Dual-Axis Hinge Assembly for Binocular Disparity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-mounted wearable devices face challenges in minimizing binocular disparity due to excessive angular deflection between left and right waveguides, leading to discomfort and reduced depth perception, while current rigidization strategies fail to address aesthetic and flexibility issues, particularly in routing flexible printed circuits through hinges.

Innovation Solution

A dual-axis hinge mechanism is introduced, incorporating a secondary axis of rotation to facilitate independent over flexion of temple arms, allowing controlled movement parallel to the user's head pressure, thereby distributing forces evenly and minimizing deflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a rigid front frame with single-axis hinge is used, then angular deflection is limited and binocular disparity is minimized, but aesthetic quality deteriorates and flexibility for routing FPCs is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular deflection controlVSAvoidaesthetic quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism is divided into two independent rotation axes: a first axis for opening/closing the temple arms, and a second axis for over-flexion movement. This segmentation allows each axis to perform its specific function independently, enabling controlled deflection while maintaining aesthetic appearance and providing routing flexibility for FPCs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a second rotational dimension (over-flexion axis) to the traditional single-axis hinge. This additional dimension enables the temple arms to move not only in the opening/closing direction but also in an over-flexion direction, providing both aesthetic quality and routing flexibility while maintaining angular deflection control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a single-axis hinge is used, then the structure is simple, but flexibility to accommodate diverse head widths is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge structureVSAvoidaccommodation of head widths
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism transitions from a static single-axis design to a dynamic dual-axis system. The second axis enables over-flexion movement that adapts to different head widths and shapes, allowing the device to dynamically adjust to various users while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If over-flexion is increased to accommodate diverse head widths, then adaptability improves, but angular deflection increases causing binocular disparity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of head widthsVSAvoidangular deflection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the opening/closing motion (first axis) from the over-flexion motion (second axis), the invention allows over-flexion to be increased for adaptability while the first axis maintains precise control over the angular deflection that affects binocular disparity. Each axis operates independently within its optimized range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 dual-axis hinge mechanism effectively mitigates binocular disparity by ensuring predictable and controlled movement, reducing strain and misalignment, enhancing user comfort and stability in head-mounted wearable devices.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient member configured to apply a force to control movement of the second support structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250306396A1Dual-axis hinge assembly for a head-mounted wearable device
Publication Date: 2025.10.02 GOOGLE LLC
  • US20250306396A1 patent drawing
  • US20250306396A1 patent drawing
  • US20250306396A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A head-mounted wearable device (HMWD), such as a set of augmented reality (AR) and/or virtual reality (VR) binocular smart glasses may include a dual-axis hinge mechanism. The dual-axis hinge mechanism includes a first hinge positioned between a frame and a first support structure of a temple arm, enabling hinged pivoting of the temple arm. Additionally, a second hinge is positioned between the first support structure of the temple arm and a second support structure of the temple arm. This configuration allows for enhanced flexibility and adjustability of the HMWD, thereby facilitating comfortable and secure positioning on the user's head.