HMD Facial Interface Structure for Stable Fit and Light Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted displays (HMDs) face challenges in providing user comfort and stability, especially when worn for extended periods, due to inadequate facial interfaces that do not effectively distribute forces and block environmental light.
Innovation Solution
The HMDs incorporate a facial interface with an upper portion engaging the forehead and side portions that convert forward force into inward force, utilizing force distributors and lateral stabilizers to stabilize the display on the face and block light, with discrete engagement regions applying varying forces to different facial regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional facial interface is used to support the display unit, then the basic function of holding the display is achieved, but user comfort deteriorates when worn for long periods due to inadequate force distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The facial interface is divided into multiple discrete engagement regions (first engagement region, second engagement region, third engagement region) that independently engage different facial features (nose, cheeks, forehead). Each region can be independently designed to optimize force distribution across the face, preventing pressure concentration and improving comfort during extended wear while maintaining overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different engagement regions are designed with different local properties to suit specific facial areas. The first engagement region engages the nose bridge, the second engages the cheekbones, and the third engages the forehead. Each region is optimized for its specific location, allowing tailored force distribution that enhances both comfort and stability.
2Reliability
If the facial interface engages the face to support the display unit, then stability is improved, but light blocking effectiveness may be compromised due to gaps between engagement regions
Solution Approach 1:
The facial interface combines multiple engagement regions into a unified structure that collectively provides both stability and light blocking. The discrete regions work together as an integrated system, with adjacent regions forming continuous engagement surfaces that prevent light leakage while distributing mechanical loads for stable support.
Solution Approach 2:
Each engagement region serves multiple functions: providing mechanical support for stability, distributing forces for comfort, and contributing to light blocking. The first engagement region on the nose bridge, second on the cheeks, and third on the forehead all simultaneously perform these three functions, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If force distributors are used to apply force to facial regions, then user comfort is improved through even force distribution, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force distribution function is segmented across three independent engagement regions rather than using a single complex force distributor. Each region independently applies force to its specific facial area, simplifying the overall structure while achieving comprehensive force distribution across the entire face.
Solution Approach 2:
The facial interface structure itself serves as the force distribution mechanism. The geometric configuration and material properties of the engagement regions inherently provide force distribution without requiring additional active components or complex control systems. The structure self-adjusts to distribute forces evenly across facial contact points.
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mounted display includes a display unit and a facial interface. The display unit includes a display for displaying graphical content to a user. The facial interface is coupled to the display unit and configured to engage a face of the user to support the display thereon. The facial interface includes discrete engagement regions that are configured to engage respective facial regions of the user. The discrete engagement regions include force distributors that are configured to apply forces to the respective facial regions. A first force distributor of a first discrete engagement region is configured to apply a first force to a first facial region of the user, and a second force distributor of a second discrete engagement region is configured to apply a second force to a second facial region of the user that is different than the first force.