Pivoting Helmet Mount for Night Vision Goggles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for mounting optical devices like night vision goggles on headgear, such as helmets, lack efficient and ergonomic solutions for adjustment, positioning, and stowage, leading to user discomfort and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A helmet mounting system with a bayonet-style breakaway base, pivot arm assembly, and adjustable mechanisms for vertical, tilt, and side-to-side positioning, allowing for easy attachment, detachment, and stowage of optical devices, with a uni-ball structure and cam lever mechanisms for precise alignment and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing mounting systems are used, then the optical device can be mounted on the helmet, but the system lacks efficient adjustment and positioning mechanisms leading to user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates a pivot arm assembly that allows dynamic adjustment of the optical device position. The pivot arm can rotate about a pivot axis, enabling the device to be repositioned from a forward-facing position to a stowed position on the side of the helmet, providing operational flexibility without requiring complete disassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into distinct functional segments: a breakaway base mounted to the helmet, a pivot arm assembly connected to the base, and a mounting shoe attached to the pivot arm. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component and simplifies maintenance or replacement of individual parts
2Ease of operation
If existing mounting systems are used, then the optical device can be attached to the helmet, but the system lacks ergonomic solutions leading to neck strain
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot arm assembly enables dynamic repositioning of the optical device to optimal ergonomic positions. Users can adjust the device angle and position to maintain proper posture and reduce neck strain during extended wear, with the pivot mechanism allowing smooth transitions between positions
3Productivity
If existing mounting systems are used, then the optical device can be mounted, but the system lacks efficient stowage capability creating operational inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot arm assembly provides rapid stowage capability by allowing the optical device to be quickly rotated from the operational forward-facing position to a compact stowed position on the side of the helmet. This dynamic repositioning eliminates the need for complex folding mechanisms or complete disassembly, significantly improving operational efficiency when the device needs to be concealed or stored
4Reliability
If a secure mounting solution is provided, then the optical device is retained firmly, but the system lacks ease of attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses a breakaway base design that segments the mounting structure into easily separable components. The breakaway base can be quickly detached from the helmet by breaking a frangible mounting element, allowing rapid installation and removal without requiring tools or complex procedures, while still providing secure retention during normal use
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting device for mounting an associated optical device on an associated helmet includes a first pivot arm assembly removably attachable to the associated helmet. A second pivot arm assembly is pivotally attached to the first pivot arm assembly and is rotatable about a first horizontal axis. A optical device mounting arm assembly is rotatably attached to the second pivot arm assembly. The optical device mounting arm assembly rotatable about a first vertical axis relative to the second pivot arm assembly.