Helmet Visor Segmented Pivoting Cam Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing helmet visor mechanisms are sensitive to shocks and environmental conditions, and offer limited freedom of movement, leading to potential jamming and inadequate ventilation and airtightness.

Innovation Solution

A visor design featuring a central portion with two lateral wings, connected by pivoting members and a cam system that allows multiple angular positions, enabling greater movement and adaptation to the user's face morphology, reducing friction and jamming risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a complex mechanical displacement system with articulated connecting rods is used to move the visor, then the visor can move along a specific trajectory, but the helmet becomes sensitive to shocks and the mechanism is liable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisor movement controlVSAvoidmechanical system durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The visor is divided into multiple independent movable portions (first movable portion and second movable portion) that can move separately relative to the main body. Each portion has its own connection system with pivot members, allowing independent movement without requiring a complex single-trajectory mechanism. This segmentation reduces the complexity and fragility of the mechanical system while maintaining controlled movement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection systems use pivot members that allow rotational movement, creating a dynamic mechanism that can adapt to shocks and external forces. The pivot joints enable the visor portions to move freely within their ranges while maintaining connection to the main body, making the system more resilient to impact stresses compared to rigid articulated rods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If guide slots and guide sliders are used to constrain visor movement, then the visor follows a specific trajectory, but the mechanism is sensitive to environmental conditions and prone to jamming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisor movement guidanceVSAvoidenvironmental sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using guide slots that constrain the entire visor along a single trajectory, the invention segments the visor into multiple portions that move independently. Each portion has its own pivot-based connection system that allows movement without requiring precise guide slots, reducing sensitivity to environmental factors like rain, snow, and temperature variations that could cause jamming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the guide slot and guide slider mechanical constraint system with a pivot-based rotational movement system. This substitution eliminates the sliding contact that is prone to jamming in adverse environmental conditions, while still providing controlled movement through the pivot axes and connection pieces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If connecting rods with limited angular movement are used, then the visor movement is constrained, but ventilation and adaptation to face morphology are inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisor movement controlVSAvoidface morphology adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The visor is segmented into multiple movable portions that can move independently relative to the main body and each other. This segmentation provides greater freedom of movement and multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the visor to adapt to different face morphologies and provide better ventilation when raised, compared to a single constrained trajectory mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The use of pivot members with multiple rotational axes creates a more dynamic system that can adapt to various positions and angles. The first and second movable portions can rotate independently around different pivot axes, enabling the visor to conform to different face shapes and provide optimal ventilation angles, enhancing adaptability to user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If precision mechanisms are arranged on either side of the visor to achieve specific trajectory, then movement control is improved, but friction and jamming risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisor trajectory controlVSAvoidmechanism jamming resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of arranging precision mechanisms on either side of a single visor structure, the invention segments the visor into multiple portions that move independently. Each portion has its own simplified connection system with pivot members, reducing the need for multiple precision mechanisms working in concert. This reduces the cumulative friction and jamming risk while maintaining trajectory control through the pivot-based movement of each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design enhances ventilation, maintains airtightness, and allows the visor to clear from the face without interfering with eyewear, providing a robust and reliable solution for various conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a first pivoting member of a first shell connection system arranged so that, when the visor is assembled to the outer shell, the connecting piece pivots with respect to the shell around a first substantially transverse pivot axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

a second pivoting member of a second connection system to the side wing arranged so as to allow pivoting of the screen relative to the connecting piece about a second substantially transverse pivoting axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP3195745B1Visor and helmet provided with such a visor
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 SALOMON SA
  • EP3195745B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3195745B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3195745B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a visor (100) for a protective helmet (200) comprising an outer shell (210), the visor (100) comprising, on the one hand, a screen (110) having a central portion (111) and two lateral wings (112) and, on the other hand, two connecting pieces (120) each mounted on a lateral wing (112), each connecting piece (120) comprising: - a first pivoting member (121) of a first connection system to the shell (210) arranged such that, when the visor is assembled to the outer shell, the connecting piece pivots relative to the shell (210) around a first substantially transverse pivoting axis (123) thus allowing the visor (100) to move relative to the shell (210) between a lower position, in which the screen (110) is intended to extend in relation to a facial opening (211) fitted in the hull (210), and a high position, in which the facial opening (211) is substantially unobstructed;and - a second pivoting member (122) of a second connection system to the side wing (112) arranged to allow the screen (110) to pivot relative to the connecting piece (120) about a second substantially transverse pivot axis (124). At least one side wing (112) supports a cam (114) intended to cooperate with a complementary cam track (221), configured to be fixed relative to the outer shell (210), so as to perform an angular limitation of the downward pivoting of the screen (110) about the second pivot axis (124) and to allow the upward rotation of the screen (110) about the second pivot axis (124) by moving the cam (114) away from the cam track (221). The invention also relates to a helmet equipped with such a visor.