HMD Metal Frame Impact Absorption Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Head-mounted displays (HMDs) are susceptible to damage from impact and external forces due to the vulnerability of internal components such as cameras and sensors, which existing designs fail to adequately protect.

Innovation Solution

A metal frame with a raised wall and protruding ridges and brackets is integrated into the HMD to absorb impact and protect the display assembly and cameras, allowing the frame to deform while maintaining the integrity of the components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a metal frame with raised walls and protruding ridges is added to protect internal components, then impact resistance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a foam layer between the metal frame and the display assembly. This foam cushioning material is positioned in advance to absorb and distribute impact forces before they reach the vulnerable electronic components, thereby improving impact resistance while managing the complexity introduced by the protective frame structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining the metal frame structure with foam cushioning material. This composite approach creates a multi-layer protective system where the rigid metal frame provides structural support and the flexible foam provides shock absorption, achieving enhanced impact resistance through material composition rather than solely through complex structural design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the raised wall is spaced apart from the display assembly to allow deformation, then impact absorption is improved, but protective effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact absorptionVSAvoidprotective effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The spaced arrangement between the raised wall and display assembly creates a pre-configured cushioning zone. This space is designed in advance to allow controlled deformation and energy absorption during impact, with the foam material filling this space to provide progressive resistance that protects components while managing the reduced direct protection from the spaced wall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the protective system by introducing variable spacing between the raised wall and display assembly. This spacing parameter is optimized to allow sufficient deformation space for impact absorption while maintaining close enough proximity to provide effective protection, balancing impact absorption capability with protective effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 metal frame effectively absorbs external forces, preventing damage to the display assembly and cameras by deforming instead of collapsing, thus enhancing the durability and protection of the HMD.

Implementation Method 1

When the HMD is dropped or subject to external force, the wall may deform but keep the display assembly intact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

protecting components of the HMD from impact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact Force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP3410174B1Head mount device having impact absorbing walls
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP3410174B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3410174B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3410174B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments relate to a metal frame in a head-mounted display (HMD) that is structured to absorb impact and protect components of the HMD. The metal frame has a wall that is spaced away from a protection shell securing a display panel in the HMD. When the HMD is dropped or subject to external force, the wall may deform but keep the protection shell intact. Moreover, the metal frame has protruding ridges and brackets that surround outward facing cameras on the HMD. If the HMD is dropped, the protruding ridges and brackets can provide protection to the cameras.