Elastic Hinge Mounting Using Thinned Pin for Hole Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional elastic hinges for eyeglass frames face difficulties in assembly due to misalignment of pivot holes, requiring complex centering operations and resulting in increased production costs and aesthetic issues, as self-centering screws are not feasible for all frame designs and can be difficult to disassemble.

Innovation Solution

A process for mounting elastic hinges that uses a hinge pin with a thinned portion to align and preload the elastic device, allowing for easy assembly and concealment of hinge components, reducing the need for additional screws and minimizing material waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional elastic hinges are assembled using traditional methods with misaligned pivot holes, then the elastic device can be preloaded, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole alignment precisionVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge pin is pre-formed with a thinned portion at its end, preparing it in advance to facilitate insertion through misaligned holes. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex centering operations during assembly, resolving the contradiction between precision and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge pin's geometry is modified by creating a thinned portion with reduced diameter at its end. This parameter change allows the pin to be inserted through misaligned holes more easily, enabling both precise alignment and rapid assembly without compromising either productivity or precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If self-centering screws are used to facilitate hole alignment, then assembly becomes easier, but additional components are required and material waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidmaterial waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The centering function and the fastening function are merged into a single hinge pin component. The thinned portion provides self-centering capability while the threaded portion provides fastening, eliminating the need for separate self-centering screws and reducing material waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge pin is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a fastening element and a self-centering element. The thinned portion enables easy alignment while the threaded portion secures the pivot elements, making the single component universal and eliminating the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If conventional hinge pins are used without thinned portions, then structural strength is maintained, but assembly complexity increases due to misaligned holes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge pin strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge pin is segmented into two distinct portions: a thinned portion at the end for easy insertion through misaligned holes, and a threaded portion for secure fastening. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge pin exhibits local quality variation with a thinned portion at the end that is specifically designed for insertion purposes, while the main body retains sufficient thickness and strength. This localized modification reduces assembly complexity without compromising the overall structural strength of the hinge pin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Facilitates quick, easy, and cost-effective assembly of elastic hinges while ensuring aesthetic concealment of hinge components, improving operational reliability and reducing production complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic device (7) is susceptible to slide along the longitudinal axis (Y) of the containment structure (10) and is elastically returned towards the interior of the containment structure by a spring (11)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10054801B2Process for mounting an elastic hinge

Publication Date: 2018.08.21 VISOTTICA IND

AI summary

Process for mounting an elastic hinge on an eyeglass frame, which provides for fixing a first pivot element to a first component of an eyeglass frame, for fixing a second pivot element to a second component of the eyeglass frame, and for engaging a hinge pin within first holes of the first pivot element and within second holes of the second pivot element, wherein a thinned portion of the hinge pin interferes with two head portions of the first pivot element in order to align the first holes of the first pivot element with the second holes of the second pivot element.