassemble the visor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisor locking securityVSAvoidvisor disassembly operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movable part is designed to be dynamically controllable between locked and unlocked positions. The system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamically controllable state where the user can easily switch between locked and unlocked positions using a simple actuating movement, thereby reducing the complexity of disassembly operations while maintaining secure locking when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism enables one-handed operation by allowing the movable part to be actuated and held in the unlocked position through a simple manual movement without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system serves itself by maintaining the unlocked state once activated, allowing the user to disassemble the visor with one hand while the mechanism automatically manages the locking state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the movable part must be manually held in the unlocked position, then the visor can be disassembled, but the operation becomes complex requiring two hands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisor disassembly capabilityVSAvoidside mechanism operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the movable part for position control, the pushing means for automatic locking, and the actuating interface for user interaction. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation to a single hand movement for unlocking while maintaining secure locking through the automatic pushing means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If automatic pushing means are used to keep the movable part in locked position, then secure locking is achieved, but one-handed disassembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking mechanism reliabilityVSAvoidsingle-handed visor removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating movement performs a preliminary action by moving the movable part to the unlocked position before the user grips and removes the visor. This preliminary unlocking action is achieved with a simple hand movement that overcomes the pushing means, preparing the system for easy one-handed disassembly while the pushing means remains ready to automatically re-lock the mechanism once the visor is reattached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 the visor to be disassembled and reassembled with one hand, improving user convenience and simplifying the process while ensuring secure locking and automatic visor positioning.

Implementation Method 1

elastic pushing means for pushing the visor towards an open position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

incorporating in the helmet a mechanism for locking the visor in a closed position, and which upon being actuated unlocks the visor and causes its rotation automatically

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3704984B1Protective helmet for motorcyclists
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 MANUFACTURAS TOMAS SA
  • EP3704984B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3704984B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3704984B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a protective helmet for motorcyclists, comprising: side mechanisms for mounting a transparent visor (20) such that it can rotate; a first guide (102) for the movement of a first visor attachment (202); and a movable part (103) for locking and unlocking the visor (20), provided with a second guide (104) for the movement of a second visor attachment (203) in a visor mounted position. The side mechanisms comprise a flexible tab (105) which tends to stay in an operative position in which the movable part (103) is retained in the unlocked visor (20) position, and which, during the mounting of the visor (20), is moved by the visor (20) into an inoperative position in which the movable part (103) is released, allowing it to return automatically to the locked visor (20) position.