Smartphone Packaging VR Headset Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for cost-effective virtual reality (VR) headset solutions that can be integrated with shipping containers for mobile devices, allowing users to experience VR content without the high costs associated with traditional VR headsets.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a VR headset within a shipping container for mobile devices, featuring a goggle portion with a lens assembly and a cover portion that securely holds the device, along with input mechanisms and protective liners, enabling users to repurpose the container for VR experiences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional VR headsets are manufactured and sold separately, then VR functionality is provided, but the cost to consumers is high

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVR functionalityVSAvoidCost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the VR headset with the shipping container into a single integrated unit. The goggle portion, lens assembly, and electronic device are all incorporated within the existing shipping container structure, eliminating the need for separate VR headset manufacturing and reducing overall cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shipping container serves multiple functions: it acts as both the packaging/transport container for the electronic device and as the VR headset housing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate VR headset, providing VR capability while reducing cost.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If a VR headset is integrated into the shipping container, then cost is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCostVSAvoidStructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The VR headset is divided into distinct functional modules: the goggle portion for structural support, the lens assembly for optical function, the electronic device for processing, and the protective liner for protection. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and then assembled within the shipping container, managing complexity through modularity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where the electronic device is placed within the goggle portion, which is in turn placed within the shipping container. The protective liner is nested between these components to provide protection. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functions into a compact arrangement, managing structural complexity efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the shipping container is repurposed as a VR headset, then the container provides protection during shipping, but the container structure must be modified

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveProtection during shippingVSAvoidModification
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shipping container is designed with pre-formed features such as the goggle portion cavity, lens assembly positioning structures, and ledge elements before the electronic device is placed inside. This preliminary structuring allows the container to provide protection and support functions without requiring complex modifications after assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than modifying the entire shipping container structure, the patent applies localized modifications only where needed - specifically creating the goggle portion cavity, positioning features for the lens assembly, and adding the protective liner in specific areas. This localized approach minimizes overall structural modification while providing necessary protection and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3329321B1Smartphone packaging and virtual reality headset
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3329321B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3329321B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3329321B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a general aspect, an apparatus can include a goggle portion having a chassis that is open on a first side, a lens assembly disposed on a second side of the chassis of the goggle portion and a ledge disposed around an interior perimeter of the chassis of the goggle portion. The ledge can be configured to physically support an electronic device inserted in the goggle portion. The apparatus can also include a cover portion having a chassis that is open on a first side and at least partially closed on a second side. The cover portion can be configured to be placed over the goggle portion, such that at least a portion of the goggle portion is disposed within the cover portion and the electronic device is retained between the ledge and an interior surface of the second side of the cover portion.