Wearable Length Adjuster With Fine Rack-and-Gear Fit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices, such as VR glasses, lack a reliable mechanism for freely and finely adjusting their length to accommodate different users effectively.
Innovation Solution
A length adjuster with an arc-shaped shell, featuring interconnected racks, gears, a clockwork spring mechanism, and a unidirectional rotation-prevention structure, allowing for precise length adjustments through a clutch connection and release mechanism, enabling the device to be easily adapted to various user sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed-length design is used for wearable devices, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the adaptability to different users is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic length adjustment mechanism where the headband can change its length through gear-rack interactions. The first and second connection racks are connected to adjustable components that allow users to modify the headband length, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The length adjustment mechanism serves multiple functions: it allows both coarse adjustment through the gear-rack system and fine adjustment through the pawl-ratchet mechanism. This multi-functional design enables a single structure to provide both adaptability and precision, reducing the need for multiple separate adjustment systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a length adjustment mechanism is added to wearable devices, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The length adjustment mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the gear-rack system for coarse adjustment and the pawl-ratchet mechanism for fine adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall complex system manageable and maintainable while providing comprehensive adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the pawl-ratchet fine adjustment mechanism is integrated within the gear-rack adjustment system. The pawl wheel and ratchet teeth are positioned within the headband structure, allowing the fine adjustment mechanism to be contained within the overall adjustment assembly, reducing spatial requirements and visual complexity.
3Measurement precision
If a fine-adjustment mechanism is implemented, then the measurement precision of length adjustment improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pawl-ratchet mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the fine length adjustment. By using the mechanical advantage of the pawl engaging with ratchet teeth, the system amplifies small rotational movements of the adjustment wheel into precise linear adjustments of the headband length, making fine adjustment easier and more precise simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment wheel and pawl wheel are designed with curved, rotational interfaces that provide ergonomic operation. The circular shape of the adjustment wheel allows users to apply torque naturally with their fingers, while the curved path of the pawl engagement ensures smooth, continuous fine adjustment without binding or sticking, improving ease of operation.
4Reliability
If a unidirectional rotation-prevention structure is added, then the reliability of length adjustment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harmful effect of unintended gear disengagement into a beneficial feature by using spring-loaded teeth that automatically maintain engagement. The spring force ensures continuous contact between meshing gears, preventing backlash and ensuring reliable transmission of adjustment movements, while the same spring mechanism provides the reset function for the adjustment system.
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 arbitrary and fine adjustments of the wearable device's length, ensuring a comfortable fit while maintaining a thin design and facilitating convenient operation with a good handfeel.
Implementation Method 1
the gear shaft of the gear is connected to a clockwork spring mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a unidirectional rotation-prevention structure is provided in the length fine-adjustment mechanism, the unidirectional rotation-prevention structure allows the length fine-adjustment mechanism to drive the gear shaft to rotate in a rotation direction for enabling a clockwork spring to be stretched
Data Source
AI summary
A length adjuster on a wearable device includes an arc-shaped shell and a length fine-adjustment mechanism. A first connection rack, a second connection rack, a gear, a button and a return spring of a gear shaft are provided in the arc-shaped shell. The first connection rack, the second connection rack and the gear are meshed with one another. The gear shaft is connected to a clockwork spring mechanism. The gear shaft and the length fine-adjustment mechanism are in a clutch connection. A unidirectional rotation-prevention structure is provided in the length fine-adjustment mechanism, and the unidirectional rotation-prevention structure allows the length fine-adjustment mechanism to drive the gear shaft to rotate in a rotation direction for enabling a clockwork spring to be stretched, and prevents the gear shaft from rotating in the direction opposite to the rotation direction. The length adjuster is provided with a release mechanism.