Flexible Facial Interface Assembly for Comfortable HMD Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-mounted display systems cause discomfort due to the weight and rigidity, which fails to conform to the varied facial features of users, leading to inadequate user comfort during prolonged use.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a rigid support frame element with a flexible facial interface frame element, allowing the outer periphery of the flexible frame to be independently movable relative to the rigid frame, and the inclusion of an extensible material between them, enabling the system to adapt to different facial shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid support frame is used to physically support the display, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the adaptability to different facial features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into two distinct segments: a rigid support frame element and a flexible facial interface frame element. The rigid segment provides structural strength to support the display, while the flexible segment adapts to different facial features. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the frame have different mechanical properties tailored to their specific functions. The support frame portion is made rigid for structural integrity, while the facial interface portion is made flexible for adaptability. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If foam or conformable features are added to improve user comfort, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible facial interface frame element acts as a conformable feature that naturally adapts to the user's facial contours. This flexible shell approach provides comfort without requiring additional foam layers or complex padding systems, thereby improving comfort while minimizing increases in device complexity.
3Strength
If the displays and elements are made rigid for structural stability, then the strength is improved, but the adaptability to facial features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into rigid and flexible portions. The rigid support frame maintains structural stability for displaying content, while the flexible facial interface frame conforms to facial features. This segmentation allows both structural stability and conformability to coexist in different parts of the same device.
Solution Approach 2:
The facial interface frame element is designed to be dynamic and flexible, allowing it to adapt its shape to different facial contours, while the support frame remains static and rigid for stability. This dynamic flexibility in the interface portion resolves the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
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 configuration provides a comfortable and adaptable fit for various face shapes and sizes, reducing discomfort and improving usability during extended wear.
Implementation Method 1
An extensible material disposed between the rigid support frame element and the flexible facial interface frame element. The extensible material may be configured to extend upon flexing of the flexible facial interface frame element away from the rigid support frame element and to retract upon flexing of the flexible facial interface frame element toward the rigid support frame element.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed flexible facial interface assemblies for head-mounted display systems may include a rigid support frame element and a flexible facial interface frame element. The rigid support frame element may be shaped and configured to physically support a display of a head-mounted display system in front of a user's eyes when the facial interface assembly is worn by the user. The flexible facial interface frame element may be configured to flex to conform to the user's facial features when the facial interface assembly is worn by the user. An outer periphery of the flexible facial interface frame element may be independently movable relative to an outer periphery of the rigid support frame element. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.