Open-Face Helmet Snap Cover Assembly for Unobstructed Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmet customizations, such as vinyl stickers or snap-on visors, can reduce safety by blocking the wearer's view or being unsightly when the visor is removed, and there is a demand for new ways to customize open face helmets without these drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
A snap cover assembly for open face helmets that attaches to the helmet via visor or face shield snaps, featuring an inner element with flexible slots for secure attachment and a removable outer element for customization, allowing users to hide the snaps and add graphical, textual, or optical customizations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vinyl stickers or custom-molded visors are applied to customize the helmet, then the helmet appearance is customized, but the wearer's view may be blocked or safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the customization function from the visor itself and relocates it to a separate cover assembly that attaches to the helmet shell. This allows the visor to remain clear and unobstructed while the cover provides the customization, effectively separating the viewing function from the customization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover assembly acts as an intermediary element between the helmet shell and the visor. It attaches to the helmet shell via snaps and provides the customization surface, while being positioned such that it does not interfere with the visor's optical clarity or the wearer's field of view.
2Ease of operation
If the visor or face shield is removed to enhance comfort or improve visibility, then comfort or visibility is improved, but the exposed snaps become unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The cover assembly serves multiple functions: it provides helmet customization when the visor is attached, and it conceals the snaps when the visor is removed. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by ensuring that whether the visor is attached or removed, the helmet maintains an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customizations are applied directly to the helmet outer surface, then the helmet appearance is customized, but safety may be reduced due to obstructed view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the helmet system into distinct functional components: the helmet shell with snaps, the clear visor for viewing, and the separate cover assembly for customization. This segmentation allows each component to perform its primary function without compromising safety, as the customization is isolated from the optical path.
Data Source
AI summary
A snap cover assembly for use with open face helmets that allows for easy mounting onto the helmet via the helmets visor or face shield snaps, e.g., a series of three male snaps protruding from the helmet's outer surface immediately above the facial or front opening. The assembly includes an inner element (or “mounting element”) configured with a mounting assembly or system for attaching the snap cover assembly to the exposed helmet snaps. The assembly further includes an outer element, which is coupled with an outer surface of the inner element in a manner, in some embodiments, that allows it to be removable to allow a user to swap it out to modify the look of their helmet. The outer element includes an outer surface (or customization surface) upon which one or more customizations (or customizing elements) may be provided by the user or others.