Rotatable Ear Horn Assembly for Headworn Computer Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wearable computing systems face challenges in providing a lightweight, compact, and fully functional computer display that seamlessly integrates with environmental surroundings, requiring innovative user interfaces and contextual awareness, while also needing to be comfortable and secure on the user's head.

Innovation Solution

The development of head-worn computing systems that include adjustable ear horn assemblies, rotatable temple and ear horn sections for secure closure, an adjustable nose bridge, and removable speaker assemblies, along with a stiff ear horn with a touch pad for counteracting forces, to ensure comfort and stability during use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the head worn computer includes adjustable ear horn assemblies and stiff members extending behind the ear, then the stability and secure fit is improved, but the weight and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs stiff members extending behind the ear to create counterbalancing forces that offset the weight of the display portion positioned on the forehead. This counterweight approach distributes the mechanical load more evenly across the head, improving stability without requiring excessive overall weight in any single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The head worn computer is divided into distinct functional segments: a display portion mounted on the forehead, temple portions extending along the sides, and ear horn assemblies positioned at the ears. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while collectively achieving overall stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the head worn computer includes adjustable ear horn assemblies and rotatable temple sections, then the adaptability and secure fit are improved, but the device complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates rotatable temple sections and adjustable ear horn assemblies that can be dynamically repositioned to accommodate different head shapes and sizes. These dynamic adjustment mechanisms allow the device to adapt to various users while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of straightforward rotational and sliding joints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The temple portions serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable adjustment for different head sizes through rotation, and connect the display portion to the ear horn assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing adaptability.

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

3Weight of moving object

If the head worn computer uses a lightweight and compact design, then the comfort is improved, but the structural strength and stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidstrength
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes composite material construction for the temple portions and ear horn assemblies, combining materials with different properties to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratios. This allows the structure to maintain adequate strength and stability while keeping the overall weight low for user comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The ear horn assemblies are designed to follow the natural curvature of the ear, distributing contact forces more evenly across the ear structure. This curved geometry enhances structural efficiency, allowing thinner and lighter components to achieve the same load-bearing capacity as heavier straight structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS10466492B2Ear horn assembly for headworn computer
Publication Date: 2019.11.05 OSTERHOUT GROUP INC
  • US10466492B2 patent drawing
  • US10466492B2 patent drawing
  • US10466492B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects of the present invention relate to side arm assemblies for head worn computers which may include a temple section and an ear horn section, where the temple section may include a first-side securing attachment system with a pin securing mechanism and the ear horn section may include a second-side securing attachment system with a pin member adapted to mate with the first-side securing attachment system, wherein the first-side and second-side securing attachment systems are adapted to secure the ear horn section to the temple section with a rotation of the pin securing mechanism.