Stretchable Covering Structures for Head-Mounted Optical Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-mounted devices struggle to accommodate variations in interpupillary distances among users, leading to inadequate image presentation for different users.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating adjustable optical modules with actuators and a cosmetic covering that allows for movement of optical components while hiding internal structures, using a stretchable fabric curtain to accommodate different interpupillary distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a rigid cosmetic covering is used to hide internal components, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the ability to accommodate optical module movement for different interpupillary distances deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecosmetic covering appearanceVSAvoidaccommodation of optical module movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using a flexible curtain material instead of a rigid cosmetic covering. The curtain can stretch and deform to accommodate the movement of optical modules while maintaining a smooth, aesthetically pleasing appearance when the modules are in their default position. This resolves the contradiction by providing both aesthetic appearance and adaptability to movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Shape

If actuators and internal components are concealed, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecosmetic covering appearanceVSAvoidinternal component concealment

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by extracting the cosmetic covering function from the structural housing and implementing it as a separate flexible curtain layer. This allows the internal actuators and components to remain concealed while the curtain independently provides the aesthetic appearance, reducing the complexity of integrating these functions into a single rigid structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the cosmetic covering is made stretchable to accommodate movement, then the adaptability is improved, but the risk of wrinkling or buckling increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of optical module movementVSAvoidcosmetic covering smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using a specifically designed flexible curtain material that can stretch to accommodate optical module movement while maintaining surface smoothness. The material properties and construction are chosen to prevent wrinkling and buckling during deformation, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and compositional stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If optical modules are made movable for different users, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterpupillary distance adjustmentVSAvoidoptical module adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by making the optical modules movable through actuators that allow adjustment for different interpupillary distances. The dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different users, while the curtain's flexibility accommodates this movement without requiring a completely rigid and complex structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 effective adjustment of optical module positions to suit varying user distances, while concealing internal components and preventing wrinkling or buckling of the cosmetic covering.

Implementation Method 1

a rear housing wall in the form of a stretchable fabric curtain that is configured to accommodate movement in the positions of the optical modules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12449635B2Electronic devices with covering structures

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 APPLE INC

AI summary

Electronic devices such as head-mounted electronic devices may include displays for presenting images to users. To accommodate variations in the interpupillary distances associated with different users, a head-mounted device may have left-eye and right-eye optical modules that move with respect to each other. To hide internal structures from view, the rear of a head-mounted device may be provided with a cover. The cover may have a stretchable layer that is coupled to a frame. Openings in the stretchable layer may be aligned with the optical modules.