Belt-Mounted Eyeglass Case with Internal Locking Pad
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a secure, single-handedly accessible, and rugged eyeglass case that can be attached to a belt for active individuals, such as police, military, and outdoor enthusiasts, as existing cases fail to securely hold eyewear during strenuous activities and cannot be easily opened with one hand.
Innovation Solution
A belt-worn, open-mouth eyeglass case with a hook and loop fastener belt-attaching flap and an internal locking pad that securely retains eyewear of various sizes, allowing for easy single-handed insertion and extraction, even under violent or high-impact conditions, using a flexible outer case and removable rigid inserts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing eyeglass cases use snap, flap, hook and loop fastener, magnet or other external covers to secure eyeglasses, then the cases can be manufactured with simple structures, but the cases cannot securely hold eyewear during strenuous activities and cannot be easily opened with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into multiple functional components: an outer case, an inner insert with locking mechanism, and a separate belt attachment system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity. The inner insert with locking pad secures glasses independently from the outer case structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pad is designed to automatically engage with the glasses when inserted into the case, requiring no manual operation. The spring mechanism automatically pushes the locking pad into position to secure the glasses, and the glasses themselves trigger the locking action upon insertion.
2Ease of operation
If existing eyeglass cases require two hands to open and remove glasses, then the cases can use complex closing mechanisms, but this makes it impossible to manipulate the case when one hand is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The closing mechanism is completely removed from the case design. Instead of using snaps, flaps, or magnets that require manual manipulation, the case relies on the belt attachment to secure the case itself and the internal locking pad to secure the glasses, both of which operate automatically without requiring hand operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a mechanism that actively closes and locks the case (requiring manual operation), the design inverts the approach by using passive retention: the belt holds the case closed, and the spring-loaded locking pad passively engages with the glasses upon insertion, releasing only when manually pulled.
3Strength
If existing eyeglass cases are designed for decorative or pocketbook use, then the cases can have simple structures, but they cannot withstand high impacts or be belt-mounted for strenuous wear
Solution Approach 1:
The case combines a rigid outer case for impact protection with a flexible inner insert and spring mechanism for active retention. This composite structure integrates hard and soft materials to provide both impact resistance and flexible, adaptive securing of the glasses.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism and flexible inner insert are designed to absorb and cushion impact forces before they can damage the glasses. The spring-loaded locking pad maintains constant pressure on the glasses, and the flexible insert deforms to absorb shock during impact events.
4Ease of operation
If existing eyeglass cases use closed designs to protect eyewear, then the cases can provide secure containment, but they do not allow easy access or single-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The case uses an open-mouth design that provides more than sufficient access opening for quick glass insertion and removal. The entire front opening is exposed rather than using a partial opening, ensuring that the glasses can be rapidly inserted or removed with one hand while the belt attachment maintains secure containment.
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 case effectively prevents eyewear from being ejected or damaged during extreme activities, ensuring secure storage and easy access, even when inverted or under rough conditions, while being lightweight and unobtrusive, addressing the shortcomings of existing cases that require two hands or fail to securely attach to a belt.
Implementation Method 1
a locking pad coupled to the first rigid insert, the locking pad being configured to deform when the eyeglasses are inserted
Implementation Method 2
a hook and loop fastener belt-attaching flap
Data Source
AI summary
A rugged eyeglass case is herein disclosed. The case is belt-mounted with an open mouth and includes removable inserts for the accommodation of all sizes of sunglasses. The case holds glasses firmly, even when inverted, due to a unique design that includes a locking pad positioned on the interior of the case. The present invention enables single-handed extraction and insertion of the glasses and retention of the glasses under rough, often violent, outdoor circumstances.