Microsoft patents headset with chain-driven fit adjustment
Microsoft describes an AR/VR headset that uses a mechanical chain and sprocket system to adjust its fit. Turning a small actuator moves the chain, which rotates gears to shift the headset's arms relative to each other.
In the filing’s own words
An AR/VR headset that is configured to be worn on a user’s head. The headset includes a first sprocket, a second sprocket and a ball chain engaging the first and second sprockets. A rotating actuator engages the first sprocket such that the first sprocket rotates and the ball chain translates along the first and second sprockets when torque is applied to the rotating actuator. The ball chain applies torque to the second sprocket as the ball chain translates along the first and second sprockets. A transmission gear engages the second sprocket and rotates with the second sprocket. A first arm includes a first set of internal gear teeth, and a second arm includes a second set of internal gear teeth. The transmission gear engages the first and second sets of gear teeth such that rotation of the transmission gear moves the second arm relative to the first arm.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A method of adjusting an AR/VR headset, the method comprising: applying a torque to a rotating actuator that includes a driver gear, wherein the driver gear engages a first sprocket such that the driver gear applies torque to the first sprocket to rotate the first sprocket; translating a ball chain along the first sprocket and a second sprocket responsive to rotation of the first sprocket, wherein the ball chain engages the first sprocket and the second sprocket such that the ball chain applies torque to the second sprocket as the ball chain translates along the first sprocket and the second sprocket; rotating a transmission gear that engages the second sprocket responsive to the torque applied to the second sprocket by the ball chain; and moving a second arm relative to a first arm responsive to rotation of the transmission gear, wherein the first arm includes a first set of internal gear teeth and the second arm includes a second set of internal gear teeth, and wherein the transmission gear engages the first set of gear teeth and the second set of gear teeth such that rotation of the transmission gear moves the second arm relative to the first arm.
Facts
- Company
- Microsoft (Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC)
- Official title
- ADJUSTABLE AR/VR HEADSET
- Publication number
- US20260319545A1
- Application number
- 19689604
- Filed
- May 27, 2026
- Published
- Oct 15, 2026
- Inventors
- 5
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
G06F 1/163 Physics & computingF16M 13/04 Mechanical engineeringMore from Microsoft in AR, VR & displays
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.