Transparent FPC for Head-Mounted Display Visual Obstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-mounted display devices suffer from visible printed circuit boards obstructing the user's view and distracting them with opaque electrical traces, and previous solutions like silver traces are difficult and expensive to manufacture, with fragile solder-joint connections.

Innovation Solution

A head-mounted display device featuring a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) with electrical traces separated by see-through gaps and a transparent material, arranged on a see-through display surface, including a polyimide layer and optically clear adhesive layers to minimize visibility and enhance durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional opaque printed circuit boards are used, then electrical connections are established, but the user's view is obstructed and visual distraction occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidvisual obstruction and distraction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes by making the electrical traces transparent or matching the color of the visor material, allowing light to pass through without significant absorption or reflection. This eliminates the visual distraction caused by traditional opaque traces while maintaining electrical functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy effect where the transparent traces blend with the visor material, making them imperceptible to the user. The electrical connections are replicated in function but hidden in appearance, allowing the circuit board to be visible only to the extent necessary for structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Object-affected harmful factors

If silver traces are used to reduce visibility, then visual distraction is reduced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual distractionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the electrical traces by using transparent conductive materials or matching the trace color to the visor. This eliminates the need for complex silver trace deposition processes while achieving the same visual integration effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs standard transparent conductive materials that can be applied using conventional printing or lamination techniques, replacing expensive and complex silver trace deposition processes. This simplifies manufacturing while achieving the desired visual integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If solder-joint connections are used for silver traces, then electrical connections are established, but connection fragility increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidconnection durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical solder-joint connection system with a direct integration method where transparent conductive traces are laminated or printed directly onto the visor surface. This eliminates the fragile solder joints and mechanical connections associated with silver traces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the electrical trace layer with the visor structure by using transparent conductive coatings or laminates that become an integral part of the visor assembly. This integration eliminates separate connection points and reduces connection fragility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If transparent material is added between electrical traces, then trace visibility is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrace visibilityVSAvoidcircuit board structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the visor material itself serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, optical transparency, and electrical trace integration. The transparent conductive layer is applied directly to the visor surface, eliminating the need for separate transparent substrates or complex multi-layer circuit board structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11163167B2Flexible printed circuit board for head-mounted display

Publication Date: 2021.11.02 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A head-mounted display device is provided, including an at least partially see-through display, an electrical device, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) arranged on a surface of a see-through portion of the display. The FPC may include a plurality of electrical traces electrically coupled to the electrical device. Each electrical trace may be separated from at least one other electrical trace by one or more respective see-through gaps. The FPC may further include a transparent material arranged between the electrical traces in each see-through gap.