Modular HMD Strap With Thermal Conduit and Dongle Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional head-mounted display (HMD) systems face challenges in thermal ergonomics due to reduced form factors that concentrate thermal elements near the user, leading to user discomfort and component degradation, while lacking efficient connectivity for testing and software development.

Innovation Solution

The HMD system incorporates a modular securement assembly with removable straps featuring a thermal shell and thermal conduit, along with a dongle for power and data connectivity, and a processor that throttles bandwidth in response to thermal output, utilizing thermal spreaders and interface materials to dissipate heat effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If HMD system components are designed with reduced form factors, then device compactness is improved, but thermal elements are concentrated closer to the user causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform factorVSAvoidthermal load on user
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts thermal management functions from the main HMD body by introducing separate thermal shells and conduits that channel heat away from the user's face. The thermal shell is positioned to receive heat from internal components and redirect it through designated pathways, separating the thermal load from the user-contact areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal conduit acts as an intermediary between heat-generating components and the external environment. It provides a dedicated thermal pathway that mediates heat transfer, directing thermal energy away from the user through structured routes involving thermal shells and conduits positioned strategically around the HMD.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If HMD system components are designed with reduced form factors, then device compactness is improved, but thermal elements are concentrated closer to the user causing component degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform factorVSAvoidcomponent integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal management system is extracted as a separate functional layer within the HMD structure. Thermal shells and conduits are positioned to intercept heat before it reaches critical components, effectively removing thermal stress from the component assembly while maintaining compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional HMD systems use standard connectivity interfaces, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but testing and software development efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface standardizationVSAvoidtesting and development efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connectivity interface is designed with multi-functionality to serve both manufacturing standards and development needs. The interface supports standard protocols for manufacturing compatibility while incorporating enhanced capabilities for testing and software development, including improved data transfer rates and diagnostic functionality.

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

4Volume of moving object

If thermal elements are concentrated in compact HMD design, then device compactness is improved, but user comfort is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform factorVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal conduit serves as an intermediary that protects the user from thermal discomfort while maintaining compact design. It intercepts thermal energy and redirects it through controlled pathways, acting as a buffer between heat-generating components and the user's face, thereby preserving user comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This design enhances user comfort by reducing thermal load and improves connectivity for faster data transfer and testing, while maintaining component integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the thermal spreader is configured to dissipate thermal energy from the electronics pod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the thermal interface material comprises at least one of a copper layer or a graphite layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12411346B2Modular strap for an electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.09.09 APPLE INC
  • US12411346B2 patent drawing
  • US12411346B2 patent drawing
  • US12411346B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A head-mountable display (HMD) system includes a display portion, a modular securement assembly connectable to the display portion, and a dongle configured to connect the removable strap to at least one of a power supply, a computing device, or an external display. In some examples, the modular securement assembly includes: a removable strap with an electronics pod with a thermal shell and a thermal conduit; and a retention band connectable to the removable strap.