Modular Accessory Slot for Wearable HMDs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wearable computing devices with near-eye displays lack modular accessory systems that allow for easy swapping and secure attachment of accessories, such as camera covers, which limits their functionality and versatility.

Innovation Solution

A glasses-style head-mountable device (HMD) frame with a foldable side-arm and an accessory slot that accepts slot-mating features, enabling the secure attachment and easy swapping of accessories like camera covers, which can be configured to cover and uncover the camera lens, using a rigid inner component and a flexible outer component made from a low compression-set elastomer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed non-modular design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the functionality and versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory device is divided into a body portion and a separate cover portion that can be independently attached and detached. The cover portion can be selectively positioned to cover or expose the camera lens, providing functional versatility without requiring a completely different device structure. This segmentation allows the same base device to serve multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory slot is designed to accept different types of accessories including camera covers, indicating a universal interface that can accommodate multiple functions. The same slot structure can hold various accessories, making the device versatile without requiring multiple specialized structures for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If accessories are permanently attached, then the attachment is secure, but swapping accessories is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswapping easeVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover portion is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable from the body portion through the accessory slot. It can be easily inserted when needed and removed when not needed, providing both secure attachment during use and easy swapping capability. The dynamic nature of the connection allows flexible operation while maintaining reliability during active use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory slot acts as an intermediary mechanism between the body portion and the cover portion. It provides a standardized interface that ensures secure attachment when the cover is installed, while also enabling easy removal and replacement. The slot structure mediates between the conflicting requirements of security and ease of swapping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the accessory entry point is on the outer surface, then accessories are easily accessible, but the device appearance is compromised when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidappearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The cover portion can be nested within or alongside the body portion when not in use, concealing the accessory slot and maintaining a clean appearance. The nested configuration allows the accessory to be stored compactly without compromising the device's aesthetic, while still being easily accessible when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the accessory permanently visible on the outer surface, the design inverts the approach by allowing the accessory to be concealed within the device structure when not in use. The entry point remains accessible, but the accessory itself can be hidden, reversing the traditional visible-attachment approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables secure attachment of accessories when the device is in use and allows for easy swapping of different types of accessories, enhancing the functionality and versatility of wearable computing devices by providing a modular accessory system.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible outer component made from a low compression-set elastomer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3894981B1Modular accessory systems for wearable devices

Publication Date: 2023.07.12 GOOGLE LLC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D

AI summary

Systems and devices are disclosed herein that provide or relate to modular accessory devices for a wearable device, such as a glasses-style head-mountable device (HMD). Illustrative systems may include a first frame component having an accessory slot accessible via an entry point on a transverse surface of the first frame component, a second frame component movably coupled to the first frame component, and one or more accessory devices that each have a slot-mating feature shaped for insertion into and removal from the accessory slot via the entry point. The second frame component may be movable between a first position in which the second frame component blocks access to the entry point, and a second position in which the second frame component allows access to the entry point.