HMD Rear Support Hoop for Pressure Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-mounted display systems for virtual and augmented reality are uncomfortable due to clamping pressure on the face, difficult to adjust for varying head sizes, and are heavy and hard to clean, leading to user discomfort and limited usability.

Innovation Solution

A positioning and stabilizing structure featuring a rear support hoop that contacts the occipital region, adjustable temporal connectors, and a forehead support connector made from flexible materials with rigidization, allowing for even distribution of force and adjustable fit, along with a design that redistributes weight and pressure to reduce discomfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If straps or expandible rigid structures are used to hold the display unit, then the display unit can be maintained in operational position, but clamping pressure is exerted on the user's face causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay unit position stabilityVSAvoidclamping pressure on face

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning structure is divided into multiple components: a headband that contacts the top of the head, temporal connectors that contact the temporal regions, and a display unit holder. This segmentation distributes the supporting force across multiple contact points on the head, eliminating the need for clamping pressure on the face while maintaining stable display unit positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The headband and temporal connectors act as intermediary structures between the user's head and the display unit. Instead of directly clamping the display unit against the face, these intermediaries transfer and distribute the supporting forces to suitable areas on the head (top and temporal regions), preventing direct pressure on sensitive facial areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If fixed positioning structures are used, then the display unit can be held securely, but the system is difficult to adjust for different head sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay unit securingVSAvoidadjustability to head sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The headband is designed with flexible and resilient properties, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different head sizes and shapes. The temporal connectors can be adjusted in position and angle, enabling the structure to accommodate varying head dimensions while maintaining secure display unit positioning. This dynamic adaptability replaces fixed, one-size-fits-all structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If heavy materials are used for the positioning structure, then structural strength is improved, but user comfort and usability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning structure strengthVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The headband is constructed from flexible materials that can provide sufficient structural strength while maintaining a lightweight profile. These flexible components conform to the user's head shape and distribute forces effectively, achieving the required strength without the weight penalty of rigid materials, thereby improving user comfort and usability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If complex adjustment mechanisms are added to accommodate different head sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit range for head sizesVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The temporal connectors incorporate simple adjustment mechanisms that allow users to modify key parameters such as connector position, angle, and tension. These straightforward parameter adjustments enable accommodation of different head sizes without introducing complex mechanical systems, maintaining ease of use while achieving versatility.

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 solution provides enhanced comfort, adjustability, and usability by distributing pressure evenly, reducing clamping force on sensitive areas and allowing for easy adjustment to fit different head sizes, while also being lightweight and easy to clean.

Implementation Method 1

the hoop or at least one of the occipital and parietal portions may be resiliently extensible along at least a portion of its length

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12178276B2Positioning and stabilising structure and system incorporating same

Publication Date: 2024.12.31 RESMED PTY LTD

AI summary

A head-mounted display system includes a head-mounted display unit and a positioning and stabilising structure structured and arranged to hold the head-mounted display unit in an operational position over a user's face in use. The positioning and stabilising structure includes a rear support structure adapted to contact posterior regions of a user's head and at least one connector structured and arranged to interconnect the rear support structure to the head-mounted display unit. The rear support structure is in the form of a hoop comprising an occipital portion configured and arranged engage the user's head along a portion of the occipital bone adjacent a junction where the neck muscles attach to the occipital bone in use.