Constant-Force HMD Restraint via Spring Tensioner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional head mounted displays require manual adjustment of straps for proper fit, which can be inconvenient and uncomfortable, especially as the user's head size or position changes.

Innovation Solution

A constant-force tensioner mechanism is integrated into the restraint system, featuring a housing with an anchor portion and a slider, coupled with a strap and a tension element like a rolled ribbon of spring steel, providing a consistent force to automatically adjust and retain the display on the user's head without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual strap adjustment is used, then the display can be retained on the user's head, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for repeated manual adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveretentionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioner mechanism automatically adjusts the strap tension based on the user's head size and position changes, eliminating the need for manual adjustment. The spring-loaded tensioner self-regulates to maintain optimal retention force without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static strap assembly to a dynamic tensioner mechanism that automatically adapts to changing conditions. The spring-loaded design allows the tensioner to respond in real-time to user movement and head size variations, providing continuous optimal retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a fixed strap assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability deteriorates as it cannot accommodate varying head sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioner mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability within a relatively simple structure. The spring-loaded design allows the same basic structure to adapt to various head sizes and shapes, maintaining retention effectiveness across different users without requiring complex adjustable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If manual adjustment is required, then the device complexity remains low, but the loss of time increases due to repeated adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioner mechanism performs automatic adjustment without user intervention, eliminating the time loss associated with manual strap adjustment. The spring-loaded design continuously maintains optimal tension as the user moves or changes position, requiring no repeated adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 ensures a comfortable and secure fit for users of varying head sizes, automatically adjusting the straps to maintain a constant force, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and providing consistent retention of the head mounted display.

Implementation Method 1

A tension element having a first end portion coupled to the housing and a second end portion coupled to the slider provides a constant force on the strap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10281728B2Constant-force head mounted display restraint system
Publication Date: 2019.05.07 META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US10281728B2 patent drawing
  • US10281728B2 patent drawing
  • US10281728B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Technology is provided for restraint systems for use with head mounted displays and head mounted displays incorporating the same. The head mounted display includes a display unit including a display housing and one or more display devices. A retention assembly attaches to the display unit to support the unit on a user's head. The retention assembly includes at least one tensioner mechanism including a housing having an anchor portion coupled to the display housing and a slider positioned in the housing. A strap is coupled to the slider and configured to support the head mounted display on the user's head. A tension element having a first end portion coupled to the housing and a second end portion coupled to the slider provides a constant force on the strap to comfortably pull the strap against the user's head in order to retain the head mounted display on the user's head.