Electronic Frame Magnetic Hinge Sensing for Standby Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic frames, such as glasses with electronic components, consume energy even when not in use, leading to unnecessary power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a magnetic or electric field sensor and emitter in the frame's hinge mechanism to detect the open or closed position of the arms, allowing the power supply to be switched to standby mode when the frame is not being worn, and enabling intelligent energy management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the electronic frame operates continuously to provide corrective lens functions, then the optical performance is maintained, but the energy consumption increases unnecessarily when the frame is not being worn

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidoptical performance availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic sensor detects the closed position of the arms in advance to trigger the standby mode before the user actually stops using the glasses, allowing the system to proactively reduce energy consumption while maintaining readiness to resume operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the arm position through the magnetic sensor and provides feedback to the control circuit, which automatically adjusts the power supply state based on whether the arms are open or closed, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Volume of moving object

If the frame arms are closed to indicate non-use, then the frame structure is compact, but the user cannot easily access or adjust the electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe volumeVSAvoidcomponent accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when the user opens the arms and activates the electronic components without requiring any manual intervention or button pressing from the user, making the device self-activating and eliminating the need for users to manually access or adjust electronic components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If a magnetic sensor and emitter are added to detect arm position, then energy management is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy management efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic emitter and sensor act as intermediary detection elements that passively detect arm position through magnetic field changes, allowing the system to determine usage state without requiring complex mechanical switches, buttons, or active user input mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces potential mechanical detection methods (such as mechanical switches or contact-based sensors) with a magnetic field-based detection system, which reduces mechanical wear, simplifies the physical structure, and enables contactless detection of arm position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system efficiently conserves energy by automatically managing the power supply based on frame usage, ensuring safe operation and reducing unnecessary consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic or electric field sensor (9) and a magnetic or electric field emitter (8) respectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

said magnetic field sensor is an analog type sensor, which may be an anisotropic magnetoresistance sensor, a Hall effect sensor, or a Reed sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 3

said magnetic field sensor is an analog type sensor, which may be an anisotropic magnetoresistance sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnisotropic magnetoresistance: Magnetoresistance

Data Source

PatentEP3353598B1Electronic frame for optical device and method for operating said electronic frame
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP3353598B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an electronic frame (1) for an optical device, comprising a frame surface element (2) capable of housing, at least in part, at least one lens (3), said surface element (2) being connected to at least one temple (6) by respective ends (4, 10) of the surface element (2) and of the temple (6), said electronic frame (1) comprising a circuit for controlling the operation of at least one electronic component. The electronic frame comprises at least one magnetic or electric field transmitter (8) and one magnetic or electric field sensor (9), at least one of said sensor (9) or the transmitter (8) being mounted so as to be movable relative to one another between a first position and a second position, the sensor (9) being capable of detecting a first field direction and a first field value emitted by said transmitter (8) in the first position, and a second field direction and a second field value emitted by said transmitter (8) in the second position, so as to generate a first position signal or a second position signal towards said control circuit in order to prompt a response from the control circuit towards said at least one electronic component.