Magnetic Pass-Through Controller for In-Helmet Display Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting an in-helmet display within an extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) or similar habitable environment is challenging without removing the helmet, as existing solutions do not facilitate external control while maintaining the environment's integrity.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic pass-through controller system with internal and external magnet assemblies allows for the rotation of the in-helmet display from outside the helmet, using a swing arm and adjuster mechanism, which decouples and re-couples upon impact to prevent injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the helmet is removed to adjust the in-helmet display, then the display can be adjusted, but the habitable environment for the wearer is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is divided into internal components (magnet assembly, swing arm, display mounting) and external components (adjuster, external magnet housing), allowing the display adjustment function to be separated from the helmet structure itself. This enables external operation while maintaining the sealed environment.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic coupling serves as an intermediary mechanism between the external adjuster and internal display components. The magnetic field transmits rotational motion through the helmet wall without physical penetration, maintaining environmental sealing while enabling control.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical connection is used for external control, then the display can be adjusted from outside, but the control mechanism becomes complex and intrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a complex mechanical connection system with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic field transmits rotational motion without requiring physical shafts, gears, or linkages that would penetrate the helmet and complicate the design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the magnetic coupling is strong, then the display remains stable, but the display may cause injury during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling strength is designed to be dynamic rather than static. During normal operation, the magnetic force maintains stable coupling. During impact, the magnetic force decouples when the impact exceeds a threshold, allowing the display to move away from the wearer's face and reduce injury risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with preliminary safety features where the magnetic coupling automatically decouples under impact conditions before injury can occur. This preemptive action prevents harmful effects by allowing the display to detach and move away from the wearer during collision events.
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 adjustment of the in-helmet display without removing the helmet, providing situational awareness while ensuring safety by moving the display away from the wearer during impacts and re-establishing magnetic coupling for operation.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic coupling between the one or more internal magnets and the one or more external magnets causes the corresponding rotation also in the magnet assembly and the swing arm
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A magnetic pass-through controller (200) of an in-helmet display (115)includes internal components inside a helmet. The internal components include a magnet assembly (285) holding one or more internal magnets (275) and a swing arm (290) affixed to the magnet assembly and affixed to the in-helmet display. External components outside the helmet include an external magnet housing (220) holding one or more external magnets (225) and an adjuster (210) for manual rotation. The adjuster is coupled to the external magnet housing such that the manual rotation of the adjuster causes a corresponding rotation of the external magnet housing. Magnetic coupling between the one or more internal magnets and the one or more external magnets causes the corresponding rotation also in the magnet assembly and the swing arm.