Ear Shades with Open Back Cavity for UV Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals frequently exposed to sunlight, such as outdoor workers, face a high risk of skin cancer due to direct UV radiation exposure, particularly on the ears, where existing protection methods like sunscreen or wide-brimmed hats may not be feasible or desired.
Innovation Solution
Ear shades integrated into glasses temple arms that create a downward-opening cavity to shade the top portion of the ear, with a closed front and open back design to prevent catching when removing the glasses, using materials like polycarbonate, acetate, or metal, and optionally featuring cushioning or thermally insulating materials for comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a closed front design is used to provide complete ear coverage and protection, then UV protection effectiveness is improved, but the device catches on the ear when removing glasses
Solution Approach 1:
The temple arm is segmented into distinct functional zones: a closed front portion for UV protection, a top portion for additional shading, and an open back portion for easy removal. This segmentation allows each section to fulfill its specific function without compromising the others.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of completely enclosing the ear opening (which would cause catching), the design inverts the approach by leaving the back open while maintaining closed front and top portions. This reversal of the complete enclosure concept solves the removal problem while preserving protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the temple arm is designed to closely follow the ear contour for maximum coverage, then shading effectiveness is improved, but comfort is reduced due to pressure and heat buildup
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the temple arm have different structural qualities: the front and top portions are structured to provide coverage and shading, while the open back portion provides ventilation and pressure relief. This local differentiation of structural properties optimizes both protection and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The open back design creates a porous structure that allows air circulation behind the ear, preventing heat buildup and improving comfort while maintaining effective shading at the critical front and top areas.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the ear shade structure is made complex to provide comprehensive protection, then UV protection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ear shade functionality is merged with the existing temple arm structure of the glasses. The shading portion integrates seamlessly with the ear support portion, eliminating the need for separate ear protection devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The temple arm serves multiple functions: supporting the glasses lenses, providing ear support for stability, and creating a downward-opening cavity for UV protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device used to protect the ears from the sun Exemplary embodiments of the invention include ear shades for use with a pair of glasses The temple arm of the glasses generally comprises an anterior end, a posterior end, an ear support portion, and a shading portion The anterior end of the temple arm may be configured to be operatively connected to a lens holding portion of the glasses and the ear support portion rests on the ear The shading portion may be operatively connected to the ear support portion and cooperates with the ear support portion to create a downward-opening cavity into which the top of the user's ear extends to shade at least the top of the user's ear.