Variable Stiffness Facial Interface for Head-Mountable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mountable devices struggle to provide comfortable prolonged use due to the lack of dynamic adjustment to accommodate unique facial profiles and changing user comfort levels during extended use.
Innovation Solution
A head-mountable device featuring a display portion, a facial interface with a variable stiffness profile, a sensor, and a stiffness profile modifier that automatically adjusts the facial interface's stiffness in response to sensor data, ensuring optimal comfort and fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed stiffness facial interface is used, then the device structure is simple, but user comfort during prolonged use deteriorates due to inability to accommodate unique facial profiles and changing comfort levels
Solution Approach 1:
The facial interface incorporates a stiffness profile modifier that dynamically adjusts the stiffness of different regions based on sensor feedback. The system transitions from a static fixed-stiffness design to a dynamic adjustable-stiffness design, allowing the facial interface to adapt to unique facial profiles and changing user comfort levels during prolonged use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of stiffness in the facial interface by using a stiffness profile modifier that can alter the mechanical properties of the facial interface material. This allows different regions to have different stiffness levels that can be adjusted based on user needs, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and comfort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dynamic stiffness adjustment mechanism is added, then user comfort and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The facial interface is segmented into multiple regions with different stiffness characteristics. The stiffness profile modifier can independently adjust the stiffness of specific segments, allowing targeted adaptation to different facial areas while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing the complexity burden.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor is integrated to detect user comfort levels and facial profile characteristics, providing feedback to the stiffness profile modifier. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic adjustment of stiffness profiles, improving adaptability while the automated nature reduces the operational complexity for the user.
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
The device enhances user comfort by dynamically adjusting the facial interface's stiffness, reducing fatigue and discomfort during prolonged use, and providing a customizable fit for individual users.
Implementation Method 1
The facial interface is connected to the display portion and includes a variable stiffness profile. The head-mountable device also includes a stiffness profile modifier connected to the sensor and configured to change the facial interface from a first stiffness profile to a second stiffness profile in response to sensor data from the sensor.
Implementation Method 2
the facial interface includes a heat reactive foam, the sensor is disposed in the facial interface, and the stiffness profile modifier is a heater
Implementation Method 3
the stiffness profile modifier utilizes induced-temperature flux to change the facial interface from having the first stiffness profile to having the second stiffness profile
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mountable device includes a display portion a facial interface, a stiffness profile modifier, a sensor, and a securement assembly. The display portion includes a display. The facial interface has a variable stiffness profile. The stiffness profile modifier is configured to automatically change the facial interface from having a first stiffness profile to having a second stiffness profile in response to sensor data. The sensor is configured to generate the sensor profile data. The securement assembly is connectable to the display portion. The securement assembly includes a removable strap and a retention band that is connectable to the removable strap. The removable strap includes electronics.