Arm Wrap Joint Adjustability for Variable Head Shapes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Head-mountable devices face challenges in securing comfortably and reliably to users with varying anatomical features and during different activities due to unique head shapes and sizes, and existing securement arms may not adapt effectively.

Innovation Solution

The securement arm of the head-mountable device includes a first and second portion connected by a joint, allowing the second portion to rotate relative to the first, with an electrical connector extending through the joint to maintain electrical connectivity, and features like a biasing member and notch for adjustability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If securement arms are designed with fixed dimensions and configuration, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device cannot adapt to users with varying anatomical features and different activities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different head shapes and activitiesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securement arm incorporates a rotatable joint between the first and second portions, allowing the arm to dynamically adjust its configuration. This enables the arm to adapt to different head shapes and activity requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The securement arm is divided into multiple portions (first portion, second portion) connected by a joint. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently and enables the arm to conform to various anatomical features through rotational adjustment at the joint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If securement arms are made rigid for structural stability, then the device provides reliable securement, but the device cannot be adjusted to fit different head shapes and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability to head anatomyVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The joint introduces controlled flexibility to the securement arm, allowing it to adapt to different head anatomies while maintaining stability when positioned. The rotational capability enables the arm to achieve stable configurations tailored to each user's unique head shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The joint allows change in the angular parameter of the securement arm configuration. By rotating the second portion relative to the first, the arm can adjust its angle to match different head shapes while maintaining structural integrity through the rigid connection at the joint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If electronic components are distributed throughout the securement arm for optimal performance, then the device functionality is improved, but the device weight increases and portability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Electronic components are selectively placed in specific portions of the securement arm where they are most needed for optimal functionality. This localized distribution ensures necessary device performance while minimizing overall weight compared to uniform distribution throughout the entire arm structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250216703A1Arm wrap adjustability mechanisms
Publication Date: 2025.07.03 APPLE INC
  • US20250216703A1 patent drawing
  • US20250216703A1 patent drawing
  • US20250216703A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A head-mountable device can include a viewing frame and a securement arm extending from the viewing frame. The securement arm can include a first portion having a first electronic component and a second portion rotatably connected to the first portion. The second portion can include a second electronic component. The securement arm can also include an electrical connector extending through the joint and electrically connecting the first electronic component and the second electronic component.