Modular AR Display with Detachable Electromechanical Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable augmented reality (AR) display devices face challenges in achieving an ergonomic, lightweight, and aesthetically pleasing form factor, which compromises user comfort and social acceptability, especially for individuals with prescription glasses.

Innovation Solution

A modular AR display system integrated into eyewear, featuring a selectably detachable design with an electromechanical interface for power transfer and communication between the wearable frame and removable AR display frame, allowing users to choose between AR and traditional eyewear experiences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If AR display features are integrated into wearable eyewear, then AR functionality is improved, but device weight and size increase, compromising user comfort and ergonomics

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAR functionalityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The AR display system is divided into separate modular components: a wearable frame structure and a removable frame structure containing the AR display system. This segmentation allows users to detach the AR components when not needed, reducing weight and improving comfort for non-AR activities while maintaining full AR functionality when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static integrated design to a dynamic reconfigurable system where the removable frame structure can be selectively attached and detached. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt its weight and functionality based on user needs, switching between lightweight mode (without AR components) and full-function mode (with AR components).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optical features are integrated for both AR and prescription functionality, then versatility is improved, but vision clarity and physical comfort are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical functionalityVSAvoidvision clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is segmented into separate functional components: prescription lenses integrated into the wearable frame structure and AR display optics contained within the removable frame structure. This separation eliminates the conflict between AR optical features and prescription lens requirements, allowing each system to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wearable frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides the structural foundation for the eyewear and integrates prescription lens functionality. The removable frame structure provides AR display functionality. When combined, the system delivers both prescription correction and AR capabilities without the optical interference that would occur in an integrated single-structure design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If AR display components are made detachable for ergonomic use, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity and interface requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical connection between the wearable frame structure and removable frame structure is replaced with an electromechanical interface that integrates power transfer and communication capabilities. This substitution eliminates the need for separate wiring harnesses and manual connection steps, reducing interface complexity while enabling seamless integration of the detachable AR components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple interface functions (power transfer, data communication, and mechanical connection) are merged into a single integrated electromechanical interface. This consolidation simplifies the user experience by providing a unified attachment mechanism that simultaneously establishes all necessary electrical and data connections, rather than requiring separate interfaces for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250116869A1Modular form factor for wearable augmented reality displays

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

A display system comprises a first frame structure housing one or more processors and wearable proximate to a user's eye, and a second frame structure coupled to a light engine and various optical elements. The light engine generates display light indicative of graphical content, with the optical elements channeling the display light to the user's eye. The processors of the first frame structure control operations of the light engine via a selectively detachable connection between an electromechanical interface of the first frame structure and a corresponding electromechanical interface of the second frame structure.