Wearable Head-Up Display Hinge and Optical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable head-up displays are bulky and rigid, making them inconvenient for folding and storage, which is a limitation for both military and non-military applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact wearable head-up display design featuring a microdisplay, collimation optics, and a combiner assembly with a hingeable frame that allows for easy folding and storage, incorporating a locking mechanism for safety and power-saving features, and optionally using a prism, diffraction grating, or mirror array for efficient light direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional wearable head-up displays are used, then image projection functionality is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and rigid, preventing folding and convenient storage
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate segments including a frame, arms, and image projection means that can be hingeably connected. This segmentation allows the device to be folded into a compact form while maintaining the necessary functional components for image projection.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates hinge joints that enable dynamic transformation between unfolded (operational) and folded (storage) states. This dynamic structure allows the device to adapt its form factor based on usage requirements, transitioning from a rigid operational state to a compact storage state.
2Ease of operation
If the device is made compact for portability, then folding capability is improved, but safety control and power saving become more difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the hinge position and provide feedback to the control circuitry. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically control the light source based on whether the device is in unfolded or folded position, ensuring safety protocols are maintained while enabling compact folding for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses its own structural state (hinge position) to automatically control its operation. When folded, the device automatically deactivates the light source through integrated sensors and control circuits, eliminating the need for separate safety monitoring systems and enabling compact design without compromising safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical projection components are included, then head-up display functionality is achieved, but the device size increases and folding becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components (light source, imaging device, collimation optics) into an integrated image projection means assembly. This merging reduces the overall component count and simplifies the device structure while maintaining full head-up display functionality, enabling the device to be compact and foldable.
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 convenient folding and storage while maintaining image quality and safety protocols, allowing for comfortable and aesthetically favorable wear with reduced component count and improved portability.
Implementation Method 1
The combiner assembly may comprise an output waveguide
Implementation Method 2
The combiner assembly may comprise a prism
Implementation Method 3
The combiner assembly may comprise a diffraction grating
Implementation Method 4
The combiner assembly may comprise a mirror array
Implementation Method 5
a collimation optic, positioned in the arm, the collimation optic being arranged to receive the image-bearing light and output collimated light
Data Source
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AI summary
A wearable head-up display which allows for convenient and safe stowage when not in use. A hinge component is positioned within the optical path from an image projector to a display component which ensures optical alignment for projection. A detection means is provided to signal when the wearable device is in a folded position in order to deactivate the projector.