AR Headset Hinge Assembly With Wiring Passage and Temple Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional augmented-reality headsets, such as glasses, are bulkier and less comfortable due to space requirements of physical hardware components and difficulties in adjusting to varying user head sizes and shapes, with conventional hinges lacking flexibility and proper cable management.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a stationary member and a rotatable temple, featuring a wiring passage and a biasing member like a compression spring, allowing temples to be adjusted for secure fit, folded for storage, and enabling over-extension for easy donning, while routing cables to prevent damage and maintain integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional hinges are used in augmented-reality headsets, then the structure is simple, but the device becomes bulkier and less comfortable due to space requirements of physical hardware components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hinge mechanism with the temple structure by integrating the pivot joint directly into the frame-temple connection points. This merging eliminates the need for separate, bulky hinge components while maintaining the rotational functionality needed for temple adjustment, thereby reducing overall device volume without sacrificing structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The temple structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables rotational adjustment for different head sizes, and incorporates cable routing channels. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate components into a single integrated element, reducing the space needed for hardware while maintaining simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional hinges are used, then manufacturing is easier, but cable management becomes difficult and cables are prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing channels are merged directly into the temple structure, creating an integrated pathway that guides cables from the front of the device through the temple to the earcup. This integration eliminates the need for separate cable management components, maintaining ease of manufacture while protecting cables from damage through structured routing that prevents sharp bends and stress concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The temple structure acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the frame and earcup while providing protected cable routing. The integrated channels within the temple serve as intermediate pathways that shield cables from external stresses and prevent damage during temple rotation and adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If temples are made adjustable for different head sizes, then adaptability improves, but the hinge mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The temple incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows rotational movement at the hinge point to accommodate different head sizes and shapes. This dynamic capability is achieved through a pivot joint integrated into the temple structure, enabling continuous adjustment rather than fixed positions, thereby providing adaptability without requiring complex multi-position mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural connection, enables rotational adjustment for various head sizes, and incorporates cable routing. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate adjustment mechanisms into the basic hinge structure itself, maintaining simplicity while achieving adaptability.
4Reliability
If cables are routed through the hinge assembly, then cable protection improves, but the hinge structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing channels are merged directly into the temple structure rather than being separate components. This integration creates protected pathways for cables within the existing hinge assembly geometry, providing cable protection without adding separate protective structures or increasing overall complexity. The channels are formed as part of the temple's internal architecture.
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 hinge assembly provides a comfortable, adjustable, and secure fit for augmented-reality glasses, minimizing frame bulk by positioning bulkier components in the temples and protecting cables from stress, thus enhancing user experience and device longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member, such as a compression spring, surrounding at least a portion of the wiring passage and positioned to apply a biasing force
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed head-mounted device may include a frame, a temple, at least one cable communicatively coupled to the temple and the frame, and a hinge assembly coupling the temple to the frame. The hinge assembly may include (1) a stationary member coupled to the frame, (2) a rotary member coupled to the temple and rotatable with respect to the stationary member about a rotational axis, (3) a wiring passage defined within the stationary member and the rotary member, the wiring passage surrounding and extending along the rotational axis and configured to accommodate at least one cable passing therethrough, and (4) a biasing member positioned to apply a biasing force to hold the rotary member in one of a plurality of selected orientations relative to the stationary member. Various other devices, assemblies, systems, and methods are also disclosed.