Decoupled Waveguide Eyeglass Frames for Stable Binocular AR Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Binocular augmented reality (AR) or mixed reality (MR) eyeglasses face challenges in maintaining proper alignment of dual displays to avoid user discomfort and potential distortions due to misalignment, which can occur from flexing or bending of the eyeglass frames.
Innovation Solution
A decoupled waveguide eyeglass frame assembly with an inner 'floating' frame mounted to the outer frame at the nose bridge, utilizing upper and lower floating arms to maintain alignment of waveguides relative to each other and the user's eyes, while allowing for flexibility and protection against damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the eyeglass frame is made flexible to accommodate different face shapes and provide comfort, then adaptability and comfort are improved, but alignment stability of the waveguides deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The eyeglass frame is divided into two independent parts: an outer frame that provides structural support and an inner floating frame that holds the waveguides. This segmentation allows the outer frame to be flexible for adaptability while the inner frame maintains rigid alignment stability, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner floating frame acts as an intermediary between the outer frame and the waveguides. It is mounted to the outer frame at a central location and holds the waveguides in place, mediating between the flexibility needed in the outer frame and the alignment stability needed for the waveguides.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the waveguides are rigidly fixed to maintain alignment, then alignment stability is improved, but protection against damage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inner floating frame is designed to be movable relative to the outer frame, allowing it to flex and absorb impact forces. This dynamic design provides protection against damage while maintaining alignment stability through the floating arms that return the waveguides to their proper position after deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating frame structure provides beforehand cushioning by being designed to absorb and dissipate impact forces before they can reach the waveguides. The flexible mounting at the nose bridge and the floating arms act as cushioning elements that protect the fragile waveguides from damage during impact events.
3Ease of manufacture
If the eyeglass frame structure is simplified to reduce complexity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the frame into outer and inner floating frames, the patent simplifies manufacturing of individual components while achieving precise alignment through the modular assembly. Each frame can be manufactured separately with standard tolerances, and the alignment precision is achieved through the designed mounting geometry at the nose bridge and the floating arm structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Decoupled waveguide eyeglass frame assemblies include an outer frame and an inner “floating” frame mounted to the outer frame at a central location proximal to a nose bridge of the outer frame. Waveguides and/or displays are mounted to the floating frame with upper and lower floating arms that act to ensure proper alignment of the one or more waveguides relative to another waveguide (e.g., in a binocular AR display) and/or to a user's eye.