Spring-Loaded Headset Housing for Rapid Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-mounted computers are typically bulky and require complex adjustments of straps or stabilizers for mounting, which can be cumbersome and uncomfortable for users.
Innovation Solution
A head-worn computer design featuring a housing with adjustable springs that apply an inward force for secure fitting, allowing for rapid mounting and dismounting, and incorporating flexible and stiff regions for improved comfort and accessory integration, along with near-field communication modules for data transfer between PCBs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional straps or stabilizers are used to mount the head-worn computer, then the device can be securely mounted on the user's head, but the mounting process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring multiple adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two separate halves that can be independently manipulated. Each half contains its own spring mechanism, allowing the device to be opened and closed like a clamshell. This segmentation enables rapid mounting by simply opening the device, placing it on the head, and closing the halves, eliminating the need for complex strap adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanisms provide dynamic, adjustable clamping force that automatically adapts to different head sizes and shapes. The springs allow the housing halves to flex and conform to the user's head contours while maintaining secure contact, eliminating the need for manual adjustment mechanisms found in traditional strap-based systems.
2Strength
If the housing is made entirely of stiff material, then structural strength is improved, but comfort and adaptability to different head shapes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates regions of different stiffness values within the same structure. Certain areas are designed with higher stiffness to provide structural support and protect internal components, while other areas have lower stiffness to conform to the user's head shape and provide comfort. This spatial variation in material properties simultaneously achieves strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing uses composite construction combining materials with different mechanical properties. Stiff regions provide structural integrity while flexible regions enable adaptation to various head shapes. The composite structure allows the device to maintain its form factor and protect internal components while comfortably conforming to the user's anatomy.
3Force
If springs with higher stiffness constant are used, then the inward force and secure fit are improved, but comfort and adaptability to different head sizes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanisms provide dynamic, adjustable clamping force that automatically adapts to different head sizes and shapes. The springs allow the housing halves to flex and conform to the user's head contours while maintaining secure contact, eliminating the need for manual adjustment mechanisms found in traditional strap-based systems.
4Quantity of substance
If the head-worn computer is designed to be bulky, then it can accommodate all necessary components and batteries, but ease of operation and user comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The housing halves are designed to nest together when closed, creating a compact form factor that minimizes the overall size of the device on the user's head. Internal components are arranged to fit efficiently within the confined space created by the nested housing structure, accommodating necessary electronics and power sources without requiring excessive volume.
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
Enables quick and secure mounting, enhanced comfort through adjustable fit, and efficient data transfer capabilities, reducing bulkiness and improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring applying an inward force to a user's head
Implementation Method 2
The inward force applied can be adjusted by a designer selecting a spring with a different stiffness constant. The inward force of any particular spring with any particular stiffness constant can be determined by Hook's law, F=kx.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a head worn computer comprising a housing, wherein the housing includes at least one spring applying inward force to a user's head, a plurality of regions, the regions being able to be flexible regions or stiff regions, and two end regions, configured to wrap around a portion of the user's head, such that the two end regions are located at the front of the user's head, and each of the two end regions are on opposite sides of the user's head. In another embodiment, a method of configuring a head worn computer to a user, using the above mentioned head worn computer.