Articulating Eyeglass Retainer with Ball and Socket Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eyeglass retainers often have straps or cables that dangle against the wearer's head or neck, causing discomfort and visibility issues, especially in formal or casual settings, and lack the ability to maintain the strap in multiple fixed positions while being worn.
Innovation Solution
A semi-rigid strap or cable with an articulated joint, such as a ball and socket joint, is attached to the eyeglasses' temples, allowing it to be maintained in multiple positions away from the head and neck, using a friction fit that allows flexibility and secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a strap or cable is used to secure eyeglasses to the head, then the eyeglasses are held securely in position, but the strap or cable dangles against the head or neck causing discomfort and visibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a semi-rigid strap with articulated joints (ball and socket connections) that allow the strap to dynamically adjust its position. The joints enable the strap to maintain multiple fixed positions away from the head and neck, transforming the static dangling problem into a dynamic positioning system that keeps the strap clear of the wearer's body while maintaining secure eyeglass retention.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the strap is made rigid to maintain fixed positions, then the strap stays away from the head and neck, but the strap becomes less flexible and more uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the strap into multiple segments connected by articulated joints (ball and socket connections). Each segment can be positioned independently, allowing the strap to maintain stable fixed positions while remaining flexible enough to adapt to different head shapes and sizes. The segmentation enables the strap to combine rigidity for positioning with flexibility for comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated joints provide dynamic positioning capability, allowing the strap to transition between different fixed positions while maintaining stability. The ball and socket connections enable controlled movement that balances rigidity for maintaining position with flexibility for user comfort and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the strap is made adjustable to fit different head sizes, then the retainer becomes more versatile, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the semi-rigid strap with articulated joints to serve multiple functions: it provides adjustable positioning, adapts to different head sizes and shapes, maintains fixed positions away from the body, and secures eyeglasses. The ball and socket joints enable the same structure to accommodate various head dimensions without requiring separate adjustment mechanisms, achieving versatility through multi-functionality.
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 solution provides a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing eyeglass retainer that keeps the strap or cable away from the wearer's head and neck, offering adjustable fit and easy detachment, while maintaining visibility and comfort during use.
Implementation Method 1
using a friction fit that allows flexibility and secure positioning
Data Source
AI summary
An improved eyeglass retainer system is provided which comprises one or more semi-rigid straps or cables to attach to the ends of the temples of eyeglasses. Means for attaching each end of said strap or cable to the ends of the temples of the eyeglasses are provided. Such means enable the strap or cable to be maintained in more than one fixed position away from the head and neck of the wearer when the eyeglasses are worn over the ears of said wearer.