Conformable HMD with Nested Ribbon Cable for Head Fit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional all-in-one MR head-mounted systems are uncomfortable due to their front-heavy design and the need for external compute units, often requiring unsightly cables and cumbersome split architectures.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically adjustable head-mounted device with a split architecture featuring interchangeable compute units and a nested flexible cable ribbon that expands or contracts to accommodate different head sizes and shapes, eliminating the need for external compute units and unsightly cables by embedding wiring within adjustable flex fit arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If compute units are placed in the front portion of the HMD, then processing speed is improved, but weight distribution becomes unbalanced causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The HMD is divided into two separate housings: a front-end housing containing the first compute unit and a back-end housing containing the second compute unit. This segmentation distributes the weight of compute units across both front and back portions of the device, achieving balanced weight distribution while maintaining processing speed through distributed computing architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cables are used to connect external compute units, then functionality is maintained, but aesthetics deteriorate due to unsightly cables
Solution Approach 1:
The cable ribbon is nested within a cavity that extends along the length of the adjustable flex fit arm. The cable ribbon is positioned inside the hollow interior of the arm structure, concealing it from external view. This nesting arrangement maintains the electrical connectivity function while eliminating the unsightly appearance of external cables, as the cable is hidden within the device's internal structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the HMD structure is made rigid, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different head sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The HMD incorporates an adjustable flex fit arm that can dynamically change its configuration to accommodate different head sizes and shapes. The arm includes adjustment mechanisms allowing users to modify the circumference and fit of the device. This dynamic adjustability maintains structural stability through rigid housing components while enabling adaptation to various users through movable and adjustable elements like the flex fit arm and cable ribbon positioning.
4Ease of operation
If a split architecture is used, then weight distribution is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The cable ribbon serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connectivity between compute units, acts as a structural element within the flex fit arm, and is concealed within the arm's cavity to maintain aesthetics. By merging these functions into a single integrated component, the design reduces overall system complexity despite the split architecture, as the cable ribbon fulfills multiple roles that would otherwise require separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mounted device (HMD) whose circumference is dynamically adjustable to conform to different head sizes and shapes is disclosed herein. The HMD includes a front-end and back-end housing. The front-end housing includes a first compute unit, and the back-end housing includes a second compute unit. The HMD also includes two adjustable flex fit arms that connect the front-end housing to the back-end housing. The HMD has an enclosed rounded boundary that is placeable around a user's head. The HMD also includes a nested flexible cable ribbon, which is nested within a cavity of one of the arms and which includes both a static bend and a dynamic bend. The bend radius for the dynamic bend is larger than the bend radius of the static bend. The dynamic bend enables the nested flexible cable ribbon to expand or contract when the circumference of the enclosed rounded boundary changes.