Cellulose Acetate Eyeglass Frames for Seamless Embedded Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for integrating electronic devices into eyeglass frames result in visible traces and limited design flexibility, restricting designers' ability to create unique shapes and variations.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of cellulose acetate substrates that are shaped to form a cavity for the electronic device, bonded with a solvent like acetone to create a composite substrate, allowing for customizable frame designs that seamlessly integrate the device without visible traces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an opened cavity with hood or enclosure is used to integrate electronic devices into eyeglass frames, then the electronic device can be securely enclosed, but visible traces are left on the frame and design flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure enclosure of electronic deviceVSAvoiddesign flexibility and aesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electronic device cavity with the frame structure itself, making them into a unified composite substrate. The cavity is formed by shaping the substrate material, and the electronic device is embedded directly within the frame body rather than being enclosed by a separate hood or enclosure. This integration eliminates visible traces while maintaining secure enclosure of the electronic device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining the substrate material with the electronic device to form a unified structure. The frame is constructed as a composite substrate where the electronic device is embedded within the material matrix, creating a seamless integration that maintains both structural integrity and aesthetic appearance without requiring separate enclosing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If premade shells with fixed shapes are used for frames containing electronic devices, then manufacturing is simplified, but design variety and customization options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddesign variety and customization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frame manufacturing process into modular steps: providing a substrate, shaping it to form a cavity, disposing the electronic device, and assembling frame components. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing processes while enabling customization of the substrate shape, cavity design, and frame assembly, thus providing both ease of manufacture and design variety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic design capabilities by allowing the substrate to be shaped according to different predetermined patterns to create various cavity configurations. The frame design can be adapted to accommodate different electronic device positions, orientations, and shapes, enabling designers to create unique frame variations while maintaining a streamlined manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Shape

If the electronic device is embedded in a composite substrate with customizable shape, then design flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-shaping the substrate to form the cavity before embedding the electronic device. The substrate is prepared in advance with the appropriate shape and cavity configuration, which simplifies the subsequent embedding process. This preliminary preparation reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining design flexibility, as the substrate can be pre-formed to match the desired frame design and electronic device placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables flexible and aesthetically pleasing integration of electronic devices into eyeglass frames, allowing designers to create unique shapes and variations while ensuring the device is securely embedded.

Implementation Method 1

The solvent of cellulose acetate enables to solvate partially the material, enabling a surface portion of the first substrate and of the second substrate to mix together in a semi-liquid phase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

By maintaining the substrates together, the solvent is allowed to evaporate, allowing the mixed material of the first substrate and second substrate to become once again fully solid, fixing the two surfaces together

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3184289B1Eyeglasses frame comprising embedded electronics
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP3184289B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3184289B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3184289B1 patent drawingFigure 3a-1~4b

AI summary

The invention is related to a method of manufacturing of a composite substrate comprising an embedded electronic device by forming in a first substrate a cavity for receiving the electronic device; disposing the electronic device between the first substrate and a second substrate in said cavity; providing a solvent of cellulose acetate in-between the first substrate and the second substrate, maintaining the first substrate and the second substrate in contact together, wherein the electronic device is maintained between the first substrate and the second substrate, forming the composite substrate.