Dual-Axis Hinge Mechanism for Eyewear with Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinges in eyewear, especially those with electronic components, are prone to failure and discomfort due to poor design, leading to manufacturing inefficiencies and user dissatisfaction regarding comfort, aesthetics, and durability.
Innovation Solution
A dual-axis hinge mechanism with a cam and spring system that allows the arm to pivotally join the frame, enabling bi-stable positions (folded and open) with minimal space between surfaces, reducing debris trapping and enhancing durability by routing cables safely through the hinge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional hinge design is used in eyewear, then the structure is simple, but the hinge is prone to failure and debris trapping occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple functional components: a cam mechanism with cam lobes, a cam follower, a spring assembly, and cable routing channels. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The cable routing system is nested within the hinge structure itself, with cables passing through channels formed by the cam and cam follower assembly. This nesting protects cables from external damage and prevents debris trapping without requiring separate protective structures
2Area of stationary object
If the arm is positioned close to the frame in open position, then space is minimized and aesthetics improved, but debris may be trapped between surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The cam and cam follower mechanism acts as an intermediary between the arm and frame, maintaining controlled spacing between surfaces. The cam lobes guide the cam follower to keep the arm at optimal distance from the frame, minimizing gap space while preventing debris trapping through controlled movement
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge uses dynamic movement through the cam mechanism to adjust the spacing between frame and arm surfaces. As the arm rotates, the cam lobes dynamically control the distance, ensuring minimal gap in open position while maintaining debris-free operation through continuous controlled motion
3Adaptability or versatility
If cables are routed through the hinge, then electronic connectivity is maintained, but cable damage and hinge failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Cables are nested within channels formed by the hinge components themselves, specifically through the cam and cam follower assembly. This nesting protects cables from external mechanical damage while allowing them to move with the hinge, maintaining connectivity without exposing cables to external stressors
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure itself provides the cable protection and routing function through its built-in channels and movement characteristics. The cam mechanism automatically guides and protects cables during hinge operation, eliminating the need for separate protective structures and reducing potential failure points
4Extent of automation
If a bi-stable hinge mechanism is implemented, then automatic positioning is achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly provides periodic restoring force that drives the hinge between two stable positions. The cam lobes are positioned to create two distinct stable equilibrium points, and the spring periodically pushes the mechanism between these positions, achieving automatic bi-stable positioning through periodic mechanical action
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly acts as a counterweight mechanism, providing opposing force to balance the hinge in two stable positions. The spring stores and releases energy to maintain equilibrium at folded and open positions, enabling automatic positioning without electronic controls or complex actuators
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 dual-axis hinge mechanism improves comfort and durability by allowing seamless movement between stable positions, reducing debris entrapment, and protecting cables, thus enhancing the overall user experience and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is configured to bias the cam to rotate about the shaft toward the cam support surface via the linkage
Data Source
AI summary
Eyewear includes a frame connected to an arm using a hinge mechanism that enables movement of the arm to a folded position, a nominal position, and a hyperextended position. In the nominal position, gaps and exposure of any electronic components of the eyewear are minimized or eliminated. A hinge with multiple axes of rotation of different parts allows the arm to automatically snap between multiple stable positions relative to the frame while also being able to flex and apply a clamping force to a wide array of heads. A cable or other electrical connector can extend through a portion of the hinge to protect and guide the cable between electronic parts in the arm and frame.