Pivotable Headlamp Clip Mount for NVG
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted lighting devices for military use, such as night vision goggles, lack a convenient and secure method for attaching and detaching a pivotable lighting device to a helmet-mounted VAS shroud, and do not prevent accidental activation of the light source.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable lighting device with a snap-fit attachment mechanism to a helmet-mounted VAS shroud or head strap adapter, featuring a resilient clip and adapter design that allows secure attachment to multiple mounting options, and a locking mechanism to prevent accidental activation by positioning the pushbutton in an inaccessible location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent attachment method is used for mounting lighting devices to helmet VAS shrouds, then the attachment security is improved, but the ease of attachment and detachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a clip assembly with resilient arms that can be independently attached to the lighting device, and a separate adapter assembly with slots that attach to the VAS shroud. This segmentation allows the clip to be quickly engaged with the adapter through simple insertion and release motions, providing secure attachment while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip assembly incorporates resilient arms that can dynamically adjust during attachment and detachment operations. The resilient nature of the arms allows them to flex during insertion into the adapter slots and then snap into place, providing secure attachment. The same resilience enables easy release by applying slight force to the resilient arms, combining security with ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the pushbutton is made accessible for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device incorporates a pivotable housing that can dynamically change the position of the pushbutton relative to the clip assembly. The housing can be rotated to position the pushbutton in an inaccessible location when not in use, preventing accidental activation. When activation is needed, the housing can be pivoted to make the pushbutton accessible, combining ease of operation with protection against accidental activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable housing acts as an intermediary mechanism between the pushbutton and the user. It provides a protective barrier when the pushbutton should be inaccessible, and can be deliberately opened to allow access when needed. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both protection and access through a single controlled motion.
3Device complexity
If a fixed mounting position is used for the lighting device, then the simplicity of the structure is improved, but the adaptability to different mounting locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device incorporates a pivotable housing that can dynamically adjust the orientation of the light beam relative to the mounting position. The housing can be rotated to different angles while remaining attached to the same adapter, providing adaptability to different mounting locations and orientations without requiring multiple different adapter types or complex mounting structures.
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
Enables simple, secure, and adjustable attachment of a lighting device to various mounting systems, ensuring the light source can be easily transferred between them, while preventing accidental activation by locking the pushbutton out of reach.
Implementation Method 1
The clip is a unitary, resilient, clip comprising a horizontally extending element... The tabs extending upwardly from the horizontal element are receivable respectively in the downwardly open slots on the adapter... the downwardly open slot on the rearwardly extending part at the upper end of the vertical element of the clip is positioned to snap onto, and receive, the rib of the adapter
Implementation Method 2
The rearwardly extending part at the upper end of the vertical element preferably has a concave, manually engageable, upper surface for detachment of the clip from the adapter, and the upper surface can have serrations formed therein for increased friction when engaged manually by a person's thumb or finger
Data Source
AI summary
In a lighting apparatus comprising a light source housing is pivoted on a clip that can attach alternatively to a head strap adapter or to an adapter secured to a night vision goggle mounting plate. The clip includes a horizontal member having a bracket on the light source housing is rotatable, a pair of spaced, upwardly extending, tabs, and a vertical member extending upward from a location between the tabs. The upwardly extending tabs enter slots on the bottom of the adapter or mounting base, and a rib on the top of the adapter or mounting base is received by a snap fit in a downwardly facing slot on a horizontal part at the upper end of the vertical member of the clip.