Adjustable Head Securement for Wearable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mountable devices often provide a tight and uncomfortable fit due to their design, which can lead to discomfort and difficulty in wearing them for extended periods, especially as users have varying ear sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
The head-mountable device incorporates an adjustable head securement element with deformable regions and biasing elements that allow users to customize the fit near their ears, distributing forces evenly and accommodating different ear sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the head-mountable device uses a fixed, tight-fitting design, then the device maintains a secure fit, but user comfort deteriorates and the device cannot accommodate varying ear sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The head securement element incorporates a deformable region that can dynamically change its configuration between extended and retracted states, allowing the device to adapt to different user anatomies while maintaining secure attachment. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling both secure fit and user comfort through state transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element modifies the physical parameters of the head securement element by applying force to transition the deformable region between extended and retracted configurations. This parameter change enables the device to adjust its fit characteristics, simultaneously achieving secure attachment and comfort for users with varying ear sizes and shapes.
2Reliability
If the head-mountable device uses a tight-fitting design, then the device remains securely attached, but the device causes discomfort for extended wear
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable region with biasing element provides dynamic adjustment capability that allows the device to transition between secure and comfortable states. This enables extended wear duration by reducing discomfort while maintaining reliable attachment through the ability to revert to secure configuration when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the physical state of the head securement element between extended and retracted configurations, the device can optimize for either secure attachment or comfort depending on usage requirements, thereby enabling longer wear durations without compromising attachment reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the head-mountable device uses a standardized design, then manufacturing is simplified, but the device cannot accommodate different ear sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The head securement element is segmented into a fixed body portion and a deformable region with biasing element. This segmentation allows the majority of the device to remain standardized for easy manufacturing, while the deformable region provides adaptability to accommodate different ear sizes and shapes through its ability to assume multiple configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable region is positioned specifically at the location that contacts the user's ear, providing local adaptability without requiring changes to the overall standardized design. This localized quality change enables ear size and shape accommodation while maintaining standardized manufacturing for the rest of the device.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the head-mountable device uses an adjustable head securement element, then user comfort and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element automatically provides the force needed to transition the deformable region between configurations without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. This self-service mechanism achieves fit customization while minimizing device complexity by using passive mechanical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element acts as an intermediary between the deformable region and the user's ear, providing the necessary mechanical force to achieve proper fit and comfort. This intermediary component enables adaptability without requiring complex control systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 solution enhances user comfort by allowing for customizable adjustments, enabling the head-mountable device to be worn for longer durations without discomfort, while maintaining a secure fit.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element extending through the body and being configured to transition between: an extended configuration, in which the biasing element urges the deformable region away from the body; and a retracted configuration, in which the biasing element urges the deformable region toward the body
Data Source
AI summary
Systems of the present disclosure can provide a head-mountable device with a head securement element that allows a user to adjust how the head securement element fits near the ears of the user. Examples of adjustment mechanisms described herein allow a user to control the size, shape, flexibility, and/or position of certain regions of the head securement element with respect to the ears of the user. Accordingly, the user can select a configuration that distributes forces evenly, maximizes comfort, and allows the user to enjoy the head-mountable device for longer durations of time.