Modular Helmet Eyewear Adapter for Versatile Fit and Function
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmets are limited in their ability to adapt to different activities and user preferences, often requiring multiple helmets for varying functional features or aesthetics, and struggle to integrate well with eyewear, leading to unsatisfactory outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A modular helmet design featuring a base portion and interchangeable eyewear adapters that enhance fit, functionality, and aesthetics, along with an electrical system for attaching modules that provide additional features such as impact protection, ventilation, and electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a helmet is designed with fixed functional features, then the helmet provides specific protection and performance, but the helmet cannot adapt to different activities or user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet is divided into a base portion and separate interchangeable modules. The base portion contains mounting structures, while functional features are provided by detachable modules that can be attached or removed based on activity requirements. This segmentation allows the helmet to adapt to different activities without requiring a completely different helmet design.
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate multiple types of modules. A single base helmet can support various modules for different activities (e.g., visors for cycling, face shields for skiing, ear covers for cold weather), making the helmet system multi-functional and adaptable to diverse user needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple helmets are used for different activities, then each helmet can be optimized for specific functions, but the user needs to manage and transport multiple helmets
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring multiple complete helmets, the system segments the helmet into a shared base portion and activity-specific modules. Users only need to own one base helmet and exchange modules depending on the activity, significantly reducing the total number of helmets needed while maintaining functional optimization for each activity.
Solution Approach 2:
Modules can be easily removed and stored when not in use, and different modules can be attached as needed. This allows users to discard (remove) unused modules and recover (reuse) the base helmet for different purposes, eliminating the need to permanently own multiple helmets for different activities.
3Reliability
If eyewear is integrated directly into the helmet, then the integration is secure and stable, but the integration is fixed and cannot accommodate different eyewear types or user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The eyewear integration is segmented into a separate adapter module rather than being permanently built into the helmet. This adapter module can be attached to the base helmet and designed to accommodate different eyewear types (goggles, sunglasses, safety glasses) through adjustable mounting mechanisms, providing both stable integration and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The eyewear adapter module incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing users to adjust the position, angle, and fit of the eyewear integration point. This dynamic adaptability enables the same adapter to securely hold different types of eyewear while maintaining stability during use.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Disclosed herein are sports helmets having modular components. A modular component includes an eyewear adapter that is releasably attachable to the helmet and configured to interface with corresponding eyewear in an orientation that permits a wearer of the helmet to see through the eyewear. The eyewear adapter is configured such that, in use, the eyewear adapter enhances the fit or function of the eyewear relative to the use of the helmet and the eyewear without the eyewear adapter. A modular component includes electronics modules that can be mechanically and electrically coupled to the helmet. A modular component includes other functional modules that affect the aerodynamics of the helmet, the air flow of the helmet, the fit of the helmet, or the look of the helmet.