Hang Glider Helmet & Head Support System Date(s): 2016.06.09. Album by NMERider. Photos by NMERider. 1 - 27 of 27 Total. 4235 Visits.
enlarge 289KB, 1280x897 1 2016-06-08 (711) In normal flight mode the system produces about 2.2LB or 1kg of lift (upward pull) on the helmet.
enlarge 441KB, 1280x936 2 2016-06-08 (1) Helmet Pulley Notice there is almost no slack in the system when my helmet is right up against the upper-most pulley?
enlarge 532KB, 1280x1078 3 2016-06-08 (3) Helmet Pulley During launch run the system is taught and producing about 1LB of lift on the helmet.
enlarge 503KB, 1280x1042 4 2016-06-08 (1055) Helmet Pulley In fast glide mode the pull increases a little over 1kg but the effect on the harness balance is negligible.
enlarge 360KB, 1280x956 5 2016-06-08 (1925) Helmet Pulley At 66mph in 3/4 VG with harness unzipped. This makes is very easy to hold my head level.
enlarge 483KB, 960x1280 6 CAM01918 The helmet bridle system.
enlarge 604KB, 919x1280 7 CAM01927 Helmet bridle and floating pulley.
enlarge 292KB, 1110x1280 8 CAM01941
enlarge 225KB, 1280x960 9 CAM01926 1/16" diameter accessory cord is sewn to soft* Velcro that makes with adhesive-backed Velcro carefully aligned on the helmet shell. *Stiff Velcro will tear along the stitch line. Don't use it.
enlarge 543KB, 1280x953 10 CAM01925 This is where the helmet hangs in space. In flight, more than the weight of the helmet is being supported.
enlarge 545KB, 1107x1280 11 CAM01915
enlarge 423KB, 1440x885 12 CAM01912 Latex tube connection is via 1/8" Pop Rivet bodies with the heads cut off.
enlarge 347KB, 1280x817 13 CAM01922 Latex tube is terminated to a loop of 1/16" utility cord that is draped over the keel in a lark's head hitch. KISS.
enlarge 304KB, 1280x960 14 CAM01923
enlarge 295KB, 1021x1280 15 CAM01916 KISS on the front pulley attachment.
enlarge 434KB, 1280x960 16 CAM01917
enlarge 357KB, 1440x865 17 CAM01921 By using 1/8" aluminum tube sections inside the 1/16" I.D. latex tube the suspension line moves through the pulley without snagging.
enlarge 181KB, 1280x960 18 CAM01920 Hang strap pulley attachment. KISS once again.
enlarge 340KB, 1280x1233 19 CAM01940 These are fantastic pulleys for running the latex tube through. I buy mine from West Marine.
enlarge 190KB, 1280x855 20 CAM01943 this was a 50' roll of 1/16" I.D. x 3/16" O.D. latex tube from Kent Elastomer. Best quality. I paid ~$33 from Spearitco on Amazon.com
enlarge 274KB, 1280x802 21 CAM01942 Part number for latex tube.
enlarge 220KB, 1440x735 22 CAM01944 I use ~77-1/2" of latex tube. You can use more of less depending upon your flying style or application.
enlarge 276KB, 1280x960 23 CAM01939 2, 1/8" x 1/2" aluminum Pop Rivet shafts that have been rounded inside and out. Tip end of cord is carefully melted so it won't pull through under normal tension.
enlarge 248KB, 706x1280 24 CAM01934 Dip latex into isopropol before pressing over rivet shafts.
enlarge 300KB, 1280x1001 25 CAM01936 Insertion process
enlarge 236KB, 1440x895 26 CAM01937 Press slightly farther than needed to cover rivet shafts.
enlarge 217KB, 1440x734 27 CAM01938 Terminated end of latex to 1.5mm accessory cord.
