Adjustable Headset Support Structure for Facial Fit and Display Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Head-mounted devices often fail to fit comfortably on users with different face shapes and sizes due to inadequate adjustable support structures.

Innovation Solution

The head-mounted device incorporates adjustable support structures that include expandable and retractable components such as posts, telescoping layers, inflatable structures, and elastomeric materials to accommodate various facial geometries, ensuring proper alignment of displays with the user's eyes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If head-mounted device uses fixed support structures, then device structure is simple, but device cannot accommodate different face shapes and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different face shapes and sizesVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structures are designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The temple portions can be repositioned along the lateral aspect of the face, and the forehead portion can be adjusted vertically, allowing the device to adapt to different face shapes and sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is divided into separate adjustable components: a forehead portion, temple portions, and cheek portions. Each segment can be independently adjusted to accommodate different facial geometries, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If head-mounted device uses adjustable support structures, then device fits different users, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit for different usersVSAvoidadjustable mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structures utilize flexible temple portions that can bend and conform to the lateral aspect of the user's face. This flexibility provides adjustability for different face shapes without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thus maintaining device simplicity while improving user fit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable support structures serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable accommodation of different face shapes and sizes, and ensure proper alignment of displays with eyes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, keeping the overall device complexity manageable.

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

3Ease of operation

If head-mounted device has rigid support structures, then structural stability is high, but comfort for different face shapes is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoidsupport structure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support structures incorporate dynamic elements that allow movement and adjustment. The temple portions can be repositioned along the lateral aspect of the face, and the forehead portion can be adjusted vertically, providing both comfort for different face shapes and structural stability when properly positioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the support structure have different properties optimized for their specific functions. The temple portions are made flexible to conform to the lateral aspect of the face for comfort, while maintaining enough structural integrity to support the device. The forehead portion provides stable anchoring while allowing vertical adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3824336B1Electronic device with adjustable support structures
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 APPLE INC
  • EP3824336B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3824336B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3824336B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A head-mounted device may include a housing structure, a display module mounted in the housing structure, and adjustable support structures coupled to the housing structure. The adjustable support structures may include a first portion that rests against a user's forehead and second and third portions that rest against the user's cheeks or temples. The adjustable support structures include posts with adjustable lengths.