Asymmetrical Hinge Mechanism for Compact Head-Mounted Device Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices, such as head-mounted displays, are often bulky and inconvenient to transport or store due to their design, limiting their usability and appeal.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetrical head-mounted device with two hinge structures and a flexguard component that protects a flexible printed circuit board, along with an axial cam mechanism, allows for efficient folding and secure positioning, enabling convenient storage and transportation while maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the head mounted device is designed with a fixed structure to maintain functionality, then device functionality is preserved, but the device becomes bulky and inconvenient to transport or store
Solution Approach 1:
The head mounted device is divided into multiple segments including a first side arm, second side arm, and central portion that can be folded relative to each other through hinge structures, allowing the device to be compacted for transport while maintaining functionality when opened
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic hinge structures that allow the side arms to be positioned in different configurations - folded against the central portion for compact storage or extended outward for use, enabling the device to adapt between compact and functional states
2Ease of operation
If the device is folded into a compact position for storage, then transport convenience is improved, but internal components such as the flexible printed circuit board may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A flexguard component is positioned to cover and protect the flexible printed circuit board before the folding action occurs, providing advance protection against potential damage during the compacting process for storage
3Ease of operation
If the hinge structure is designed to allow easy opening and closing, then ease of operation is improved, but the hinge may not securely maintain the opened or closed position
Solution Approach 1:
An axial cam mechanism is integrated into the hinge structure that automatically engages to secure the hinge in either the opened or closed position, with the cam's geometry providing self-locking action that maintains position stability without requiring additional fastening operations
Data Source
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AI summary
An example of a hinge mechanism for a head mounted device (105) is provided. Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to folding the head mounted device (105) in a secure fashion for convenient storage and transportation. The head mounted device (105) may have an asymmetrical shape with an enlarged and elongated first side arm (110). In this regard, the hinge mechanism (150) allows the head mounted device (105) to fold at an angle so as not to interfere with a second side arm of the head mounted device (105). The head mounted device (105) may also implement a flexguard component configured to bend along with the hinge structure so as to protect internal components that become exposed due to the folding of the hinge. An axial cam system is also implemented to allow for the secure and comfortable folding and opening of the head mounted device (105).