Variable Stiffness Head Securement for Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-mountable devices often suffer from discomfort due to uneven force distribution on the user's face, leading to sagging components under their own weight, which can cause excessive pressure on cheeks and nose regions.
Innovation Solution
A head securement element with variable stiffness is introduced, featuring multiple components with different lengths, shapes, and articulation directions, which pivot relative to each other to distribute forces evenly across the forehead and other regions, reducing sagging and discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid head securement structure is used, then structural stability is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to uneven force distribution and excessive pressure on cheeks and nose
Solution Approach 1:
The head securement structure is divided into multiple discrete components (first component, second component, third component, fourth component) that can independently pivot and adjust. This segmentation allows each component to adapt to different regions of the head, distributing forces more evenly while maintaining overall structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The head securement structure incorporates pivoting joints that enable dynamic adjustment of component orientations. These joints allow the structure to adapt its configuration in response to gravitational forces and user head movements, transforming from a static rigid structure to a dynamic adaptive system that maintains stability while distributing forces uniformly.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible head securement structure is used, then comfort is improved through better force distribution, but structural stability deteriorates causing sagging components
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the securement structure into multiple rigid components connected by pivoting joints, the system achieves flexibility through the arrangement of segments rather than through material flexibility. Each segment maintains its rigidity for stability, while the joints between segments provide the necessary adaptability for even force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The head securement structure combines rigid components with pivoting joints to create a composite system that exhibits both rigidity and flexibility. The rigid components provide structural stability and resistance to deformation, while the pivoting joints introduce controlled degrees of freedom that enable adaptation and uniform force distribution across the head.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform component sizes are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to accommodate different head shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The securement structure is divided into multiple standardized components that can be manufactured using uniform processes. These segmented components are then configured in different arrangements and orientations to accommodate various head shapes and sizes, achieving adaptability through configuration rather than through customized manufacturing of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The head securement structure employs universal pivoting joints and standardized components that can be arranged in multiple configurations. This universality allows the same set of components to adapt to different user requirements, head shapes, and sizes without requiring custom-manufactured parts for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mountable device can include a head securement element that provides limited flexibility while also providing adequate stiffness to reduce the effects of sagging components under their own weight. Such stiffness can help the forces be distributed evenly across the face. For example, rather than allowing excessive forces to weigh on the cheeks and/or nose of the user, certain types of stiffness about the head-mountable device can help distribute forces along the forehead of the user and/or other regions.