XR Glasses Support Arm Structure for Projector Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical see-through XR displays face challenges in presenting realistic virtual content while maintaining an unobstructed view of the physical environment, with heat management and mechanical robustness issues from projectors located close to the user's face.
Innovation Solution
A thermally conductive support arm is integrated into the eyewear frame, acting as a heatsink for projector LEDs and LCOS panels, and mechanically coupled to the frame's rear structural element, providing structural support and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a head-worn device uses projector LEDs and LCOS panels to generate virtual content, then visual quality and brightness are improved, but heat generation increases causing discomfort and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function with thermal management by integrating a thermally conductive support structure that provides both mechanical support for the projector components and heat dissipation pathways, combining two previously separate functions into a single integrated component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated by the projector LEDs and LCOS panels into a beneficial thermal management solution by using thermally conductive materials and heatsink structures that redirect and dissipate the heat away from the user's face, transforming a harmful byproduct into an engineered thermal flow
2Strength
If the support structure is made rigid to provide structural support, then mechanical robustness is improved, but thermal management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction, combining thermally conductive materials (such as metals or thermally conductive polymers) with structurally robust materials to create a support structure that simultaneously achieves both mechanical strength and superior thermal conduction properties, rather than relying on a single material type
3Ease of operation
If the device is made compact for wearability, then ease of operation is improved, but heat management and structural support become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the thermal management approach into the spatial dimension by designing elongated thermal conduction pathways and heatsink structures that extend away from the user's face in the depth dimension, allowing heat to be dissipated over a longer distance without increasing the front-to-back profile of the device, thus maintaining compact wearability while improving heat management
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 support arm effectively manages heat and enhances mechanical robustness, ensuring comfortable and safe operation of XR displays by preventing mechanical loading and deflection of projectors.
Implementation Method 1
A thermally conductive support arm serves as the primary heatsink for projector LEDs and LCOS panels
Implementation Method 2
A thermally conductive support arm serves as the primary heatsink for projector LEDs and LCOS panels
Data Source
AI summary
A support arm assembly for a head-worn device includes a metal support arm configured to form a rear face, a bottom face, and a top face of an enclosure for a projector, thermally coupled to the projector to act as a heatsink, configured to structurally attach to a rear structural element of the head-worn device, and configured to structurally attach to an optical element holder of the head-worn device, such that the metal support arm forms a structural support joining the optical element holder to the rear structural element without placing mechanical load on the projector.