Elastomeric Nose Bridge for Binoculars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional binoculars lack stability and comfort when worn on the nose, leading to limited maneuverability and reliability due to inadequate holding mechanisms, which result in discomfort and reduced usability, especially during movement.
Innovation Solution
A binocular design featuring a flexible, curved junction with inflection points that allows for adjustable nasal gap and reversible deformation of the holding element, ensuring secure fit and ease of use, combined with a case that accommodates the binocular in a stored position, maintaining tension for secure holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If binoculars rest solely on the nose without temples, then the binoculars are lightweight and simple in structure, but they lack stability and shift easily during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle through the flexible retaining element made of elastomeric material that can deform and rebound to secure the binoculars on the nose without rigid temple structures. The flexible nature allows adaptation to nose contours while maintaining secure holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the retaining element from rigid to flexible elastomeric material, allowing it to deform under compression and rebound to maintain constant securing force. This parameter change enables stable holding without complex temple structures.
2Reliability
If a nose clip style retaining element is used, then the binoculars can be held securely on the nose, but the user experiences intense pinching pressure and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elastomeric retaining element distributes pressure evenly across the nose bridge area through its ability to conform to the nose contours, eliminating intense pinching points while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element features curved and rounded surfaces that match the natural contours of the nose, distributing contact pressure smoothly across a broader area rather than concentrating force at sharp edges, thereby improving comfort.
3Reliability
If a temple is added to one side of the frame, then the binoculars can be held more securely, but the maneuverability is limited as the user must hold the binoculars while reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temple structure entirely from the design, relying solely on the nose-mounted flexible retaining element to provide all necessary holding security, thereby fully restoring maneuverability and hands-free operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible retaining element automatically adjusts and secures itself on the nose through elastic deformation and rebound, providing secure holding without requiring any manual intervention or temple structures that would limit maneuverability.
4Reliability
If two circular elements are used in the retaining element, then the binoculars can be attached to the nose, but the elements protrude from the outside causing discomfort and require constant adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retaining elements into a single integrated flexible elastomeric structure that conforms to the nose bridge, eliminating protruding circular elements and providing smooth contact surfaces for comfort during wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible elastomeric material allows the retaining element to smoothly conform to the nose contours without rigid protruding elements, eliminating discomfort while maintaining secure attachment through elastic deformation.
5Device complexity
If the binoculars are designed without a case, then the structure is simpler, but the retaining element suffers from long-term wear and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides beforehand protection for the retaining element through a dedicated case with a molded recess that holds the element in a relaxed state, preventing deformation and reducing wear during storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The case enables recovery of the retaining element's original shape and position after each use, preventing cumulative deformation and wear that would occur without proper storage, thereby extending the element's service life and maintaining reliability.
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 design provides a comfortable, stable, and reliable binocular that remains securely in place during movement, with improved ease of handling and extended durability due to the flexible junction and reversible holding mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The binoculars are made of an elastomeric material and have a substantially flat one-piece molded structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Pince-nez moulded in one piece, comprising a substantially planar structure which has a first rim provided with a first lens and a second rim provided with a second lens, said structure having a plane which passes through said first and second rims and said first and second lenses, said first and second rims each being extended by a linkage which connects them together, said linkage being designed to be in contact with a holding element intended to be placed on the nose of a user, characterized in that said linkage is curved and has a first and a second point of inflection.