Paddle Latch Mechanism for Gloved Face Shield Lens Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current protective face shields have complex and difficult-to-use latching mechanisms for replacing damaged or compromised lenses, making it challenging for users, especially those wearing gloves, to efficiently swap out lenses, leading to reduced visibility, productivity, and potential injury.
Innovation Solution
A simplified latching mechanism featuring a wide paddle-shaped actuator accessible from the rearward edge of the crown, utilizing rotational studs and keyhole-shaped slots, along with a latch lever and spring, allowing easy lens replacement with minimal effort and dexterity, even while wearing gloves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is used to firmly hold the lens to the crown, then lens security is improved, but the complexity of the latching mechanism increases and becomes difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is segmented into two independent rotatable studs that can be operated separately. Each stud has its own keyhole-shaped slot and detent system, allowing the lens to be attached or released by rotating individual studs rather than manipulating a complex multi-point system simultaneously. This segmentation simplifies the operation while maintaining secure attachment through cumulative engagement of multiple attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism uses rotatable studs with keyhole-shaped slots that dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states. The detents provide snap-action engagement, where the rounded ends of the slots allow the studs to rotate freely until they snap into the locked position, creating a dynamic yet stable attachment system that is easy to operate.
2Reliability
If multiple attachment points are used to securely hold the lens, then lens security is improved, but the time and dexterity required for lens replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple attachment points are segmented into two independently operable studs. Each stud controls one or more attachment points, and can be rotated to engage or disengage these points. This allows the user to quickly release all attachment points by rotating just two studs, rather than manipulating multiple separate fasteners, significantly reducing lens replacement time.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple attachment points are merged into a single rotational motion for each stud. As the stud rotates, it simultaneously engages or disengages multiple attachment points through the keyhole-shaped slot mechanism, combining what would otherwise require multiple separate actions into one simple motion that can be performed quickly even while wearing gloves.
3Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is used to firmly hold the lens, then lens security is improved, but the ease of operation for lens replacement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses dynamic snap-action engagement through detents positioned at the rounded ends of keyhole-shaped slots. The studs can rotate freely during most of their travel, then suddenly snap into the locked position when the detent engages, providing secure attachment with minimal operational effort. This dynamic behavior makes the system easy to operate while maintaining strong engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is self-latching through the detent system. Once the studs are rotated into the engaged position, the detents automatically snap into place and hold the lens securely without requiring continuous user input. The spring-loaded detents provide self-sustaining engagement, allowing the user to simply rotate the studs to attach or release the lens without needing to maintain pressure or perform additional actions.
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 mechanism significantly reduces the time and complexity of lens replacement, enabling users to frequently change lenses without difficulty, enhancing visibility and safety by allowing easy access and manipulation, even with gloved hands.
Implementation Method 1
a latch lever and spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A face shield (10) includes a crown (12), a head gear (14), and a lens (16) removably secured to the crown with a latch lever (62) having a wide paddle-shape that is easily manipulated from the rearward edge of the crown. The crown has an opposing pair of studs (38, 40) extending inwardly from the lower edge. The upper edge of the lens (52) includes an opposing pair of keyhole-shaped slots (54, 56) adjacent its opposing side edges which receive and rotatably engage the studs. The engagement end of the latch (62) includes a spaced pair of detents. The fulcrum (70) is secured to an inner surface of the crown so that the engagement end of the latch extends toward the front edge of the crown and the upper actuator end (66) extends toward the rearward edge of the crown. The upper edge of the lens includes a pair of spaced openings (84, 86) that releasably engage the detents (80, 82) on the latch lever.