Eye Protection Mask Removable Screen Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing eye protection masks for outdoor sports lack a simple, ergonomic, and reliable mechanism for easily replacing the protective screen, often requiring complex mechanisms that are bulky and obstruct the visual field.

Innovation Solution

A mask design featuring a frame with a button that urges a clip to release the screen, using a minimal number of parts, allowing for easy installation and removal of the screen without deforming the frame, and incorporating a button that can act on either the screen or the frame to deactivate the attachment mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex mechanism with multiple parts (clips, buttons, springs) is used to secure and release the screen, then the screen can be reliably attached and detached, but the device becomes bulky and obstructs the visual field

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen attachment reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism bulk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is divided into two separate components: a clip fixed to the screen and a button fixed to the frame. This segmentation allows each component to have a simple, dedicated function while collectively providing reliable screen attachment and easy release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The release function is extracted from the clip itself and implemented separately via a button on the frame. This separates the attachment function (clip) from the release function (button), simplifying both components and reducing overall mechanism bulk while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If a clip-based mechanism is used to secure the screen, then the screen can be firmly attached, but removing the screen requires deforming the frame or exerting force on small clips which is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen attachment strengthVSAvoidscreen removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A button on the frame acts as an intermediary tool to apply force to the clip for release. Instead of directly manipulating the small clip or deforming the frame, the user presses the larger, easier-to-manipulate button which then transfers force to the clip through the attachment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the clip the active element that the user directly manipulates for release, the design inverts the approach by making the button the active element. The button, fixed to the frame, acts upon the clip to achieve release, reversing the traditional user-direct-manipulation approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If multiple components (tab, button, springs) are used for screen release, then the release mechanism can be reliable, but the number of parts increases and the device becomes bulkier

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease mechanism reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment and release functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism where the clip and button work together as a unified system. The clip provides secure attachment while the button provides release, eliminating the need for separate springs, tabs, and multiple discrete components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The button on the frame serves multiple functions: it acts as the release actuator, provides a user interface for operation, and integrates the release mechanism into the frame structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated 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 solution provides a compact, reliable, and ergonomic mechanism for screen replacement that simplifies operation and reduces bulk, ensuring easy screen installation and removal while maintaining a clear visual field.

Implementation Method 1

the button is capable of urging a means of attachment (222, 223) so as to cause the release of the screen (2) from the frame (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3009113B1Mask with removable screen
Publication Date: 2021.06.09 ATOMIC AUSTRIA GMBH
  • EP3009113B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3009113B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3009113B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Eye protection mask (1; 7) for outdoor sports comprising: - a frame (3; 73) defining an opening (31), the frame supporting at least one first attachment means (322; 7322, 7323), - an eye protection screen (2; 72) intended to close the opening, the screen supporting at least one second attachment means (222, 223; 7222), the second attachment means being able to cooperate directly with the first attachment means so as to keep the screen attached to the frame in at least one direction (X). The mask further comprises a button (4; 74) able to activate an attachment means (222/223, 322; 7322/7323, 7222) so that it no longer cooperates with the other attachment means (322, 222/223; 7222, 7322/7323), the button being mounted on the part (2, 3; 72, 73) not supporting the means of attachment that can be stressed by the button.