Composite Hinge with Orthogonal Cam Mechanism for Eyeglass Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eyeglasses hinges are vulnerable to abnormal loads due to limited movement capabilities, which can lead to damage from accidental contact, improper storage, or facial width discrepancies, restricting their durability and usability.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a cam mechanism allowing universal movement through two perpendicular pivot axes, incorporating springs and followers to provide stable positioning and accommodate abnormal loads while facilitating folding and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional hinge is used to connect temples to the frame, then the hinge structure is simple, but the hinge is vulnerable to abnormal loads and can be damaged easily
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple components: a hinge block that slides within the temple, a spring mechanism, and a cam surface system. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the hinge block provides sliding movement, the spring provides resilient force, and the cam surfaces guide the motion - thereby improving durability without creating an overly complex monolithic structure
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge transitions from a static connection to a dynamic system with sliding movement and spring-loaded resilience. The hinge block can slide along the temple's longitudinal axis, and the spring allows the hinge to absorb abnormal loads dynamically, preventing damage while maintaining structural integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge permits folding in one direction only, then the hinge structure is simple, but the temple cannot accommodate abnormal loads from lateral forces
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism adds a second degree of freedom by allowing sliding movement along the longitudinal axis of the temple in addition to the transverse folding motion. This dimensional addition enables the temple to accommodate both normal folding and abnormal lateral loads without significantly complicating the overall hinge mechanism
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 hinge assembly enhances the durability and usability of eyeglasses by enabling flexible movement to absorb abnormal loads and maintain stable positioning, reducing the risk of damage and improving storage convenience.
Implementation Method 1
A spring opposes such movement to hold the hinge block in the temple
Implementation Method 2
A hinge assembly with a cam mechanism allowing universal movement through two perpendicular pivot axes
Data Source
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AI summary
A hinge assembly is provided for connecting the temple of an eyeglass to a lens support assembly. The hinge assembly comprises a cam member with a pair of oppositely directed cam surfaces disposed in orthogonal planes. The assembly also comprises a pair of pivots extending normal to respective ones of the planes and defining orthogonal pivot axes for relative movement between the cam member and the main frame and the temple respectively. The hinge has a pair of followers, each associated with a respective one of the cam surfaces; and a pair of biasing members acting on the followers to maintain the followers in contact with the cam surfaces. An eyeglass comprising the hinge assembly is also provided. The hinge assembly allows a compound movement between the main frame and the temple that can accommodate the abnormal loading that might be placed on the eyeglasses.