Head-Mountable Device Splay Hinge for Adaptive Fit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mountable electronic devices struggle to provide comfortable and secure fits for users with varying head anatomies and engaging in different activities, due to the unique shape and size of each user's head and the diverse nature of activities.
Innovation Solution
The head-mountable electronic device incorporates a viewing frame with securement arms that feature splay hinges and tip hinges, allowing for adjustable splay ranges of motion and applying quasi-constant forces to secure the device comfortably on different head sizes and shapes, regardless of the activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If securement arms are designed with fixed splay angle, then device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate users with different head sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The securement arms incorporate splay hinges that enable dynamic adjustment of the splay angle between the securement arms and the viewing frame. This allows the arms to adapt to different head sizes and shapes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The hinges provide controlled movement within a specific range, balancing adaptability with structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If securement arms apply high force to secure device, then device security is improved, but user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The splay hinges incorporate spring mechanisms that provide quasi-constant force over the splay range of motion. This allows the securement arms to apply sufficient force to secure the device reliably while maintaining user comfort. The spring force compensates for variations in head anatomy, ensuring consistent securing force without excessive pressure on the user's head.
3Adaptability or versatility
If splay hinge provides large range of motion, then adaptability to different activities is improved, but control over securing force becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The splay hinge mechanism is designed to provide quasi-constant force throughout the splay range of motion. This allows the securement arms to adapt to different activities and head anatomies while maintaining controlled and consistent securing force. The spring mechanism ensures that the force remains within a comfortable and secure range regardless of the splay angle.
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
This design ensures a secure and comfortable fit for users with diverse head anatomies, maintaining a quasi-constant force across various splay ranges, thus accommodating different head sizes and shapes and various activities without compromising comfort or security.
Implementation Method 1
The splay hinge can include a spring configured to apply the force within the splay range of motion
Implementation Method 2
the splay hinge can include a compression spring and a plunger
Implementation Method 3
The tip hinge can include a spring configured to apply a second force of the distal portion against the head between 15 Nmm and 40 Nmm within the second splay range of motion
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mountable electronic device can include a viewing frame, a window secured to the viewing frame, a waveguide configured to direct light displayed at the window, and a pair of securement arms extending distally from the viewing frame. Each securement arm of the pair of securement arms can include a splay hinge and a proximal portion connected to the viewing frame at the splay hinge, the proximal portion having a splay range of motion up to 20 degrees outward from a default position and relative to the viewing frame. The splay hinge can apply a force of the proximal portion against a head between 50 Nmm and 90 Nmm within the splay range of motion.