Foldable Augmented Reality Device with Rotating Lens Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional augmented reality (AR) devices, particularly those designed for complex games or mixed reality experiences, are large and not portable due to the need for projecting images onto glass lenses, making them unsuitable for compact forms.

Innovation Solution

A foldable AR device design featuring a rotatable and foldable structure with a projector, support element, and lens module, utilizing pivot portions and a drive module to minimize volume, allowing the device to be easily carried and accommodated, with the projector and lens module capable of rotating to use or accommodation positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If images are projected onto glass lenses through a projection device to achieve complex AR experiences, then the AR functionality is improved, but the device size becomes large and portability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAR functionalityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separable components: a spectacle frame portion and a lens module portion that can be worn separately or combined. The lens module containing the projection device can be detached from the spectacle frame, allowing users to wear only the lightweight frame or combine with the functional lens module based on usage needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lens module is designed with rotatable and foldable structures that allow it to dynamically change its spatial configuration. The module can rotate around pivot points and fold against the spectacle frame, enabling the device to transition between an extended functional state and a compact portable state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If a projection device and lens module are integrated into the AR device, then image projection capability is improved, but the device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage projection capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lens module is designed to fold and nest against the spectacle frame when not in use. The projection device and lens assembly are contained within a compact housing that can be collapsed flat against the frame, similar to a nested doll structure where smaller components are contained within larger ones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens module utilizes rotational degrees of freedom around pivot points to achieve compact storage. By rotating the lens module around a pivot axis and folding it against the frame, the device transitions from a three-dimensional extended configuration to a flattened two-dimensional configuration, effectively reducing its volume.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3726278B1Augmented reality device
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 PEGATRON
  • EP3726278B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3726278B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3726278B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An augmented reality (AR) device (100) includes a main body (10), a support element (20), and a lens module (30). The main body (10) includes a base (11), a projector (12), and a first pivot portion (13). The projector (12) is pivoted to the base (11) by using the first pivot portion (13), so that the projector (12) is capable of rotating relative to the base (11) by using the first pivot portion (13) as a first rotation axis (C1). The support element (20) is pivoted to a first end portion (111) of the base (11) and is configured to wear on a head of a user. The lens module (30) is pivoted to a second end portion (112) of the base (11) and the second end portion (112) is opposite to the first end portion (111). The lens module (30) is capable of rotating relative to the base (11) and being overlapped under the base (11). Through a rotatable and foldable accommodation structure, the augmented reality device (100) is easier to be carried and accommodated.