Visor Slide Mechanism for Adjustable Welding Helmet Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective helmets, such as welding helmets, are often heavy and cumbersome, with adjustment mechanisms that are bulky, difficult to use, and add unnecessary weight, making it challenging for wearers to achieve a comfortable fit, especially in extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight headgear system with a resilient tab and slide mechanism that allows the visor to be adjusted inwardly and outwardly by sliding and securing in multiple positions, enabling easy adjustment while worn, using a slide channel and slide attachment with a resiliently biased tab and mating holes for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional adjustment mechanisms (bulky knobs, bolts, set screws) are used, then the helmet provides adjustable fit, but the weight increases and the mechanism becomes difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment function from complex mechanical mechanisms (knobs, bolts, set screws) and implements it through a simple slide channel and resilient tab system. The adjustment mechanism is reduced to its essential components: a slide member that moves along a channel and a resilient tab that engages with positioning holes, eliminating unnecessary weight while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the adjustment mechanism from mechanical threading or ratcheting to a direct slide-based system with discrete positioning. The resilient tab provides continuous adjustment along the slide channel while engaging at specific positions, changing the parameter of adjustment complexity from high (multiple bolts, threading) to low (single slide motion with elastic retention).
2Reliability
If conventional adjustment mechanisms (bolts, set screws, knobs) are used, then the helmet provides secure adjustment, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex mechanical elements (threads, ratchets, multiple fasteners) and retains only the essential adjustment function through a slide channel with positioning holes and a resilient tab. This extraction reduces device complexity from multiple interacting components to a simple linear motion system with elastic retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient tab automatically engages with positioning holes to secure the slide member at selected positions, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms. The elastic nature of the tab provides self-locking functionality, where the tab itself serves both as the adjustment actuator and the securing element.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment mechanisms require multiple components (bolts, nuts, washers), then the helmet provides adjustable fit, but the ease of operation decreases due to difficulty in assembly and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple adjustment components (positioning holes, resilient tab, slide member) into a single integrated assembly. The slide member with resilient tab acts as one unified component that combines positioning, adjustment, and securing functions, eliminating the need for separate bolts, nuts, and washers.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient tab provides automatic engagement and securing functionality, eliminating the need for manual tightening or locking operations. The user simply slides the member to the desired position and releases the tab, which automatically secures itself, making the adjustment process as easy as a single sliding motion.
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
The system provides a comfortable, lightweight, and easily adjustable headgear that allows wearers to adjust the visor position without removing the helmet, enhancing usability and reducing the risk of operating mistakes due to discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
said mounting attachment having a resiliently biased tab
Data Source
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AI summary
Headgear adapted to protect a wearer having a visor and a flexible circumferential band adapted to be supported by a head of the wearer. A mounting attachment attaches the visor to the flexible circumferential band at each of two side attachment locations with the visor generally positioned in front of a face of the wearer. The mounting attachment has a slide channel associated with the flexible circumferential band and a slide associated with the visor. The slide is able to slide forward and aft in the slide channel with respect to the face of the wearer and is selectively securable in a plurality of forward and aft positions. This allows the visor to be adjusted inwardly and outwardly with respect to the face of the wearer.