Night Vision Bridge Mount for Lower Center of Gravity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing night vision apparatuses have a high center of gravity due to the image intensifier tubes being positioned too far from the helmet, causing discomfort and potential damage, and the separate computer processing device increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A bridge member connects the image intensifier tubes closer to the helmet, allowing them to pivot and store adjacent the helmet surface, and integrates the processing device within the helmet mount to reduce weight and data transmission complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image intensifier tubes are positioned far from the helmet surface, then the goggles can be stored on the helmet, but the centre of gravity becomes too high causing discomfort and pressure on the head and neck
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge member is designed with pivotable connections that allow the image intensifier tubes to move between a stored position (when not in use) and a viewing position (when in use). This dynamic mechanism enables the tubes to be repositioned closer to the helmet surface during storage, lowering the centre of gravity and reducing wear discomfort, while still allowing full functionality when needed.
2Reliability
If the image intensifier tubes are positioned far from the helmet, then storage on the helmet is possible, but the tubes are exposed to damage or entanglement with wire and branches
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable bridge member allows the image intensifier tubes to be positioned close to the helmet surface during storage, protecting them from damage and entanglement with wire and branches. When use is required, the tubes can be pivoted to their viewing position, maintaining full functionality while enhancing protection during non-use periods.
3Device complexity
If the computer processing device is attached to the helmet in a separate location, then data transmission can be implemented, but the implementation becomes more expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The computer processing device is integrated into the bridge member structure itself, combining the functions of the processing device and the mounting mechanism into a single unified component. This eliminates the need for separate processing devices attached to the helmet, reducing data transmission complexity and implementation costs while maintaining full functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A bridge member for connecting first and second image intensifier tubes in a portable night vision apparatus including a body; a first pivotable member associated with the first image intensifier tube; and a second pivotable member associated with the second image intensifier tube. The bridge member is configured to move between a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to the first and second image intensifier tubes being in an active position, the second position corresponding to the first and second image intensifier tubes being in a stored position, the second position corresponding to the first and second image intensifier tubes being positioned adjacent an outer surface of the helmet. The first pivotable member is configured to move the first image intensifier tube between the first and second positions. The second pivotable member is configured to move the second image intensifier tube between the first and second positions.