Pivoting Helmet Mount for Optical Device Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmet mounting systems do not efficiently allow for the optical vision device to be alternately positioned in front of the user's eyes and stowed out of the line of vision without requiring removal from the helmet, posing challenges in operational flexibility and safety.
Innovation Solution
A helmet mounting system with a pivoting mechanism that includes a connection plate assembly, a pivoting helmet mount, and adjustable components such as vertical and horizontal adjustment mechanisms, breakaway assembly, and a ratchet system, allowing the optical device to be moved between operational and stowed positions without removing the helmet, ensuring secure and comfortable alignment with the user's eyes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the optical device is mounted on the helmet, then the device remains securely attached and accessible, but the device cannot be easily repositioned between operational and stowed positions without removing the helmet
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system employs a pivoting mechanism that allows the optical device to dynamically change position between operational and stowed orientations. The pivot axis enables rotation of the device mount assembly, providing operational flexibility while maintaining secure attachment to the helmet throughout the movement range.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separable components including a helmet mount base plate, a pivoting device mount assembly, and an optical device. This segmentation allows the optical device to be independently positioned and adjusted without removing the entire mounting system from the helmet, facilitating easy repositioning while managing complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If the optical device is positioned in front of the user's eyes for operational use, then the user has optimal viewing capability, but the device cannot be quickly stowed out of the line of vision
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting mechanism enables rapid transition of the optical device between operational and stowed positions. The device can be quickly rotated to a stowed position out of the user's line of vision when not in use, and equally quickly returned to operational position when needed, minimizing time loss while maintaining productivity.
3Reliability
If the optical device is firmly secured to the helmet, then the device remains stable and secure, but the device may cause discomfort or imbalance to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting mechanism allows the optical device to be positioned at optimal angles for user comfort while maintaining secure attachment. The device can be adjusted to accommodate different user positions and preferences, ensuring both reliability of attachment and ease of operation for comfortable wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system allows adjustment of the optical device's position and orientation parameters while maintaining secure attachment to the helmet. This enables optimization of both device security and user comfort by allowing positional adjustments without compromising the firm securing of the device.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the optical device is mounted in a fixed position, then the mounting structure is simple and stable, but the device cannot be adjusted to different operational positions
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting mechanism provides a dynamic mounting solution that enables the optical device to be positioned at multiple operational angles and locations. This dynamic capability enhances adaptability and versatility for different operational scenarios while managing mechanism complexity through a single-pivot design that allows rotation about a fixed axis.
Data Source
AI summary
Pivoting helmet mounts for an optical device are provided. In one aspect, a breakaway connector which is selectively configurable between breakaway and nonbreakaway configurations is provided. In a further aspect, a strap mount system for securing the helmet mount to the helmet employs a rotating ratchet assembly to adjust tension in the strap. In another aspect, a helmet mount for an optical device comprises a track assembly attached to a helmet to allow stowing of the optical device in a further retracted position. The track mount system may further include electrical connectors for attaching a power supply and an electronic device. In another aspect, a mounting bracket allows helmet-mounted optics to be shared with a weapon accessory mount. In a further aspect, a optical sighting device for a weapon combines a reflex sight a night vision goggle to allow targeting at night or in other low-light conditions.