Headset Strap Pressure Sensing for Automatic Tension Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual adjustment of VR/AR headset straps is cumbersome and time-consuming, leading to potential discomfort, degraded display performance, and nausea if not properly adjusted, especially in shared use scenarios.

Innovation Solution

Integration of pressure sensors and a motorized tensioner mechanism in the headset strap to automatically adjust tension based on detected pressure, allowing for quick and comfortable fitting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual adjustment of straps is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adjustment time and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap adjustment mechanismVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual adjustment system with an automated electromechanical system. A motorized tensioning mechanism is integrated into the headset structure, controlled by a processor that receives input from pressure sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for users to manually adjust straps, significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining acceptable device complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The headset performs self-adjustment of the strap tension automatically. The pressure sensors detect the fit conditions, the processor analyzes the data, and the motorized mechanism autonomously adjusts the strap tension to optimal levels without requiring user intervention. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by making the system both fast and relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If manual adjustment of straps is used, then device complexity is reduced, but fit quality and user comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap adjustment mechanismVSAvoidfit quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where pressure sensors continuously monitor the strap tension and head interface pressure. The processor receives this feedback data and automatically adjusts the motorized tensioning mechanism to maintain optimal fit conditions. This closed-loop feedback ensures high fit quality and user comfort while the integrated design keeps complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical adjustment is replaced with an automated electromechanical system that uses electronic sensors and motors to achieve precise, reliable fit adjustment. This substitution enables consistent, high-quality fitting that adapts to different users and conditions, improving reliability while maintaining acceptable device complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If automated tension adjustment is implemented, then ease of operation and fit quality improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap adjustmentVSAvoidheadset system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single unified system. The pressure sensors serve both safety monitoring and fit adjustment functions. The motorized tensioning mechanism is incorporated into the existing headset structure, sharing space and control infrastructure with other headset components. This multi-functionality approach improves ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity through efficient resource sharing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the strap adjustment system with the headset's existing structural and control elements. The motorized tensioning mechanism is integrated into the headset housing, sharing power supply, control electronics, and processing resources with other headset functions. This merging strategy achieves automated adjustment with minimal additional complexity by consolidating components and systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Reduces the time and difficulty in adjusting the headset, ensuring proper fit and minimizing discomfort and display issues, enhancing the VR/AR experience by maintaining optimal strap tension.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor coupled to the strap... the particular amount of tension may be based on an amount of pressure detected by the pressure sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11478049B2Strap adjustments via sensors

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

Example implementations relate to a display and strap with sensors. In some examples, an apparatus may comprise a strap, a pressure sensor coupled to the strap, and a display coupled to the strap. In some examples, the apparatus may include a tensioner mechanism coupled to the strap and a motor coupled to the tensioner mechanism. The motor may actuate the tensioner mechanism to adjust the strap to a particular amount of tension, and the particular amount of tension may be based on an amount of pressure detected by the pressure sensor.