Rotatable Helmet-Mounted Device Interconnect Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing helmet-mounted device systems for tactical or military operations lack efficient mechanisms for quick and reliable positioning and stowing of devices like lights and vision enhancement apparatuses, which are essential for operational flexibility and user convenience.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a frame movably coupled to the helmet and an interconnect mechanism that is rotatably coupled to the frame, allowing the helmet-mounted device to be easily repositioned between a use position and a stow position, with independent repositioning capabilities for multiple devices and automatic powering based on device position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If helmet-mounted devices are removably attached to the helmet, then the devices can be easily installed and removed, but the positioning and stowing operations become time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of device installationVSAvoidtime for positioning and stowing operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system employs dynamic components including a rotatable interconnect mechanism that allows the device to rotate between use and stow positions, and a movable frame that can shift position on the helmet. These dynamic elements enable quick repositioning without complex assembly or disassembly operations, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and speed of positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is divided into separate functional segments: a frame attached to the helmet, an interconnect mechanism for rotation, and the helmet-mounted device itself. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables the device to be quickly positioned or stowed by rotating the interconnect mechanism without affecting the frame attachment, reducing operation time while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple helmet-mounted devices are mounted on the helmet, then operational capabilities are enhanced, but the complexity of positioning and managing multiple devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational capabilities with multiple devicesVSAvoidcomplexity of positioning and managing devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different types of helmet-mounted devices through the standardized interconnect mechanism. Each device benefits from the same rotatable mounting system, providing consistent positioning and stowing capabilities across all devices. This universality enhances operational capabilities while maintaining manageable complexity through a standardized approach rather than unique mounting systems for each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Each mounted device is equipped with a dynamic interconnect mechanism that allows independent rotation between use and stow positions. This dynamic capability enables operators to quickly manage multiple devices by simply rotating each one as needed, without requiring complex coordination or repositioning of the entire mounting system, thus enhancing versatility while keeping management complexity low.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the helmet-mounted device is quickly repositioned between use and stow positions, then operational flexibility is improved, but the reliability and security of device attachment may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of repositioning operationsVSAvoidsecurity of device attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The interconnect mechanism is designed with dynamic rotation capability that allows quick movement between positions while incorporating positive stopping mechanisms. The frame is movable along the helmet surface with controlled motion. These dynamic features enable fast repositioning while the mechanical design ensures reliable attachment through controlled movement and secure positioning at each state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system incorporates positional feedback through its mechanical design, where the interconnect mechanism naturally settles into defined use and stow positions. This passive feedback mechanism ensures the device is securely positioned without requiring active monitoring or control systems, maintaining reliability while enabling quick repositioning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2967180B1System for mounting a helmet-mounted device to a helmet
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 EXELIS INC
  • EP2967180B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2967180B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2967180B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Systems (100) for mounting a helmet-mounted device to a helmet are disclosed. One such system comprises a frame (110) configured to be movably coupled to the helmet, and an interconnect mechanism (30) rotatably coupled to the frame. The interconnect mechanism (30) is configured to receive the helmet-mounted device. The interconnect mechanism (30) is rotatable relative to the frame (110) between a use position for the helmet-mounted device and a stow position for the helmet-mounted device.