Hinged Carrier Joint for Stable Multi-Axis HMD Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinged connection systems in head-mounted devices (HMDs) fail to provide a secure electric connection while allowing movement around multiple axes without compromising long-term operability, particularly affecting the positioning and reorientation of electronic subsystems like displays and cameras.
Innovation Solution
A hinged connection system with a joint featuring an elongate axial section transitioning into a partially spherical ball section, housed in a socket with a larger opening, allowing relative rotation around multiple axes and incorporating biasing elements to maintain a stable electrical connection, with reduced friction during longitudinal rotation and increased friction during perpendicular rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinged connection system allows movement in multiple planes, then the versatility and positioning flexibility of the electronic subsystem is improved, but the mechanical reliability and electrical connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged connection system is divided into multiple independent rotational degrees of freedom (first hinge for lateral movement, second hinge for vertical movement). Each hinge operates independently, allowing complex positioning while maintaining stable electrical connections through separate wiring channels for each degree of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible printed circuit board (FPC) is introduced as an intermediary element to maintain electrical connections through the hinged joints. The FPC can accommodate the mechanical movement while maintaining continuous electrical contact, solving the conflict between movement flexibility and connection stability.
2Ease of operation
If the hinged connection allows frequent manipulation and movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the mechanical durability and wiring integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible printed circuit boards and soft wiring harnesses are used instead of rigid electrical connections. These flexible elements can bend and move with the hinged joints, accommodating frequent manipulation without compromising wiring integrity or mechanical durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring system is pre-designed with excess length and flexible routing paths that can absorb the stress of repeated movements. This beforehand cushioning prevents wire fatigue and connection failure that would otherwise occur with frequent manipulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the display can be repositioned freely in multiple directions, then the adaptability to different situations is improved, but the precision of lateral positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system transitions from static fixed positions to dynamic adjustable positions. The hinged joints enable continuous adjustment within specific ranges, allowing the display to be positioned precisely at any point along the arc of rotation rather than being limited to predetermined locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism employs asymmetric friction characteristics - low friction in the primary rotation direction for easy adjustment, and high friction perpendicular to it for stable positioning. This asymmetric friction design enables precise lateral positioning while maintaining the ability to reposition freely when needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the hinged connection rotates around the longitudinal axis, then the rotational freedom is improved, but the lateral positioning stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism employs asymmetric friction characteristics - low friction in the primary rotation direction for easy adjustment, and high friction perpendicular to it for stable positioning. This asymmetric friction design enables precise lateral positioning while maintaining the ability to reposition freely when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the hinged connection have different friction properties. The contact surfaces are designed with selective friction characteristics - smooth low-friction surfaces for rotational movement and higher-friction surfaces for maintaining lateral position stability, allowing both rotational freedom and positioning stability simultaneously.
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
Enables intuitive and secure movement of electronic subsystems in HMDs, maintaining optimal positioning and reducing accidental adjustments, ensuring reliable mechanical and electrical connectivity during various movements.
Implementation Method 1
the joint (1) is biased by a biasing element (9) towards the housing (3)
Implementation Method 2
Friction between contacting surfaces provides stability, while controlled rotation is enabled through the ball-and-socket geometry
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention relates to an improved hinge system in a head-mounted device for allowing movement of a carrier supporting an electronic device.