Helmet Visor Latching Assembly for Stable Multi-Position Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Eye protection coupled to helmets often moves away from the desired position due to external forces such as high accelerations, vibrations, and high wind speeds, and fails to securely fit around other accessories like oxygen masks, which vary in placement based on user face shape and size.
Innovation Solution
A helmet-mounted visor assembly with a pivotable visor and latching mechanism, including pawls and ratchets, that allows for adjustable locking in multiple positions, and a shroud mount for securing the visor and accessories, preventing movement during external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the visor is made pivotable to allow adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the visor position deteriorates under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The visor is designed to be dynamically adjustable through pivoting motion, allowing users to change position as needed. The system transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic adjustable position while maintaining stability through the latching mechanism that locks the visor in selected positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism acts as an intermediary between the pivotable visor and the helmet cover. It provides the necessary connection to transfer and maintain positional stability while allowing the visor to remain pivotable for adjustment purposes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the visor is locked in fixed positions, then the stability of the visor position is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism provides dynamic locking and unlocking capability, allowing the visor to be securely fixed when needed while remaining adjustable when required. The system alternates between stable locked states and flexible unlocked states based on operational needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the visor is designed to fit tightly around accessories, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud mount is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate different accessory types and positions. It provides multiple mounting locations and adjustment capabilities that work with various oxygen masks and helmet accessories without requiring separate specialized mounting systems for each accessory type.
Data Source
AI summary
A visor assembly for a helmet includes a helmet cover configured to couple to a helmet, a visor pivotably coupled to the helmet cover and configured to selectively pivot between a stowage position and one or more usage positions relative to the helmet cover, and a latching mechanism coupled to the visor. The latching mechanism includes a first pawl configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position. The latching mechanism is further configured to releasably lock the visor in one or more of the stowage position and the one or more usage positions.