Modular Head-Mounted Display with Interchangeable Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current head-mounted displays lack flexibility and modularity, making them less adaptable for various applications and user needs, particularly in scenarios requiring head, eye, and ear protection.

Innovation Solution

A modular head-mounted display design with interchangeable components, including a display module, computer processors, and an attachment mechanism featuring rigid coupling elements and securing straps, allowing secure attachment to headwear and enabling different display characteristics and functionalities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a head-mounted display is designed with fixed components, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability for different applications and user needs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The head-mounted display is divided into separate modular components including a display module, processor unit, power source, and attachment mechanism. These modules can be independently selected, configured, and replaced based on different application requirements, enabling adaptability without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism is designed with universal interfaces that can secure the display system to various types of headwear (helmets, hats, protective gear). The modular architecture allows a single base unit to support multiple display configurations and functionalities across different use cases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable display modules are implemented, then the versatility of display characteristics is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display system separates the display module from the main processing unit, allowing different display technologies (LCD, OLED, waveguide) to be implemented as interchangeable modules while maintaining a common interface and control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different display modules provide varying display characteristics (brightness, resolution, field of view, transparency) while maintaining compatible electrical and mechanical interfaces. The system adapts to different modules through parameter configuration rather than architectural redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a modular design with multiple components is used, then the adaptability for various applications is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Manufacturing is simplified by producing standardized modular components that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each module has defined interfaces and mounting points that facilitate automated assembly and quality control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism uses universal mounting interfaces and securing methods that work across different module types and headwear configurations, reducing the number of specialized manufacturing processes required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If secure attachment to headwear is implemented, then the reliability of the display system is improved, but the ease of operation for adjustment and removal is reduced

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

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism transitions between a secured state (reliable attachment) and an adjustable state (easy operation). Quick-release features and adjustable straps allow users to easily transition between these states without requiring tools or complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism acts as an intermediary between the display system and headwear, providing a standardized interface that ensures reliable attachment while maintaining ease of operation through designed release mechanisms and adjustment features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11340465B2Head-mounted display with modular components
Publication Date: 2022.05.24 REALWEAR INC
  • US11340465B2 patent drawing
  • US11340465B2 patent drawing
  • US11340465B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A head-mounted display that is modular and configured for securement to an item of headwear is provided. The head-mounted display may comprise a selection of components that are desired for a particular application, such as a display boom, camera, microphone, position-tracking component, etc., and may include an attachment mechanism for securing the selection of components to the item of headwear. The head-mounted display may include a display module having a corresponding display characteristic that provides a visual display and/or display functionality that is appropriate for a particular application. The display module may include a micro display that is non-transparent and/or a waveguide optic that is at least partially transparent, and may be configured to provide an augmented reality display for a user.