Interchangeable HMD Lens Assembly With Detection and Self-Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-mounted display systems fail to accommodate users with varying refractive errors, as they do not allow for interchangeable lenses that can be easily adjusted to meet individual eye characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A head-mounted display system with interchangeable lenses that can be removably coupled to a display module, featuring a lens detection sensor to identify the lens and provide compatibility indications, and mechanical and magnetic coupling features to ensure proper alignment and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed lenses are used in head-mounted display systems, then manufacturing and alignment are simplified, but the system cannot accommodate users with different refractive errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different refractive errorsVSAvoidlens interchangeability mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lens system is divided into separate, interchangeable lens elements that can be independently selected and attached to the display module. Each lens element is designed as a discrete component with specific optical properties for different refractive errors, allowing users to swap lenses based on their visual needs without redesigning the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display module is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate multiple types of lens elements. The mechanical coupling feature and alignment mechanism are standardized to work with various lens configurations, enabling a single display module to serve multiple users with different refractive requirements through lens interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable lenses are added to accommodate different users, then user customization is improved, but the risk of misalignment and improper attachment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser customization for refractive errorsVSAvoidlens alignment and attachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment mechanism incorporates magnetic coupling features that replace purely mechanical alignment methods. Magnets embedded in the display module and corresponding magnetic elements in the lens assembly create an attractive force that automatically guides and secures the lens in the correct position, eliminating manual alignment errors and ensuring consistent optical alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical coupling feature with integrated alignment guides enables the lens assembly to self-align with the display module during attachment. The guide features automatically position the lens elements correctly as they are coupled to the mounting interface, reducing the need for precise manual positioning and ensuring reliable alignment without requiring user expertise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If manual lens attachment is used, then the system structure is simplified, but the precision and speed of lens replacement are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens replacement speedVSAvoidcoupling and detection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A detection sensor is integrated into the display module to automatically detect when a lens element is properly attached. The sensor provides real-time feedback about the lens attachment status, confirming correct installation to the user and enabling the system to adapt its operation accordingly. This automated detection eliminates the need for manual verification and ensures rapid, reliable lens replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system effectively accommodates users with different refractive errors by allowing easy lens interchangeability and secure, precise alignment, enhancing user comfort and image quality.

Implementation Method 1

The lens detection sensor detects the removable lens assembly coupled to the display

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The mechanical coupling feature engages the corresponding mechanical coupling feature to prevent movement of the removable lens assembly relative to the head-mounted display unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical coupling: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

magnetic coupling features to ensure proper alignment and secure attachment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4270158B1Display system with interchangeable lens

Publication Date: 2025.11.05 APPLE INC

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AI summary

A display system includes a display, a removable lens assembly, and a lens detection sensor. The removable lens is removably coupleable to the display. The lens detection sensor detects the removable lens assembly coupled to the display. The display system may further include a head-mounted display unit that includes the display and the lens detection sensor. The display system may lens information from the removable lens with the lens detection sensor, and may provide an indicator of the removable lens according to the lens information.