Helmet Visor Mounting Mechanism with Resilient Latching Prongs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visor mounting mechanisms for helmets do not allow for quick and easy movement between deployed and stowed positions, and do not facilitate easy removal for replacement or cleaning, potentially obstructing the wearer's view and being difficult to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A visor mounting mechanism featuring a latching prong with a resiliently displaceable end, a casing with a channel and locking prong, and an elastic cord, allowing the visor to be easily moved between deployed and stowed positions without obstructing the wearer's view, and can be easily removed from the helmet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional pivot arrangement with locking mechanism is used to mount the visor to the helmet, then the visor can be held in a deployed position, but the visor cannot be quickly moved between deployed and stowed positions and is difficult to remove for replacement or cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic system that allows quick movement. The resilient latching prong can be deflected to release the visor, and the elastic cord provides continuous tension to automatically return the visor to the deployed position. This dynamic design enables rapid transition between stowed and deployed positions without manual manipulation of complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic cord automatically returns the visor to the deployed position after it has been moved or removed. The resilient latching prong automatically engages with the fixture when the visor is in the deployed position, providing self-latching functionality. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual locking and ensures the visor maintains its operational position without continuous intervention.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is used to hold the visor in place, then the visor remains stable during use, but the visor cannot be easily removed for replacement or cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a resilient latching prong for secure engagement, a fixture for receiving the prong, and an elastic cord for maintaining tension. This segmentation allows the latching mechanism to provide secure holding during use while enabling easy release by simply deflecting the resilient prong, facilitating quick removal and replacement of the visor.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient latching prong changes its physical state between engaged and disengaged positions. When deflected, the prong transitions from a locked state to an unlocked state, allowing the visor to be removed. The elastic cord maintains constant tension to ensure reliable engagement during use. This parameter change in the latching mechanism enables both secure holding and easy removal.
3Ease of operation
If a complex mounting mechanism with multiple components is used to allow quick visor movement, then the visor can be easily positioned, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism extracts complex multi-step locking systems and replaces them with simple, intuitive components. The resilient latching prong eliminates the need for manual locking operations, and the elastic cord replaces complex spring mechanisms. This extraction of unnecessary complexity maintains ease of operation while reducing the number of parts and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism uses simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The resilient latching prong, fixture, and elastic cord are basic mechanical elements that are cost-effective to produce. This approach prioritizes functional simplicity and ease of replacement over using expensive, complex mechanisms, making the overall system more cost-effective to manufacture.
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 quick and easy transition between visor positions, maintaining unobstructed forward visibility and allowing for easy removal and replacement, while being cost-effective to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
a fastening element with a latching prong with a resiliently displaceable prong end
Implementation Method 2
an elastic cord
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for mounting a visor on a helmet includes a visor assembly having a lens and a fastening element with a pair of latching prongs each with a resiliently displaceable prong end; a casing attached to the helmet and having a pair of channels each for receiving the a latching prong and a pair of fixtures, each fixture for engaging a respective prong end when displaced outwardly; and a lock having a pair of locking prongs, each locking prong being insertable into one channel from an opposite end as the latching prongs and each locking prong having a locking prong end that is positionable under a respective latching prong to prevent displacement of the latching prong end inwardly to disengage from the respective fixture.