Facial Interface with Dynamic Joints for AR Headset Pressure Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional head-mountable devices fail to provide a custom, comfortable fit for users due to their rudimentary customization features, leading to pressure on the face and discomfort, especially with varying facial anatomical features.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a facial interface with moveable connectors, including pivot, soft, and flexure joints, and a stiffener member, allowing dynamic adjustment and weight reduction through relief cutouts, to distribute pressure evenly across the face.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional head-mountable devices use rigid facial interfaces, then structural stability is maintained, but user comfort deteriorates due to pressure on varying facial structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidpressure on face

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The facial interface transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic structure with multiple joints (pivot joints, flexure joints, soft joints) that enable movement and adaptation. The interface can dynamically adjust its configuration to match different facial geometries, reducing pressure while maintaining structural integrity through controlled mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The facial interface incorporates elements with variable parameters including flexure portions with varying degrees of flexibility, adjustable joint configurations, and compressible materials that change their mechanical properties under load. This allows the interface to adapt its stiffness and shape to accommodate different facial structures without creating pressure points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If head-mountable devices use heavy materials for structural support, then strength is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to increased weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The facial interface uses composite construction combining rigid support elements with flexible, lightweight materials. The system integrates rigid connectors for structural strength with flexible portions made of lighter materials that provide adaptability without adding significant weight. This composite approach maintains necessary strength while reducing overall device weight for improved comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The facial interface is divided into multiple segmented components including separate joints, flexure portions, and rigid elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, using lighter materials where possible while maintaining overall structural strength through the distributed architecture of multiple support points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If head-mountable devices use fixed facial interfaces, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different users deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidfacial profile adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The facial interface incorporates dynamic elements such as pivot joints, flexure joints, and soft joints that enable automatic adaptation to different facial profiles without requiring complex customization procedures. These dynamic components allow the interface to self-adjust to various user geometries while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process using standard joint components and flexible materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution provides a comfortable and immersive AR/VR experience by dynamically adjusting to individual facial profiles, reducing pressure points and enhancing user comfort through improved load distribution and weight reduction.

Implementation Method 1

The flexure portion can include a serpentine pattern... the facial interface can translate or rotate relative to the display via the connector... providing increased comfort and flexure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The connector includes a pivot joint, a soft joint, a flexure joint, or a spring joint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

The facial interface includes an elastomer material... the first material includes the elastomer material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240085949A1Face engaging structure

Publication Date: 2024.03.14 APPLE INC

AI summary

An apparatus can include a display, a facial interface, and a connector between the display and the facial interface. The facial interface can at least translate or rotate relative to the display via the connector.