Constant-Force Spring Headset Strap Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional virtual reality headsets often suffer from poor fit issues due to their weight distribution, leading to discomfort and difficulty in achieving an immersive experience, especially when used by multiple users who need to refit the headset each time.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted-display adjustment apparatus featuring a spring with a restoring force that is substantially disproportional to deflection, coupled with a mount and strap system that allows for easy extension and adjustment, providing a comfortable and secure fit using a non-Hooke's-law spring mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional headset straps are used with standard spring mechanisms, then the headset can be secured to the user's head, but the fitting process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing a constant-force spring mechanism that maintains substantially constant tension throughout its extension range. This differs from traditional Hooke's law springs where force increases linearly with extension. The constant-force characteristic allows the strap to provide consistent holding pressure across different head sizes and strap extensions, eliminating the need for multiple manual adjustments to achieve proper fit.
2Device complexity
If the headset weight is distributed toward the front, then the headset structure can be simplified, but significant pressure is applied to the user's face causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by using the constant-force spring to create a counterbalancing force that offsets the front-weighted headset's gravitational pull. The spring is configured to exert substantially constant tension on the strap, which in turn applies counterpressure to push the headset forward against the user's face, balancing the rearward pull of gravity on the front-heavy structure. This eliminates excessive facial pressure while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users share the same headset, then resource utilization is improved, but refitting is required for each user increasing time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a strap mechanism with a constant-force spring that provides substantially constant tension across its full extension range. This allows the same headset to accommodate various head sizes and shapes without requiring user-specific adjustments. The spring's characteristic ensures that whether the strap is extended slightly or significantly, the holding force remains consistent, making the headset universally adaptable to multiple users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service through the constant-force spring mechanism that automatically adjusts to different users and head sizes without manual intervention. When a user puts on the headset, the spring automatically extends to the appropriate length and maintains constant tension, self-adjusting to fit different head circumferences. This eliminates the need for users to manually adjust straps or seek assistance for proper fitting.
4Device complexity
If a spring with restoring force proportional to deflection is used, then the spring mechanism is simple and predictable, but the strap tension varies significantly with extension distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by fundamentally altering the spring's force-deflection relationship from linear (Hooke's law) to constant-force. Instead of using a traditional coil spring where force increases proportionally with extension, the patent employs a constant-force spring mechanism that maintains substantially constant tension regardless of extension distance. This parameter change ensures stable strap tension across varying head sizes while keeping the mechanism relatively simple.
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
The solution enables easy and secure fitting of headsets across various head sizes, allowing for both macro and micro adjustments without the need for frequent refitting, enhancing user comfort and immersion in virtual reality experiences.
Implementation Method 1
a spring with a restoring force that is, within an elastic limit of the spring, substantially disproportional to deflection of the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mounted-display adjustment apparatus may include a spring with a restoring force that is, within an elastic limit of the spring, substantially disproportional to deflection of the spring. The adjustment apparatus may also include a mount that couples the spring to a head-mounted display. In addition, the adjustment apparatus may include a strap with a distal section coupled to the head-mounted display and a proximal section coupled to the spring such that (1) the strap is extendable, via deflection of the spring, away from the head-mounted display and (2) when a user is wearing the head-mounted display, the restoring force of the spring holds, via the strap, the head-mounted display against the user's face. Various other head-mounted-display adjustment devices, systems, and methods are also disclosed.