Modular Head-Mounted Device Accessories With Removable Electronic Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable head-mounted display devices have limitations in fit and comfort, and their functionality is often limited to passive information presentation, lacking advanced input capabilities and flexible electronic component integration to meet diverse user needs.
Innovation Solution
The integration of auxiliary component units with electronic components and retention systems that can be removably attached to head-mounted devices, providing additional functionality through electronic connections and modular configurations, allowing for enhanced user interaction and customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If head-mounted display devices are designed with fixed functionality, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the head-mounted display into separate modular components: a base unit and detachable auxiliary component units. Each auxiliary unit contains specific electronic components (sensors, processors, memory) that can be independently attached or removed. This segmentation allows users to customize functionality by selecting only the components needed for specific tasks, thereby improving adaptability without permanently increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal base unit with standardized attachment interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of auxiliary component units. The base unit contains universal connection features (electrical contacts, mechanical attachment points) that work with various auxiliary units containing different electronic components. This universality allows a single base unit to support diverse functionalities through interchangeable auxiliary units, enhancing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple base unit design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are integrated into head-mounted displays, then functionality is improved, but fit and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segregating electronic components into separate auxiliary units that attach to the base structure, the patent allows the main head-contacting portion to remain lightweight and comfortable. Users can attach auxiliary units with electronic components only when needed for specific functions, and remove them when not needed, thus maintaining comfort during extended wear while still accessing enhanced functionality when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configurability where the device's electronic component configuration can change based on user needs. Auxiliary units with electronic components are detachably connected, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its functionality and weight distribution. This dynamic approach enables the device to transition between different functional states without permanently compromising fit and comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary component units are removably attached, then adaptability is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection mechanisms into a unified attachment system. Mechanical attachment features (such as clips, latches, or snap-fits) are integrated with electrical connection features (contacts, connectors) so that a single attachment action simultaneously establishes both physical and electrical connections. This merging ensures that when auxiliary units are attached, both mechanical stability and electrical connectivity are reliably established together, mitigating the reliability concerns of removable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates redundant connection features and robust attachment mechanisms that provide a margin of safety against connection failure. The mechanical and electrical connection features are designed with sufficient strength and tolerance to accommodate normal use variations, ensuring reliable connections even with repeated attachment and detachment cycles. This prior cushioning against connection failure maintains reliability while preserving modular adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary component unit for use with a head-mounted device is disclosed. The device can have a first side arm with and an extension arm extending at least partially therealong and configured to present information to the user via a display extending therefrom, a second side arm opposite the first side arm, and an external connection feature. The auxiliary component includes a first housing containing a first electronic component therein and a first attachment member extending from the first housing and configured to removably affix the auxiliary component with a portion of the second side arm of the head-mounted device. The auxiliary component also includes a wiring component in electronic communication with the first electronic component and attachable with the external connection feature of the device.