Lens Protective Hood Closure Flap Pivot Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective hoods for optics in military vehicles require extensive space for flap rotation, leading to slow closure times and increased vulnerability to ballistic threats due to large pivot angles and limited azimuth positions.
Innovation Solution
The axis of rotation for the closure flap is positioned through the optics mount, reducing the pivot angle to 45-120 degrees, allowing the flap to be guided along the outside of the protective hood, and equipped with a drive system for rapid opening and closing, including a slipping clutch for manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the closure flap is positioned with a large pivot angle (270 degrees) from a corner of the rectangular protective hood, then the flap can be fully opened and closed, but a large amount of space is required next to the protective hood for pivoting movement and the closure time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pivot axis position from a corner of the protective hood to the optical mount center, effectively changing the dimensional reference point. This repositioning reduces the pivot angle from 270 degrees to 90-180 degrees, allowing the closure flap to reach the optical mount center quickly and close the viewing opening in less time, while still maintaining full opening and closing capability.
2Ease of operation
If the closure flap is positioned with a large pivot angle requiring expansive pivoting movement, then the flap can be opened and closed, but the area around the optical device must be kept free which limits space for other equipment
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning the pivot axis to the optical mount center and reducing the pivot angle to 90-180 degrees, the patent confines the closure flap's movement within a smaller angular range. This allows the flap to operate within the contour of rotation of the protective hood, freeing up the surrounding area for other equipment while maintaining full opening and closing functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the optical device is rotated into a defined azimuth position before closing the flap, then the flap can be opened and closed with sufficient space, but high shutter speeds are required and the optics remain vulnerable during the rotation and closure time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the pivot axis to the optical mount center, enabling the closure flap to rotate within a 90-180 degree angle that allows it to reach the optical mount center and close the viewing opening without requiring the optical device to be rotated into a specific azimuth position. This eliminates the vulnerability period during rotation and azimuth positioning, maintaining continuous protection while enabling full flap operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A protective device for a lens (2) having a protective hood (3) which protects a lens mount against ballistic effects, the protective hood (3) having a sight opening (4) for the lens (2), and a closing flap (5) for closing the sight opening (4), wherein the closing flap (5) can be rotated relative to the protective hood (3), wherein the rotary axis (D) of the closing flap (5) runs through the lens mount.