Modular Head-Mounted Frame With Swappable Arm Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-mounted devices often face limitations in providing customizable components and functions due to space and cost constraints, failing to meet diverse user preferences and needs.

Innovation Solution

A modular system for head-mounted devices that allows users to easily exchange arm modules with different components and functions, including display elements, sensors, and power sources, through secure and reversible connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If head-mounted devices include multiple components and functions, then functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The head-mounted device is divided into separate modular components including a frame module, arm modules, and additional modules that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each module contains specific functional components that can be selected and combined based on user needs, allowing versatility without requiring a single complex integrated device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame module and arm modules are designed with universal attachment mechanisms that can accommodate various combinations of modules. The same frame module can work with different arm modules and additional modules, creating a universal platform that provides multiple functions through module selection rather than integrating all functions into a single complex unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If head-mounted devices include multiple components and functions, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecustomizabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the device into separate modules, each module can be manufactured independently using optimized processes for that specific component. This allows for economies of scale in module production and reduces the complexity and cost of manufacturing a single integrated device with all possible functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design allows individual modules to be replaced, upgraded, or removed based on user needs without replacing the entire device. This extends the lifecycle of the base frame module and allows users to invest only in the specific functional modules they require, reducing overall manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If modules are securely connected, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism merges mechanical connection features with electrical connection features into a single integrated interface. The arm module attachment elements include both mechanical engagement structures for secure physical connection and electrical contact elements for data and power transmission, achieving reliable multi-functional connection without increasing overall assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3884334B1Modular system for head-mounted device
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 APPLE INC
  • EP3884334B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3884334B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3884334B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Head-mounted devices can be formed as a modular system that provides a variety of different components and functions to achieve the results that are desired by a user. The modular configurations allow a user to easily customize a head-mounted device with one or more arm modules to provide features that integrate with other operations of the frame module of the head-mounted device. The arm modules can be easily exchanged with each other to provide different components and functions at different times. Accordingly, a frame module of a head-mounted device need not include permanent components that provide every function that will later be desired by the user. Instead, the head-mounted device can have expanded and customizable capabilities by the use of one or more arm modules.