Replaceable Visor Hinge Coupling Structure for Headband

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional welding mask hinge systems are inconvenient for adjusting the angle and distance of the protective mask relative to the headband, requiring manual manipulation of tabs and holes, which is cumbersome and difficult to align.

Innovation Solution

A coupling structure featuring rail base portions with distance adjustment recesses, a slider, a push plate, and a stopper that uses a seesaw action to easily adjust the distance and angle of the protective mask, facilitated by a hinge system with a fixed body, rotation body, washer, and knob for secure attachment and adjustable rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a tab with protrusion and hole structure is used for hinge adjustment, then the protective mask can be positioned at different distances, but the adjustment process requires multiple manual steps of pulling and pushing the tab

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of protective mask distanceVSAvoidconvenience of adjustment operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The push plate is designed to automatically push the tab into the desired hole position when pressed, eliminating the need for manual alignment and insertion operations. The system serves itself by converting the simple pressing action into automatic positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The push plate acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's fingers and the tab. Instead of directly manipulating the tab, the user presses the push plate which then performs the complex action of pushing the tab into alignment with the hole.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple holes and tabs are used for distance adjustment, then various positions can be achieved, but precise alignment of the tab with the hole is difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of tab-to-hole alignmentVSAvoidtime required for adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tab is pre-positioned within the slider, and the push plate is pre-configured to push the tab into the correct hole position. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for real-time alignment during the adjustment operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual dexterity-based alignment operation is replaced by a mechanical pushing mechanism. The push plate converts a simple pressing motion into the precise action of inserting the tab into the hole, replacing the need for manual alignment skills.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional hinge coupling structure is used, then the protective mask can be attached to the headband, but the angle and distance adjustments are cumbersome and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of hinge angle and distanceVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distance adjustment function and the hinge coupling function are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The slider simultaneously performs both distance adjustment (by positioning the tab in different holes) and hinge coupling (by engaging with the hinge), reducing the number of separate adjustment operations needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 convenient and precise adjustment of the protective mask's angle and distance relative to the headband, enhancing usability and comfort for welders by simplifying the adjustment process.

Implementation Method 1

a lever (seesaw) for moving the stopper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Data Source

PatentUS10264842B2Coupling structure of replaceable visor hinge for headband

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 OTOS WING

AI summary

Provided is a coupling structure of a visor hinge for a headband to connect a protective mask, which is configured to cover the wearer's face along with a viewing window, to both sides of a headband which assists the wearer in wearing the protective mask. The coupling structure includes base molds protruding from both sides of the headband, a slider located outward of each of the base molds, a button located outward of the slider, a stopper located outward of the button, and a hinge located outward of the stopper. Accordingly, it may be possible to easily adjust an angle and a distance of the protective mask with respect to the headband using the hinge, and the welding mask may be used more conveniently.