Head-Mounted Optical Modules for Interpupillary Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-mounted devices face challenges in accommodating varying interpupillary distances and providing individualized vision correction while protecting optical modules from environmental contaminants.

Innovation Solution

The device includes adjustable optical modules with actuators for interpupillary distance adjustment and removable vision-correction lenses secured by magnets, along with gaskets to seal against dust and moisture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If optical modules are made adjustable for interpupillary distance and vision correction, then adaptability to different users is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying interpupillary distances and individualized vision correctionVSAvoidadjustable optical modules with actuators and removable vision-correction lenses

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical module is divided into separable components including the main optical assembly, adjustable positioning mechanisms with actuators, and removable vision-correction lenses. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while providing flexibility for different user requirements without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical module incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic modification of interpupillary distance and lens positioning. actuators enable real-time adjustment of optical parameters, transforming a static optical system into a dynamic one that adapts to different users and viewing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If gaskets are added to seal optical modules against environmental contaminants, then protection from dust and moisture is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from dust and moisture intrusionVSAvoidgaskets surrounding lenses and pressing against support structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Gaskets are used to create flexible sealing barriers between the optical modules and the external environment. These thin film structures conform to the mating surfaces of the housing and optical module components, providing effective protection against dust and moisture intrusion while adding minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If magnets are used to secure removable vision-correction lenses, then ease of installation and removal is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation and removal of vision-correction lensesVSAvoidmagnet positioning and strength consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, or adhesive bonds) are replaced with magnetic attachment mechanisms. The magnets provide secure holding force during normal use while allowing easy attachment and detachment through simple proximity-based interaction, eliminating the need for precision mechanical alignment or bonding processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables effective accommodation of different user distances and provides personalized vision correction while maintaining optical module integrity and preventing contamination.

Implementation Method 1

Sets of magnets in the left and right optical modules may be configured to attract corresponding left and right vision correction lenses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The gaskets may surround the lenses in the optical modules and may press against adjacent surfaces of the optical module support structures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250317548A1Electronic Devices with Optical Modules

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 APPLE INC

AI summary

A head-mounted device may have left and right optical modules that present images to a user's eyes. Each optical module may have an optical module support structure and a lens and display coupled to the optical module support structure. The head-mounted device may have a head-mounted housing that supports the optical modules. A cover on a rear face of the head-mounted housing may have a pair of openings configured to receive the left and right optical modules. The cover may have a cover layer and left and right cover layer mounting rings respectively configured to engage with the optical module support structures of the left and right optical modules. Sets of magnets in the left and right optical modules may be configured to attract corresponding left and right vision correction lenses. Gaskets may surround the lenses in the optical modules and may prevent environmental contaminant intrusion.