Artificial-Reality Eyepiece Assemblies With Shock-Isolated Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Augmented-reality eyepieces made of brittle materials are susceptible to fracture from typical use case scenarios, leading to potential failure unless significantly reinforced or shock is managed, which often requires adding weight and size to the eyepiece assembly, exceeding desired weight and size limits.
Innovation Solution
An optical mounting architecture that positions a fragile optical element out of the load path by using a durable optical element sandwich configuration, applying compressive pre-stress and incorporating flexures or springs to absorb shock, thereby reducing damage from impact forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If brittle optical elements are used in augmented-reality eyepieces, then optical performance is improved, but susceptibility to fracture from impact forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing compliant materials and shock-absorbing structures between the brittle optical element and external impact sources. These elements are positioned to absorb impact forces before they reach the fragile optical component, preventing fracture while maintaining optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary elements such as compliant materials, suspension structures, and shock-absorbing components that act as mediators between the brittle optical element and external forces. These intermediaries isolate the optical element from direct impact exposure while still allowing it to fulfill its optical function.
2Reliability
If reinforcement or shock absorption structures are added to protect the eyepiece, then reliability is improved, but weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding shock absorption and reinforcement only at specific locations where impact forces are most likely to occur, rather than uniformly throughout the entire eyepiece assembly. Compliant materials and suspension structures are strategically positioned to provide protection only where needed, minimizing unnecessary weight addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials that combine rigid and compliant properties in a single integrated structure. These composite elements provide both structural support and shock absorption capabilities, reducing the need for separate reinforcement components and minimizing overall weight increase.
3Device complexity
If the optical element is positioned in a load path, then structural support is simplified, but damage from impact forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by removing the brittle optical element from the direct load path and positioning it within a cavity surrounded by durable optical elements. This extraction isolates the optical element from impact forces that would otherwise travel through the mounting structure, reducing damage risk while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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
Maintains product reliability and performance while minimizing the negative effects on size and weight, ensuring the eyepiece assembly withstands daily use without significant size or weight increase.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating flexures or springs to absorb shock
Implementation Method 2
absorb shock, thereby reducing damage from impact forces
Implementation Method 3
applying compressive pre-stress
Implementation Method 4
applying compressive pre-stress and incorporating flexures or springs to absorb shock, thereby reducing damage from impact forces
Data Source
AI summary
Devices may include an optical assembly and a frame supporting the optical assembly. The optical assembly may include a first optical element, a second optical element, and a third optical element. The second optical element and the third optical element may form a cavity therebetween. The first optical element may be mounted within the cavity. Various other systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.