Bi-directional ratchet for adjusting band on virtual reality headset

Abstract

As disclosed herein, a bi-directional ratchet (212) for an anti-slip knob ratchet (102) is provided to adjust strap length to secure a virtual reality headset to a user's head. The bi-directional ratchet includes a first pawl (214a) configured to engage with a fixed ratchet drum (602) in the outer housing to allow the pinion to move in a clockwise direction. The bi-directional ratchet includes a second pawl (214b) configured to engage with the fixed ratchet drum to allow the pinion to move in a counter-clockwise direction. A knob system and a head-mounted device are also provided.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 381,506, filed on October 28, 2022, and entitled “BIDIRECTIONAL RATCHET FOR ADJUSTING STRAP ON VR HEADSET,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0003] background

[0004] field

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to adjustable straps for wearable headsets. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a non-slippage knob with a bidirectional ratchet for adjusting a strap in a virtual reality (VR) headset.

[0006] Related technologies

[0007] VR headsets have a fixing strap that tightly attaches the headset to the user's head. Although the strap is adjustable via a tightening mechanism, once the user takes off the headset, sliding of the tightening mechanism in a direction opposite to the ratchet stop may cause the strap to loosen or tighten (more likely tighten), forcing the user to readjust the strap to secure the headset. This creates an inconvenience because the user typically needs to readjust the strap every time the user manipulates the headset without wearing it. Summary of the invention

[0008] The disclosed system provides a bi-directional ratchet that connects a rotating knob of a strap of a virtual reality (VR) headset. Turning the knob in one direction loosens the strap, while turning the knob in the opposite direction tightens the strap. The knob maintains the loosened position or the tightened position without slipping, thereby preventing the user from further or unintentional adjustment of the strap.

[0009] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a bidirectional ratchet is provided. The ratchet may include a first pawl that may be configured to engage with a stationary ratchet drum in an outer shell to allow a pinion to move in a clockwise direction. The ratchet may include a second pawl that may be configured to engage with the stationary ratchet drum to allow the pinion to move in a counterclockwise direction.

[0010] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, a knob system for adjusting the length of a head-mounted device is provided. The knob system may include a rotating cover, which may include a belt extension configuration, a belt shortening configuration, and a belt locking configuration. The knob system may include a ratchet coupled to the rotating cover. The ratchet may be configured to rotate in a clockwise direction when the rotating cover is in the belt extension configuration, and the ratchet may rotate in a counterclockwise direction when the rotating cover is in the belt shortening configuration. When the rotating cover is in the belt locking configuration, the rotating cover may remain stationary. The knob system may also include a pinion, which is mechanically coupled (either rigidly coupled or coupled by a torsion spring) to the ratchet at the hub, and is coupled to the left head-mounted device band on a first edge of the left head-mounted device band and is coupled to the right head-mounted device band on a second edge of the right head-mounted device band. The knob system may include a housing. The housing may include a belt coupling, which is used to receive the left head-mounted device band and the right head-mounted device band. The housing may include a fixed ratchet drum for engaging with a ratchet in a stop-hold configuration when the rotating cover is in the belt-extended configuration or the belt-shortened configuration, and for engaging with a ratchet in a locked configuration when the rotating cover is in a locked configuration.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a head-mounted device is provided. The head-mounted device may include goggles, and the goggles may include a display configured to provide an immersive reality view to a user. The head-mounted device may include a left strap attached to the left side of the goggles, and the head-mounted device may include a right strap attached to the right side of the goggles. The left strap and the right strap may be coupled on opposite sides of the goggles by a knob. The knob may include a bidirectional ratchet to achieve a strap extension configuration, a strap shortening configuration, and a strap locking configuration.

[0012] It should be understood that other configurations of the subject technology will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art through the following specific embodiments, wherein various configurations of the subject technology are illustrated and described by way of illustration. As will be appreciated, the subject technology can have other and different configurations, and its several details can be modified in various other aspects, all of which modifications do not deviate from the scope of the subject technology. Therefore, the drawings and specific embodiments should be considered illustrative in nature, rather than restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

[0014] Figure 1A virtual reality (VR) headset having a strap ratchet-adjustable with an anti-slip knob is shown in accordance with some embodiments;

[0015] Figure 2 According to some embodiments, a method for adjusting Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the components of the anti-slip knob ratchet on the VR head mounted device shown;

[0016] Figure 3 According to some embodiments, a method for adjusting Figure 1 An exploded transparent stereoscopic view of the various components of the anti-slip knob ratchet on the VR head-mounted device shown.

[0017] Figure 4 According to some embodiments, a method for adjusting Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the components (including the spring) of the anti-slip knob ratchet on the VR head mounted device shown;

[0018] Figure 5 According to some embodiments, a method for adjusting Figure 1 An exploded transparent stereoscopic view of the components (including the spring) of the anti-slip knob ratchet on the VR head mounted device shown;

[0019] Figure 6 According to some embodiments, a method for adjusting Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the anti-slip knob ratchets of the left and right straps in the VR headset shown.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, not all of the depicted components in the various figures may be required, and one or more embodiments may include additional components not shown in the figures. Various changes may be made to the arrangement and types of components without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. Additional components, different components, or fewer components may be utilized within the scope of the subject disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The specific embodiments set forth below are intended as descriptions of various embodiments and are not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the subject technology can be practiced. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the drawings and description should be considered illustrative in nature, rather than restrictive.

[0022] In some cases, the straps in a VR headset may adjust to a larger or smaller size when the VR headset is not on the user's head. For example, when the headset is picked up by the top strap, a small force may be generated that causes the strap size to lengthen or shorten. The user is then forced to readjust the strap size before using the headset.

[0023] It is desirable to maintain a strap for a VR headset under tension and compression (e.g., bi-directionally). Such a configuration allows a user to set the ideal extension of the strap to maintain the headset once, without having to reset it each time the headset is put on. In some embodiments, the strap can be hard or rigid, and in some embodiments, the strap can be flexible, where a user may still desire to maintain a given size between uses and / or treatments.

[0024] To achieve the above effect, a non-slip knob ratchet is provided. The knob includes a bidirectional ratchet and a rotating cover that adjusts the direction of the ratchet to extend or shorten the strap around the user's head. Once the strap length is adjusted, the rotating cover is set in a locked position in which the ratchet pawls acting clockwise and counterclockwise engage with the fixed ratchet drum, thereby ensuring that the length of the strap will not slip in either direction.

[0025] In addition to eliminating the inconvenience of the user constantly adjusting the strap length, the embodiments disclosed herein also reduce the wear on the mechanical components in the ratchet that would otherwise be caused by multiple readjustments of the strap length.

[0026] Now turning to the attached figure, Figure 1 A VR headset 100 having a strap adjustable with an anti-slip knob ratchet 102 is shown in accordance with some embodiments. The VR headset 100 may include a visor 104 including a display 106 configured to provide an immersive reality view to a user. The VR headset 100 may also include a left strap 108 attached to the left side of the visor 104 and a right strap 110 attached to the right side of the visor 104. The left strap 108 and the right strap 110 may be coupled on opposite sides of the visor 104 via the anti-slip knob ratchet 102. The anti-slip knob ratchet 102 may include a bidirectional ratchet 212 (see Figure 2 ) to achieve a belt extension configuration, a belt shortening configuration and a belt locking configuration.

[0027] In some embodiments, the anti-slip knob ratchet 102 can be operated to keep the left belt 108 and the right belt 110 fixed in a given configuration unless the user adjusts the anti-slip knob ratchet 102. Rotating the anti-slip knob ratchet 102 unlocks the corresponding bidirectional ratchet pawl 214 for the adjustment direction (see Figure 2), and then the pinion 302 is rotated (the anti-slip knob-ratchet knob 102 enters the pinion 302 through the two-way ratchet 212 (see Figure 3 )) and retract or extend the straps 108 and 110. When the anti-slip knob ratchet 102 is not engaged in one direction or the other, the two-way ratchet 212 is in a locked position, preventing the straps 108 and 110 from extending or retracting. This prevents accidental changes in strap length. Therefore, adjustment of the strap length can only be made by rotating the anti-slip knob ratchet 102. In addition to rotating the anti-slip knob ratchet 102, no other input is required by the user to adjust the straps 108 and 110.

[0028] In some embodiments, the VR head-mounted device 100 may include a processor circuit and a memory circuit. The memory circuit may store instructions that, when executed by the processor circuit, cause the head-mounted device to perform one or more steps in the method. In addition, the VR head-mounted device 100 may include a communication module. The communication module may include radio frequency software and hardware configured to wirelessly communicate the processor and memory with an external network, as well as a remote server or mobile device operated by a user of the VR head-mounted device 100. Therefore, the communication module may include a radio antenna, a transceiver, and a sensor, and also include digital processing circuits for signal processing according to any of a variety of wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and near-field communication (NFC). In addition, the communication module may also communicate with other input tools and accessories (e.g., handles, joysticks, mice, and wireless pointers, etc.) that cooperate with the VR head-mounted device 100. The network may include, for example, any one or more of a local area network, a wide area network (WAN), and the Internet. In addition, the network may include, but is not limited to, any one or more of the following network topologies: these network topologies include a bus network, a star network, a ring network, a mesh network, a star bus network, a tree network, or a hierarchical network, etc. The VR headset 100 may include a battery for tethered or untethered use of the VR headset 100.

[0029] In some embodiments, the VR headset 100 may include a rigid strap or a semi-rigid strap. In some embodiments, the anti-slip knob ratchet 102 works with a flexible, non-rigid strap. In some embodiments, at least one of the left strap 108 or the right strap 110 may be made of a rigid material having a plurality of teeth at the end engaging the pinion 302 (see FIG. Figure 3 ), which pulls the left belt 108 and the right belt 110 together in the belt shortening configuration and pushes the left belt 108 and the right belt 110 apart in the belt extending configuration.

[0030] Figure 2 According to some embodiments, a method for adjusting Figure 1 The VR headset 100 is shown in an exploded perspective view of the components of the anti-slip knob ratchet 102. The rotating cover 202, the belt shell 204, the left belt 108, the right belt 110, the housing 206, the fastener 208, the bidirectional ratchet 212, the clockwise pawl 214a and the counterclockwise pawl 214b are shown. The housing 206 of the anti-slip knob ratchet 102 may include a fixed ratchet drum 602 (see Figure 6 ). Also shown are the left belt 108 and the right belt 110 that are engaged with the pinion 304 (see Figure 3 ) of the teeth of the left and right belts. The rotating cover 202 can be set to three different configurations: a belt shortening configuration, a belt extending configuration, and a belt locking configuration. The belt housing 206 can receive the ends of the left belt 108 and the right belt 110 to securely couple the left and right belts to the bidirectional ratchet 202 via the pinion 302.

[0031] In some embodiments, the anti-slip knob ratchet 102 may include a fixed ratchet drum 602 and a rotating cover 202, and the bidirectional ratchet 212 may include a plurality of pawls 214, the plurality of pawls including at least one clockwise pawl 214a and at least one counterclockwise pawl 214b, and when the rotating cover 202 is in one of the belt extension configuration or the belt shortening configuration, the at least one clockwise pawl is configured to engage with the fixed ratchet drum 602, and the at least one counterclockwise pawl is configured to disengage from the fixed ratchet drum 602 through the unlocking rib 304 on the rotating cover 202, or vice versa.

[0032] In some embodiments, the anti-slip knob ratchet 102 may include a fixed ratchet drum 602 and a rotating cover 202, and the bidirectional ratchet 212 may include at least one clockwise pawl 214a and at least one counterclockwise pawl 214b, and when the rotating cover 202 is set in a locked configuration, the at least one clockwise pawl and the at least one counterclockwise pawl are configured to engage the fixed ratchet drum 602.

[0033] In some embodiments, the anti-slip knob ratchet 102 may include a fixed ratchet drum 602 and a rotating cover 202, and the bidirectional ratchet 212 may include at least one clockwise pawl 214a and at least one counterclockwise pawl 214b, the clockwise pawl and the counterclockwise pawl including a head that forms a cantilever with the body of the bidirectional ratchet 212 to engage with the fixed ratchet drum 602 when not obstructed by at least one unlocking rib 304 in the rotating cover 202.

[0034] In some embodiments, the bidirectional ratchet 212 includes a first plurality of pawls 214 symmetrically disposed around the pinion 302, the first plurality of pawls being configured to allow the pinion 302 to move in a clockwise direction to pull the left belt 108 and the right belt 110 together, and a second plurality of pawls 214 symmetrically disposed around the pinion 302, the first plurality of pawls being configured to allow the pinion 302 to move in a counterclockwise direction to push the left belt 108 away from the right belt 110. In some embodiments, the symmetrical arrangement of the clockwise pawls 214a or the counterclockwise pawls 214b is not necessary, and at least one or more pawls 214 disposed in different configurations may be included.

[0035] In some embodiments, the rotating cover 202 may include a belt extension configuration, a belt shortening configuration, and a belt locking configuration. The bidirectional ratchet 112 may be coupled to the rotating cover 202, and the bidirectional ratchet is configured to rotate in a first direction when the rotating cover 202 is in the belt extension configuration, rotate in a second direction when the rotating cover 202 is in the belt shortening configuration, and remain in a fixed position when the rotating cover 202 is in the belt locking configuration.

[0036] In some embodiments, the pinion 302 can be coupled to the bi-directional ratchet 212 at the hub and coupled to the left head-mounted device strap 108 on a first edge of the left head-mounted device strap 108 and coupled to the right head-mounted device strap 110 on a second edge of the right head-mounted device strap 110.

[0037] In some embodiments, the housing 206 may include a strap coupling for receiving the left head-mounted device strap 108 and the right head-mounted device strap 110. In some embodiments, the housing 206 may include a fixed ratchet drum 602 for engaging with the bi-directional ratchet 212 in the stop-hold configuration when the rotating cover 202 is in the strap extension configuration or the strap shortening configuration, and engaging with the bi-directional ratchet 212 in the locking configuration when the rotating cover 212 is in the strap locking configuration.

[0038] Figure 3 According to some embodiments, a method for adjusting Figure 1 1 is an exploded transparent perspective view of the components of the anti-slip knob ratchet 102 of the strap on the VR head mounted device 100 shown. The rotating cover 202, the strap shell 204, the left strap 108, the right strap 110, the housing 206, the fastener 208, the bidirectional ratchet 212, the clockwise pawl 214a and the counterclockwise pawl 214b are shown. The pinion 302 and the unlocking rib 304 are also visible in the figure. In some embodiments, as Figure 3As shown, the pinion 302 and the bidirectional ratchet 212 can be combined into a single part, which can be fixed to the housing 206 by a fastener 208. In some embodiments, the unlocking rib 302 can interact with the pawls 214 (including the clockwise pawl 214a and the counterclockwise pawl 215b) on the bidirectional ratchet 212 to separate the pawls 214 from the teeth of the fixed ratchet drum 602 of the housing 206, and then apply torque to the bidirectional ratchet 212 to rotate or adjust the bidirectional ratchet 212, thereby applying torque to the pinion 302 through the torsion spring, and the pinion rotates and changes the belt size.

[0039] Figure 4 According to some embodiments, a method for adjusting Figure 1 1 is an exploded perspective view of the components (including spring 402) of the anti-slip knob ratchet 102 of the strap on the VR head mounted device 100 shown. The rotating cover 202, the strap shell 204, the left strap 108, the right strap 110, the housing 206, the fastener 208, the pinion 302, the bidirectional ratchet 212, the clockwise pawl 214a, the counterclockwise pawl 214b and the spring 402 are shown. In some embodiments, as Figure 4 As described, the pinion 302 and the bidirectional ratchet 212 can be divided into two different parts. In some embodiments, the pinion 302 can be rigidly fixed to the bidirectional fastener 212 by adhesive or, for example, a locking configuration between the two parts. In some embodiments, one or more torsion springs can be anchored on the bidirectional ratchet 212 and the pinion 302.

[0040] In some embodiments, the spring 402 coupled to the bidirectional ratchet 212 can implement a don-doff tension function of the anti-slip knob ratchet 102. When the user manipulates the VR headset 100, the tension-compression of the spring 402 can occur, thereby extending the straps 108 and 110 when the spring 402 is stretched and the bidirectional ratchet 212 is slightly rotated, and shortening the straps 108 and 110 when the spring 402 is compressed and the bidirectional ratchet 212 is reversely rotated. The tension-compression of the spring 402 can allow the user to put on or take off the VR headset 100 without directly rotating the anti-slip knob ratchet 102 (e.g., with the user's hands).

[0041] Figure 5 According to some embodiments, a method for adjusting Figure 1 An exploded transparent perspective view of the components (including spring 402) in the anti-slip knob ratchet 102 of the strap on the VR headset 100 is shown. The rotating cover 202, the strap shell 204, the left strap 108, the right strap 110, the housing 206, the fastener 208, the pinion 302, the bidirectional ratchet 212, the clockwise pawl 214a, the counterclockwise pawl 214b and the spring 402 are illustrated. Also visible is the unlocking rib 304.

[0042] Figure 6 According to some embodiments, a method for adjusting Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the anti-slip knob ratchet 102 of the left and right straps 108 and 110 in the VR headset 100 is shown. The rotating cover 202, the strap shell 204, the bidirectional ratchet 212, the clockwise pawl 214a, the counterclockwise pawl 214b and the spring 402 are shown. Also visible are the unlocking ribs 304 and the fixed ratchet drum 602. Figure 6 , the rotating cover 202 is in a "locked" position, wherein all unlocking ribs 304 are disengaged, thereby engaging the clockwise pawl 214a and the counterclockwise pawl 214b with the fixed ratchet drum 204, thereby fixing the pinion 302 and not allowing any stretching or contraction of the head mounted device strap (including the left strap 108 and the right strap 110).

[0043] In some embodiments, the bidirectional ratchet 212 includes a clockwise pawl 214a configured to engage with a fixed ratchet drum 602 (e.g., a fixed ratchet gear, a stator, or a stator gear) in the outer housing to allow the pinion 302 to move in a clockwise direction. In some embodiments, the bidirectional ratchet 212 also includes a counterclockwise pawl 214b configured to engage with the fixed ratchet drum 602 to allow the pinion 302 to move in a counterclockwise direction.

[0044] In some embodiments, the clockwise pawl 214a and the counterclockwise pawl 214b engage with the fixed ratchet drum 602 to prevent the pinion 302 from rotating when not hindered by one or more unlocking ribs 304 in the rotating cover 202. In some embodiments, the clockwise pawl 214a is one of the plurality of pawls 214 symmetrically arranged around the pinion 302 and configured to allow the pinion 302 to move in a clockwise direction, and the counterclockwise pawl 214b is one of the plurality of pawls 214 symmetrically arranged around the pinion 302 and configured to allow the pinion 302 to move in a counterclockwise direction.

[0045] In some embodiments, when the clockwise pawl 214a is engaged with the fixed ratchet drum 602, the counterclockwise pawl 214b is disengaged from the fixed ratchet drum 602 through the unlocking rib 304 in the rotating cover 202, and when the counterclockwise pawl 214b is engaged with the fixed ratchet drum 602, the clockwise pawl 214a is disengaged from the fixed ratchet drum 602 through the unlocking rib 304 in the rotating cover 202.

[0046] In some embodiments, the clockwise pawl 214a and the counterclockwise pawl 214b are configured to engage with the fixed ratchet drum 602 when the rotating cover 202 is disposed in the belt locked configuration.

[0047] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" preceding a series of items, and the terms "and" or "or" used to separate any item in a plurality of items, modify the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (e.g., each term). The phrase "at least one of" does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase permits the meaning to include at least one of any item in a plurality of items, and / or at least one of any combination of a plurality of items, and / or at least one of each item in a plurality of items. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0048] Terms used in this disclosure, such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," and the like, should be understood to refer to an arbitrary reference frame, not the ordinary gravitational reference frame. Thus, the top surface, bottom surface, front surface, and rear surface may extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in the gravitational reference frame. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "including," "having," and the like are used in the specification or claims, the terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising," as interpreted when "comprising" is used as a transitional word in a claim.

[0049] The word "exemplary" as used herein means "serving as an example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as taking precedence over or superior to other embodiments. Phrases such as aspect, this aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, embodiment, this embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, embodiment, this embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, configuration, this configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, subject technology, disclosure, the present disclosure, and other variations thereof are for convenience and do not imply that the disclosure associated with such phrases is essential to the subject technology or that the disclosure is applicable to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure associated with such phrases may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. The disclosure associated with such phrases may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to the other aforementioned phrases.

[0050] Unless otherwise specified, elements referred to in the singular are not intended to mean "one and only one", but "one or more". Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. The term "some" refers to one or more. Underlined and / or italicized titles and subtitles are used only for convenience, do not limit the subject technology, and do not involve interpretation of the description of the subject technology. Relevant terms (e.g., first and second, etc.) may be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various configurations described throughout the present disclosure that are known or will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the subject technology. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly cited in the above description. No claim element shall be construed under the terms of 35 USC § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase "step for."

[0051] Although this specification contains many details, these details should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of what may be described, but should be interpreted as descriptions of specific implementations of the subject matter. Certain features described in the context of separate embodiments in this specification may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually in multiple embodiments or in any suitable sub-combination. In addition, although features may be described above as working in certain combinations, even initially claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination may be deleted from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may involve a sub-combination or a variant of a sub-combination.

[0052] The subject matter of this specification has been described with respect to specific aspects, but other aspects may also be implemented and are within the scope of the appended claims. For example, although operations are depicted in a particular order in the drawings, this should not be understood as requiring that these operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or requiring that all operations shown be performed to obtain the desired result. The actions recorded in the claims can be performed in different orders and still achieve the desired results. As an example, the processes described in the drawings do not necessarily require the particular order or sequential order shown to achieve the desired results. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of the various system components in the above aspects should not be understood as requiring such separation in all aspects, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0053] The title of the invention, background technology, description of the figures, abstract and drawings of the specification are incorporated into the present disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the present disclosure, rather than as restrictive descriptions. It should be understood that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that in order to make the present disclosure smooth, the description provides illustrative examples and various features are grouped together in various embodiments. The method of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the subject matter claimed requires more features than the features explicitly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the claims, the subject matter of the present invention lies in less than all the features of the disclosed single configuration or operation. The claims are incorporated into the detailed description, where each claim exists independently as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0054] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and encompass all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended to encompass subject matter that fails to meet the requirements of applicable patent law, nor should it be interpreted in such a manner.

Claims

1. A ratchet, comprising: a first pawl configured to engage a stationary ratchet drum in the outer housing to allow the pinion gear to move in a clockwise direction; as well as A second pawl is configured to engage the fixed ratchet drum to allow the pinion gear to move in a counterclockwise direction.

2. The ratchet according to claim 1, wherein: When the first pawl is engaged with the fixed ratchet drum, the second pawl is disengaged from the fixed ratchet drum by the unlocking rib in the rotating cover, and when the second pawl is engaged with the fixed ratchet drum, the first pawl is disengaged from the fixed ratchet drum by the unlocking rib in the rotating cover.

3. The ratchet according to claim 1, wherein: The first pawl and the second pawl are configured to engage the fixed ratchet drum when the rotating cover is disposed in the belt locked configuration.

4. The ratchet according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first and second pawls includes a head that is cantilevered from a body of the ratchet to engage the fixed ratchet drum when not obstructed by an unlocking rib in a rotating cover.

5. The ratchet according to claim 1, wherein: The first pawl and the second pawl engage with the fixed ratchet drum to prevent the pinion gear from rotating when not obstructed by one or more unlocking ribs in the rotating cover.

6. The ratchet according to claim 1, wherein: The first pawl is one of a plurality of pawls symmetrically arranged around the pinion and configured to allow the pinion to move in the clockwise direction, and wherein the second pawl is one of a plurality of pawls symmetrically arranged around the pinion and configured to allow the pinion to move in the counterclockwise direction.

7. A knob system for adjusting the length of a strap of a head mounted device, the knob system comprising: A rotating cover, comprising: With extended configuration, with shortened configuration, and With locking configuration. a ratchet coupled to the rotating cover and configured to rotate in a first direction when the rotating cover is in the band extending configuration, to rotate in a second direction when the rotating cover is in the band shortening configuration, and to remain in a fixed position when the rotating cover is in the band locking configuration; a pinion gear coupled to the ratchet at a hub and coupled to a left head-mounted device strap on a first edge of the left head-mounted device strap and to a right head-mounted device strap on a second edge of the right head-mounted device strap; and A housing, the housing comprising: a strap coupling for receiving the left head-mounted device strap and the right head-mounted device strap, and A fixed ratchet drum is used to engage with the ratchet in the stop-hold configuration when the rotating cover is in the strap extension configuration or the strap shortening configuration, and to engage with the ratchet in the locking configuration when the rotating cover is in the strap locking configuration.

8. The knob system according to claim 7, wherein: The ratchet includes a first pawl and a second pawl. When the rotating cover is in one of the belt extension configuration or the belt shortening configuration, the first pawl is configured to engage with the fixed ratchet drum, and the second pawl is configured to disengage from the fixed ratchet drum through an unlocking rib in the rotating cover.

9. The knob system according to claim 7, wherein: The ratchet includes a first pawl and a second pawl configured to engage the stationary ratchet drum when the rotating cover is disposed in the belt locking configuration.

10. The knob system according to claim 7, wherein: The ratchet includes a first pawl and a second pawl including a head cantilevered from a body of the ratchet to engage with the fixed ratchet drum when not obstructed by an unlocking rib in the rotating cover.

11. The knob system according to claim 7, wherein: The ratchet includes a first group of multiple pawls and a second group of multiple pawls, wherein the first group of multiple pawls are symmetrically arranged around the pinion and are configured to allow the pinion to move in a clockwise direction, and the second group of multiple pawls are symmetrically arranged around the pinion and are configured to allow the pinion to move in a counterclockwise direction.

12. The knob system according to claim 7, wherein: The pinion gear is rigidly coupled to the ratchet gear.

13. The knob system according to claim 7, wherein: The pinion gear is coupled to the ratchet gear via a spring.

14. A head mounted device, comprising: goggles, the goggles comprising a display configured to provide an immersive reality view to a user; a left strap attached to a left side of the goggles; as well as a right strap attached to the right side of the goggles, the left and right straps being coupled on opposite sides of the goggles via a knob including a bi-directional ratchet to achieve: With extended configuration, with shortened configuration, and With locking configuration.

15. The head mounted device according to claim 14, wherein: At least one of the left belt or the right belt is made of a rigid material having a plurality of teeth at the end engaging a pinion gear that pulls the left belt and the right belt together in the belt shortening configuration and pushes the left belt and the right belt apart in the belt extending configuration.

16. The head mounted device according to claim 14, wherein: The knob includes a fixed ratchet drum and a rotating cover, and the bidirectional ratchet includes a first pawl and a second pawl, and when the rotating cover is in one of the belt extension configuration or the belt shortening configuration, the first pawl is configured to engage with the fixed ratchet drum, and the second pawl is configured to disengage from the fixed ratchet drum through an unlocking rib in the rotating cover.

17. The head mounted device according to claim 14, wherein: The knob includes a stationary ratchet drum and a rotating cover, and the bi-directional ratchet includes a first pawl and a second pawl configured to engage the stationary ratchet drum when the rotating cover is disposed in the band locking configuration.

18. The head mounted device according to claim 14, wherein: The knob includes a fixed ratchet drum and a rotating cover, and the bidirectional ratchet includes a first pawl and a second pawl, wherein the first pawl and the second pawl include a head, which forms a cantilever with the body of the bidirectional ratchet to engage with the fixed ratchet drum when not hindered by an unlocking rib in the rotating cover.

19. The head mounted device according to claim 14, wherein: The bidirectional ratchet includes a first group of multiple pawls and a second group of multiple pawls, wherein the first group of multiple pawls are symmetrically arranged around the pinion and are configured to allow the pinion to move in a clockwise direction to pull the left belt and the right belt together, and the second group of multiple pawls are symmetrically arranged around the pinion and are configured to allow the pinion to move in a counterclockwise direction to push the left belt and the right belt apart.

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