Removable HMD Facial Interface Assembly for Wear Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-mounted displays (HMDs) face challenges with the facial interface due to repetitive exposure to friction, oils, and chemicals, leading to wear and tear, and users desire customizable designs and colors, which existing materials fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A removable facial interface assembly comprising a periphery frame, a semi-rigid frame, and facial interface foam of varying rigidity, designed to fit comfortably around the user's face, allowing for replacement and customization, with a tented textile cover to block external light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a low-density foam is used for the facial interface to minimize skin agitation, then user comfort is improved, but the material is subject to greater wear from exposure to friction, oils, and chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The facial interface is divided into multiple replaceable components including a foam layer, fabric layer, and frame structure. This segmentation allows the wear-prone foam and fabric layers to be replaced independently while maintaining the durable frame structure, thus resolving the contradiction between comfort and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a replaceable facial interface design where the foam and fabric layers can be discarded after wear and replaced with fresh components. This allows the durable frame to be recovered and reused multiple times, addressing the wear issue while maintaining user comfort through regular replacement of contact surfaces.
2Ease of manufacture
If the facial interface is made as a single integrated component, then manufacturing is simpler, but customization of colors and designs becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The facial interface is segmented into multiple components (frame, fabric layer, foam layer) that can be manufactured separately using standardized processes, then assembled. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling customization of individual layers, particularly the fabric and foam contact surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves as a universal component that can accommodate different fabric and foam inserts with varying colors, patterns, and designs. This universal frame design allows multiple customization options without requiring different manufacturing processes for the structural element.
3Ease of operation
If the facial interface materials are exposed to friction, oils, and chemicals during use, then user comfort is maintained through material properties, but the materials deteriorate more quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The facial interface components that directly contact the user's face (fabric and foam layers) are designed to be replaceable. These consumable parts can be discarded after a certain period of use when they show signs of wear, while the durable frame is recovered and reused, thus extending the overall service life of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric and foam contact layers are designed as disposable or semi-disposable components that can be replaced frequently at low cost. This allows the system to maintain optimal comfort properties through regular replacement of wear-prone materials while the expensive frame structure remains in long-term use.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a facial interface in a head-mount display. The facial interface assembly is comprised of three separate layers of various materials that are contoured to assemble into a removable facial interface that may be replaced in the event that it becomes worn due to use. The facial interface assembly is composed of a periphery frame, a semi-rigid frame, and facial interface foam. These three layers are of varying rigidity, and support contours designed to fit together in a flush manner comprising a removable facial interface assembly.