Headset Sunshield Mechanism for Display Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Virtual reality headsets are susceptible to damage from sunlight when not in use, as the focused light can burn the delicate display screens, leading to permanent damage and a loss of the immersive experience.
Innovation Solution
A moveable sunshield is integrated into the headset frame, which can be manually or automatically deployed to block sunlight from reaching the lenses, using opaque or electrochromic materials, and is activated by light sensors to protect the display when the headset is not being worn.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the headset is left uncovered when not in use, then the lenses can pass light freely during use, but sunlight can focus on the display and cause permanent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protective function into separate components: a first shield for the first lens and a second shield for the second lens. Each shield can be independently positioned to block or allow light passage, resolving the contradiction by providing targeted protection without requiring a complete structural overhaul of the headset.
Solution Approach 2:
The shields are designed to be movable between a first position (blocking sunlight) and a second position (allowing light passage during use). This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different usage states, protecting the display when idle while maintaining full functionality during active use.
2Reliability
If a moveable shield is added to block sunlight, then the display is protected from damage, but the headset structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shields are integrated within the headset structure, with each shield positioned within its respective lens housing. This nesting approach allows the protective elements to be contained within the existing form factor, minimizing additional complexity while providing effective protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shields serve multiple functions: they block sunlight to protect the display, can be positioned to allow light passage during use, and are integrated into the existing headset architecture. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If the shield blocks all light, then the display is protected, but the user experience during use is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shields are designed to dynamically change position based on usage state. During active use, the shields move to a second position that allows light to pass through the lenses to the user's eyes, maintaining full visual experience. When the headset is idle, the shields move to a first position to block sunlight and protect the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The system alternates between two states: protection mode (shields blocking light) and usage mode (shields allowing light passage). This periodic switching between states ensures that the display is protected when not in use while maintaining optimal visual experience during active use.
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 sunshield effectively prevents sunlight from damaging the display screens, ensuring the headset remains functional and maintaining the immersive experience by shielding the lenses from intense light, even when the headset is not in use.
Implementation Method 1
the lens will inevitably focus the already intense beam of light sharply onto the surface of the display
Implementation Method 2
The resulting focused energy quickly damages the delicate display
Implementation Method 3
a moveable shield... designed to move between a stowed position, wherein light from the display may pass freely through the lens, and a blocking position, wherein sunlight is prevented from passing through the lens
Implementation Method 4
The shield may be made from any appropriate opaque or diffuse, or translucent material and may even be made from an electrochromic material
Data Source
AI summary
A system for protecting electronic headset components from sunlight is provided. The headset is secured to a user's head for use and includes an electronic display, a lens, and a battery all secured to a frame structure. The frame structure includes a mask portion which is sized and shaped to fit snugly against the user's face, and a strap for holding the mask to the face. According to the invention, a moveable shield is mounted to a portion of the frame structure, either directly or indirectly, and is designed to move between a stowed position, wherein light from the display may pass freely through the lens to the user's eyes, during use, and a blocking position, wherein sunlight is prevented from passing through the lens and reaching, and damaging, the delicate electronic display. The shield may be sized and shaped to fit both lenses, or each lens, and may pivot or slide between positions, either automatically, or manually. According to an embodiment, the shield may move automatically in response to a control circuit timed according to a particular moment during display of select video content. The shield may be made from any appropriate opaque or diffuse, or translucent material and may even be made from an electrochromic material.