Elastic Hinge Assembly Using Cam Profile and Deformable Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of elastic hinges on eyeglass frames made from three-dimensional molded plastic materials is challenging due to low elastic return, deformation during hinge insertion, and high tolerances in the frame's seats, which hinder precise coupling and preloading of the spring mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A method for assembling elastic hinges using a metal hinge with a cam profile and retention elements that deform to securely engage with the frame's seats, allowing for easy preloading and precise alignment, even on frames with high tolerances, using a cam profile to facilitate the extra-open position and ensure a secure fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If elastic hinges are assembled on three-dimensional molded plastic frames, then manufacturing complexity is reduced and productivity is improved, but the low elastic return of molded plastic materials causes deformation during hinge insertion, preventing firm anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs preliminary actions by first inserting the hinge in a relaxed state without spring tension, allowing the retention elements to deform and anchor into the molded seat, then subsequently preloading the spring. This sequence ensures firm anchoring before applying elastic forces, resolving the contradiction between assembly efficiency and anchoring stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly process is segmented into distinct phases: insertion phase where retention elements deform to anchor, and preload phase where spring tension is applied. This segmentation allows each phase to optimize for its specific function, ensuring reliable anchoring before applying elastic forces that would otherwise cause deformation.
2Reliability
If retention means are deformed to embed the temple in the plastic material, then the hinge can be firmly anchored to the temple, but the end piece with smaller longitudinal extension cannot be similarly grasped
Solution Approach 1:
The retention elements are designed with universal functionality to adapt to different seat geometries. By deforming during insertion, they can anchor effectively in both the temple's larger seat and the end piece's smaller seat, making the hinge compatible with both components despite their size differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention elements change their physical parameters (shape and size) through deformation during insertion. This parameter change allows them to adapt to different seat dimensions, enabling effective anchoring in both temple and end piece applications.
3Productivity
If three-dimensional molding processes are used to manufacture frames, then manufacturing productivity is improved, but the seats for articulation elements are produced with high tolerances, preventing precise insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The retention elements undergo parameter changes through elastic deformation during insertion, allowing them to accommodate the high-tolerance seats produced by three-dimensional molding. This deformation capability enables precise functional coupling despite dimensional variations in the molded seats.
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary deformation of retention elements before final positioning, allowing them to conform to the actual seat geometry within tolerance ranges. This preliminary action compensates for manufacturing variations and enables precise insertion despite high tolerances.
4Reliability
If the spring is preloaded during hinge assembly, then the elastic return function is activated, but the process becomes complex and difficult to execute on three-dimensional molded frames
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is segmented into two independent phases: insertion phase where retention elements anchor to the frame, and preload phase where spring tension is applied. This segmentation simplifies each individual step, making the overall process easier to execute on three-dimensional molded frames while ensuring proper elastic hinge functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary anchoring of retention elements before spring preload, creating a stable foundation that simplifies the subsequent preload operation. This preliminary action reduces assembly complexity by ensuring proper positioning before applying elastic forces.
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 method enables simple and precise assembly of elastic hinges on eyeglass frames, ensuring optimal stability and fit by overcoming the limitations of low elastic return and high tolerances in three-dimensional molded plastic frames.
Implementation Method 1
retention elements susceptible of being deformed subsequent to the insertion of the hinge in the seat of the temple, by embedding the temple in the plastic material with which it is made and stably engaging the hinge at its interior
Implementation Method 2
A method for assembling elastic hinges using a metal hinge with a cam profile and retention elements
Data Source
AI summary
Method for the assembly of elastic hinges on an eyeglass frame, wherein each elastic hinge has a first and a second articulation elements hinged around a hinging axis. The method provides for a first step of inserting the first articulation element in a first seat of a temple and, subsequently, a second step of inserting the second articulation element in a second seat of an end piece of the eyeglasses. In the first insertion step, the second articulation element is placed perpendicular to the first articulation element with the hinging axis placed at a first distance from the temple. Before the second insertion step, a tensioning step is provided in which the second articulation element is rotated up to being arranged parallel to the first articulation element, bringing the hinging axis to a second distance from the temple that is greater than the first distance.