Forehead Support for Head-Mounted Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current head-mounted displays for immersive technologies, such as VR and AR, face challenges in providing comfortable and secure fit due to clamping pressure, weight distribution, and adaptability to varying head shapes, leading to user discomfort and reduced usage periods.

Innovation Solution

A positioning and stabilizing structure that includes a forehead support with a resilient forehead pad and a posterior support portion, both capable of flexing to conform to the user's head shape, along with adjustable straps and connectors, to distribute weight evenly and minimize facial markings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a head-mounted display is secured to the user's head using rigid clamping structures, then the device stability and positioning accuracy improve, but user comfort deteriorates due to excessive clamping pressure and facial markings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidclamping pressure discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flexible materials including a foam layer and a silicone layer to the clamping structures. The silicone layer specifically conforms to the contours of the user's face, distributing clamping pressure evenly while maintaining device stability. This flexible shell approach resolves the contradiction by providing both secure positioning and comfort through pressure distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates adjustable straps that allow users to modify the clamping force parameters. By changing the tension parameter of the straps, users can achieve optimal balance between device stability and comfort, preventing excessive pressure while maintaining secure positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the head-mounted display is designed with fixed weight distribution, then manufacturing simplicity improves, but adaptability to varying head shapes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to head shapes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the positioning structure into multiple independent components including adjustable straps, foam layers, and silicone layers. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes while collectively providing adaptability to different head shapes through individual adjustment of each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic, adjustable elements such as可调节 straps that can be modified by users to fit different head shapes. This transforms the fixed weight distribution into an adjustable system, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving versatility through user customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the positioning structure uses rigid components for structural integrity, then device strength improves, but comfort and extended wearability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidextended wearability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material construction combining rigid structural components with flexible cushioning layers. The foam layer and silicone layer are integrated with the rigid positioning structure, providing both structural integrity and comfort. This composite approach enables extended wearability by reducing pressure points while maintaining the strength needed for device support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Stability of the object's composition

If clamping pressure is increased to secure the display, then positioning stability improves, but user comfort and skin health deteriorate due to facial markings and potential tissue damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidfacial markings and tissue stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The silicone layer acts as a flexible film that conforms to facial contours, distributing clamping pressure over a larger area. This reduces pressure intensity at any single point, preventing facial markings and tissue damage while maintaining positioning stability through overall secure contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable straps allow users to optimize the clamping pressure parameter to the minimum level required for stable positioning. By preventing excessive pressure, the system eliminates harmful effects on facial tissue while maintaining adequate positioning stability through proper adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enhances comfort and usability by providing a secure, adjustable, and adaptable fit, allowing for extended wear without discomfort, and accommodating different head shapes and sizes.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient forehead pad and a posterior support portion, both capable of flexing to conform to the user's head shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

distribute weight evenly and minimize facial markings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20240210991A1Positioning, stabilising, and interfacing structures and system incorporating same
Publication Date: 2024.06.27 RESMED PTY LTD
  • US20240210991A1 patent drawing
  • US20240210991A1 patent drawing
  • US20240210991A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A forehead support for a head-mounted display system, the forehead support being configured to form part of a positioning and stabilising structure constructed and arranged to hold a head-mounted display unit of the head-mounted display system in an operable position on the user's head, the forehead support comprising: a forehead frame configured to be attached to a head-mounted display unit comprising a display in use; a resilient forehead pad attached to the forehead frame and being configured to engage the user's forehead in use; wherein at least a portion of the forehead frame is able to flex to conform to the shape of the user's forehead in use.