Magnetic Goggle Latch for Secure Helmet Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for securing goggles to helmets often result in an unsecured fit and difficulty in putting on or taking off goggles while wearing a helmet, as conventional methods like elastic straps or exterior engagement features can be unreliable and cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic mechanical latching attachment system where perpendicularly-oriented magnetic attractors on the goggles and helmet facilitate a secure, lockable connection through a mechanical interlock, allowing for easy attachment and detachment while maintaining a proper fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an elastic securing strap is wrapped around the helmet exterior to secure goggles, then the goggles can be retained on the helmet, but the strap tends to move on the helmet causing the fit to become unsecured and improper

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegoggle fit securityVSAvoidstrap position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional elastic strap mechanical system with a magnetic attachment system. Magnetic attractors are embedded in the helmet interior surfaces, which magnetically attract and hold the goggles in place, eliminating the need for elastic straps that slide and become unreliable. This magnetic field-based system provides stable, secure retention without the positioning problems of strap-based mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If exterior engagement features are provided on the helmet to retain the elastic goggle strap, then the strap can be held in a proper position, but it becomes difficult for the user to readily and efficiently put goggles on and off while wearing a helmet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegoggle strap retentionVSAvoidgoggle on/off efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical interaction of straps and exterior engagement features with a simple magnetic attraction system. The magnetic attractors in the helmet interior and corresponding magnetic elements in the goggles create an automatic holding force that requires no manual manipulation of straps or engagement features, allowing users to easily put on and remove goggles by simply approaching and separating the components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic attachment system provides self-aligning and self-latching functionality. When the goggles approach the helmet, the magnetic fields automatically guide and secure the components in the correct position without requiring user intervention to manipulate straps or engage features, making the operation intuitive and efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a magnetic attachment system is used to connect goggles to helmet, then secure retention is achieved, but the system requires precise alignment of magnetic attractors with the user's eyes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegoggle retention securityVSAvoidmagnetic attractor alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the magnetic attractors to serve multiple functions: they provide secure retention force, guide alignment during attachment, and maintain proper positioning during use. By embedding multiple magnetic attractors at strategically positioned locations on the helmet interior, the system achieves both strong holding force and automatic alignment without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances for individual components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 magnetic mechanical latching attachment ensures a secure and efficient connection of goggles to helmets, preventing axial movement and allowing for easy on and off functionality, even in various environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one perpendicularly-oriented magnetic attractor of the goggles is located such that it is magnetically attracted to the at least one perpendicularly-oriented magnetic attractor of the helmet, wherein the magnetic attraction of the perpendicularly-oriented magnetic attractor of the goggles to the perpendicularly-oriented magnetic attractor of the helmet facilitates a holding of the latch member of the goggles in a locked position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3735852B1Magnetic mechanical goggle attachment

Publication Date: 2023.06.07 BELL SPORTS INC

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AI summary

A magnetic mechanical latching attachment for connecting goggles (100) to a helmet (200) includes a goggle attachment portion configured to mechanically and magnetically attach to a helmet attachment portion. The goggle attachment portion (120) and helmet attachment portion (220) include complimentary interlocking features that mechanically lock the portions together when attached and magnetic features that assist engagement of the complimentary interlocking features in a locked position. A related method of coupling goggles to a helmet, as well as a helmet-goggle attachment system, is provided.