Optical Assembly Positioning for Interpupillary Spacing With Shock Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Customizing electronic devices such as head-mounted devices for varying interpupillary distances between users is challenging, particularly in accommodating different eye spacings without causing discomfort or damage during use and unexpected events.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating movable optical assemblies with adjustable spacing, clutch-based coupling systems, and electrically controlled brakes to manage forces and secure positions, along with flexible mounts to absorb shocks, ensuring comfortable fit and protection against damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If fixed spacing optical assemblies are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different interpupillary distances is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical assembly installationVSAvoidinterpupillary distance accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements movable optical assemblies that can be positioned at different spacings along guide rails, transforming the fixed spacing system into a dynamic adjustable system. This allows the device to accommodate various interpupillary distances while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular components and standardized mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If rigid coupling between motors and optical assemblies is used, then positioning precision is improved, but damage from unexpected forces increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical assembly positioningVSAvoiddamage from drop events

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates clutches that can disengage under excessive force conditions, spring-loaded elements that absorb shock, and flexible mounts that cushion against sudden impacts. These protective mechanisms are built into the system beforehand to prevent damage during drop events or unexpected forces while maintaining precise positioning during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If high clutch holding forces are used, then optical assembly positioning stability is improved, but discomfort from nose contact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical assembly position stabilityVSAvoiduser discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs clutches with position-dependent holding forces that provide higher stability when optical assemblies are at extreme positions and lower holding forces when positioned centrally. This localized adjustment of clutch force characteristics ensures stable positioning without causing discomfort during normal wear, as the clutch force adapts to the specific position of the optical assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable optical assembly spacing is implemented, then adaptability to different users is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser customizationVSAvoidpositioning system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical assembly positioning system into modular segments including independent motors, guide rails, nuts, and clutches for each optical assembly. This segmentation allows for adjustable spacing through standardized modular components that can be independently controlled and replaced, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability to different user requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution effectively adjusts to individual interpupillary distances, minimizing discomfort and preventing damage from unexpected forces, while maintaining secure positioning and device integrity.

Implementation Method 1

clutches that exhibit fixed clutch holding forces as a function of optical assembly position, and clutches that exhibit variable clutch holding forces as a function of optical assembly position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

magnetic clutches

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

electrically adjustable brakes may be used to help secure optical assemblies in place

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20250258381A1Electronic Devices With Optical Assembly Positioning Systems

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 APPLE INC

AI summary

A head-mounted device may include optical assemblies for presenting images to a user. Optical assembly positioning systems may be used to adjust the spacing between the optical assemblies to accommodate different interpupillary distances. The optical assembly positioning systems may have motors, shafts rotated by the motors, nuts that receive the shafts and that are moved as the shafts are rotated, and clutches that couple the nuts to the optical assemblies. The clutches may be spring-loaded clutches, magnetic clutches, electrically adjustable clutches, clutches that exhibit fixed clutch holding forces as a function of optical assembly position, and clutches that exhibit varying clutch holding forces as a function of optical assembly position. Electrically adjustable brakes may be used to help secure the optical assemblies in place.