Optical Module Positioning for Adjustable Headset IPD

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-mounted devices struggle to accommodate users with varying interpupillary distances, leading to suboptimal image presentation and user comfort.

Innovation Solution

The integration of slidably coupled optical modules with guide rods and actuators, utilizing fiber-reinforced composite tubes and low-friction coatings, allows for adjustable interpupillary spacing to accommodate different user distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed optical module positioning is used, then device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate users with different interpupillary distances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different interpupillary distancesVSAvoidoptical module positioning system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where optical modules can slide along guide rods to adjust interpupillary distance. The lens barrels are coupled to the guide rods, allowing them to move dynamically between different positions to accommodate various user requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system is segmented into independent components: guide rods for linear movement, actuators for driving the movement, and lens barrels that can slide along the rods. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving adaptability without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If fiber-reinforced composite tubes are used for guide rods, then strength and light weight are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguide rod strengthVSAvoidguide rod manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rods are constructed using fiber-reinforced composite tubes, which provide high strength-to-weight ratio. The composite structure combines the strength of fibers with the lightweight properties of the tube structure, meeting the mechanical requirements while minimizing weight for the head-mounted device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rod structure uses nested components including the composite tube, internal cores for additional strength, and external coatings for friction reduction. These nested elements work together to achieve the required performance characteristics while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If low-friction coatings are applied to guide rods, then sliding smoothness is improved, but manufacturing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical module sliding smoothnessVSAvoidcoating application process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying on complex mechanical lubrication systems, the patent applies low-friction coatings directly to the guide rod surfaces. This substitutes a simple surface treatment for what would otherwise require complex mechanical lubrication mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while improving sliding smoothness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables precise adjustment of optical modules to fit various interpupillary distances, enhancing user comfort and image quality by ensuring accurate image fusion and eye monitoring capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The guide rods may be formed from fiber-reinforced composite tubes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiber reinforcement: Composite Materials

Implementation Method 2

Low-friction coatings such as metal coatings may be applied to the tubes and on corresponding inner surfaces of the optical module structures that receive the tubes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS12510727B2Electronic devices with optical module positioning systems

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 APPLE INC

AI summary

A head-mounted device may have optical modules that present images to a user's eyes. Each optical module may have a lens barrel with a display and a lens that presents an image from the display to a corresponding eye box. To accommodate users with different interpupillary distances, the optical modules may be slidably coupled to guide members such as guide rods. Actuators may slide the optical modules towards or away from each other along the guide rods. The guide rods may be formed from fiber-composite tubes with end caps that are fastened to a frame in the head-mounted device. The tubes may be partly or completely filled with cores to add strength. Low-friction coatings such as metal coatings may be formed on the fiber-composite tubes and the corresponding inner surfaces of the optical module structures that slidably engage the fiber-composite tubes.