Apple recently received a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for an internal fan system integrated into the Vision Pro headset. This innovative fan system is designed not only to control airflow inside the headset, but also to prevent external impacts such as accidental drops by providing a protective mechanism to the fan motor system.

The patent details the protective features of the fan system, including the ability to reduce the effects of external events such as accidental drops. In scenarios where head-mounted display components have limited space between them and lack flexibility, the patented system represents a new approach.

The engine housing, fan bushing, and fan blades work together to absorb and dissipate the energy generated during a collision. The figures in the patent show the configuration of the engine bushing deforming under the influence of external forces, demonstrating the system’s ability to adapt and reduce structural rigidity.

The fan blade assembly highlighted in Figure 9 of the patent exhibits a special design feature aimed at increasing durability. The fan blade contains a fuse near the motor hub, the cross-section of which is tapered or thinner. This strategic design allows the fan blades to deform, bend, jam or separate in response to external forces, contributing to the overall protective function of the fan system.

The importance of this patented fan protection system lies in its potential application in Apple’s Vision Pro headset, a device designed to create an immersive VR experience. As technology companies continue to invest in VR and augmented reality (AR) innovation, Apple’s emphasis on durability and impact resistance sets its hardware apart.

Although the patent points to the protective features of the Vision Pro headset’s fan system, it is not yet known when and how Apple will implement this technology in future augmented reality (XR) offerings.