Multi-Axis Eyewear Hinge for Over-Extension Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for supporting temple arms of spatial computing headsets are overly complex, bulky, lack precision and have a limited range of motion, and include vulnerable components that are not effectively addressed by existing technologies, including existing technologies for spatial computing headsets, which may suffer from over-extension, extreme deflections, and torsional loading.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple degree of freedom hinge systems that allow temple arms to rotate about at least two axes, namely a pitch axis and a yaw axis, with integrated biasing members to prevent over-extension and extreme deflections, while maintaining a compact form factor and concealing the hinge systems within the optics assembly and temple arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional hinge systems are used to support temple arms, then the structure is simple, but the system is bulky, complex, and lacks precision with limited range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is divided into multiple independent hinge assemblies, each with specific degrees of freedom (pitch and yaw axes). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system precision without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge system incorporates dynamic elements including biasing members that provide rotational bias, and allows the temple arms to rotate about multiple axes (pitch and yaw) to adapt to different positions and orientations, enhancing precision while managing complexity through controlled flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If temple arms are allowed to move freely, then the range of motion is increased, but the temple arms become vulnerable to over-extension and extreme deflections
Solution Approach 1:
Biasing members are incorporated into the hinge system to apply preliminary counteracting forces that prevent over-extension and extreme deflections of the temple arms. These biasing members create restoring torques that automatically counteract excessive movements before they can cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge system allows controlled dynamic movement of temple arms about pitch and yaw axes while incorporating biasing members that dynamically adjust to limit extreme deflections. This creates a balanced system that provides adequate range of motion while maintaining reliability through automatic mechanical feedback.
3Volume of moving object
If hinge systems are integrated into the optics assembly, then the form factor is compact, but the hinge systems must be concealed within limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assemblies are nested within the optics assembly structure, with hinge components integrated into the existing framework. This nesting approach allows the hinge system to be concealed within the limited space of the optics assembly while maintaining a compact overall form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge system is merged with the optics assembly structure, combining the support function with the existing framework. This integration reduces the need for separate components and allows the hinge mechanism to be concealed within the optics assembly, achieving a compact design.
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 hinge systems provide enhanced stability and protection against torsional loading, allowing for secure fitting and reduced wear on the optics assembly, while maintaining a flexible circuit passage and enabling multiple degrees of freedom for temple arm movement.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge base may include a biasing member configured to rotationally bias the intermediate hinge member about the pitch axis toward a neutral configuration when the intermediate hinge member is displaced from the neutral configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
A multiple degree of freedom hinge system is provided, which is particularly well adapted for eyewear, such as spatial computing headsets. In the context of such spatial computing headsets having an optics assembly supported 5 by opposing temple arms, the hinge system provides protection against over-extension of the temple arms or extreme deflections that may otherwise arise from undesirable torsional loading of the temple arms. The hinge systems also allow the temple arms to splay outwardly to enable proper fit and enhanced user comfort.