Helmet Visor Pivot Mechanism for One-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective helmets with integrated masks or goggles face issues such as discomfort due to pressure, shifting during impacts, difficulty in one-handed operation, and complexity in design, especially in lightweight helmets like cycling helmets.
Innovation Solution
A protective helmet design featuring a mask/goggles system with a connection mechanism comprising rigid elements pivoted to the shell, allowing translation and rotation between two positions, secured by spring means and guide pins, eliminating the need for interposed goggles arms and maintaining stability without weakening the helmet structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If normal eyewear with arms is used inserted in the space between skull and shell of the helmet, then eye protection is provided, but the pressure exerted by the arms becomes painful in the long term
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the arms of the eyewear from the helmet system, eliminating the source of pressure and discomfort. The mask is designed to be worn directly on the face without requiring arms to be inserted between the skull and helmet shell, thus removing the harmful pressure while maintaining eye protection functionality
2Reliability
If a mask with elastic strap is used worn over the helmet, then the mask is held in position, but the tension exerted by the elastic strap maintains the mask pressed against the face which becomes bothersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastic strap from the system entirely. Instead of using tension to hold the mask in position, the mask is secured through mechanical connection means (hinges, pins, slots) that provide stable positioning without continuous pressure against the face, eliminating the bothersome tension while maintaining secure fit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces connection means (hinges, pins, slots) as intermediaries between the mask and helmet. These mechanical connectors provide a neutral coupling that holds the mask in position without requiring elastic tension, thus mediating between the need for secure positioning and face comfort
3Reliability
If the mask is held by elastic strap blocked by slot with flap, then accidental removal is prevented, but the mask can shift following impact creating discomfort or limiting field of vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pinned connection means with slots and flaps as intermediaries between the mask and helmet. These mechanical connectors provide stable positioning that prevents both accidental removal and impact-induced shifting, offering reliable retention while maintaining position stability through rigid mechanical coupling rather than elastic tension
4Adaptability or versatility
If the mask is integrated retractably in a gap inside the shell, then the mask is integrated with the helmet, but the space inside the helmet must be sized appropriately and the structure cannot be weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mask from the internal cavity of the helmet shell and positions it externally. The mask is mounted on the outer surface of the helmet using connection means (hinges, pins, slots) that attach to the shell without requiring internal gaps or cavities. This eliminates the need to size internal spaces and avoids weakening the helmet structure, while still achieving integrated functionality
5Ease of operation
If magnetic devices are used to hold the mask, then the mask can be easily positioned, but the solution does not prevent shifting during impact or eliminate all discomfort issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mechanical connection means (hinges, pins, slots, flaps) as intermediaries between the mask and helmet. These provide stable, impact-resistant positioning that prevents shifting while maintaining ease of operation. The mechanical connectors offer reliable retention during impact unlike magnetic devices, while still allowing easy positioning through simple manual manipulation of the connection mechanism
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 easy, one-handed operation and secure positioning of the mask/goggles, preventing accidental movement and discomfort, while maintaining aerodynamic properties and aesthetic appeal, and simplifying production.
Implementation Method 1
said connection means comprise first and second spring means, which exert an elastic force in order to maintain the mask/goggles in the positioned state
Implementation Method 2
a first and a second rigid element constrained respectively, at their first end, to a first and a second side portion of said mask/goggles and pivoted respectively, at their second end, on a first and a second side portion of said shell
Data Source
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AI summary
Protective helmet (1), in particular for jobs or for sporting activities such as cycling and skiing, which comprises a shell (2) adapted to surround a portion of the skull of a user, a mask/goggles (3) adapted to protect at least a portion of the face at the eyes of a user and connection means (4) between said shell (2) and said mask/goggles (3). The connection means (4) comprise a first (41) and a second rigid element constrained respectively, at their first end (411), to a first (31) and a second side portion of said mask/goggles (3) and pivoted respectively, at their second end (412), on a first (21) and a second side portion of said shell (2). Moreover, the connection means (4) are adapted to implement a movement in translation and rotation of said mask/goggles (3) with respect to said shell (2) between a first position in which said mask/goggles (3) is/are positioned at a lower front edge (22) of said shell (2) and a second position in which said mask/goggles (3) is/are positioned adjacent to a rear portion (23) of said shell (2).