Rotating Lens Locking Mechanism for Protective Headgear
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective head and face gear do not effectively protect both the head and face from projectiles, with prior art lacking a secure and easily replaceable eye shield for cleaning and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A shield apparatus with a removable and securely attachable eye shield, featuring a shaped translucent or transparent eye shield with an end receiving aperture and a lock system that prevents accidental dislodgment during use, allowing for quick cleaning and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional helmets or face masks are used, then protection for head or face is provided, but comprehensive protection for both head and face from projectiles is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines head protection (helmet) and face protection (face mask with eye shields) into a single integrated shield device. The face mask is structurally connected to the helmet, creating a unified protective system that covers both the head and face areas simultaneously, thereby achieving comprehensive protection against projectiles while maintaining adaptability to different protective needs.
2Reliability
If the eye shield is permanently fixed, then secure protection is provided, but easy removal for cleaning and replacement is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking mechanism for the eye shield using a rotatable shaft with selectively positioned engagement profiles. The shaft can be rotated between a locked position (where the eye shield is securely retained) and an unlocked position (where the eye shield can be easily removed). This dynamic system allows the same mechanism to provide both secure fixation during use and easy removal when needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If a simple retention system is used, then ease of removal is achieved, but prevention of accidental dislodgment during use is not sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable shaft mechanism provides dynamic control over eye shield retention. When locked, the shaft presents an engagement profile that securely prevents accidental dislodgment. When unlocked, the same mechanism allows easy removal. The lock system includes a guard that prevents unintentional operation, ensuring that removal only occurs when deliberately initiated by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system includes a guard positioned to prevent unintentional operation of the release mechanism. This preliminary protective measure blocks foreign objects or accidental forces from triggering the release, thereby preventing accidental dislodgment of the eye shield during use while maintaining the ability for deliberate removal.
4Reliability
If multiple eye shields are carried for replacement, then continuous protection is maintained, but loss of time for replacement and cleaning occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary preparation of replacement eye shields by allowing users to carry multiple pre-cleaned or pre-assembled shields. The quick-release mechanism allows these pre-prepared shields to be rapidly swapped in place of damaged or soiled ones, minimizing replacement time. Additionally, the ease of removal facilitates quick cleaning of shields in the field, reducing the need for extensive replacement operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A head shield device having a frame and a replaceable lens. An engagement axle having an large dimension and a small dimension is attached to the frame. The lens defines an aperture with a neck and an enlarged inner body. The small dimension of the axle is adapted to pass through the neck and rotation of the axle to the large dimension locks the lens in place on the frame. The axle rotation is controlled by a control device located on a tab assembly forming the engagement axle.