Electronic Hinge for Spectacle Frame Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic spectacle frames face challenges in integrating a growing number of electronic components while maintaining compactness and ensuring connection between different frame elements.

Innovation Solution

A hinge system comprising rotatable parts with integrated electronic support and wire core components, allowing for the embedding of electronic elements within the spectacle frame, including sensors and communication devices, while providing structural reinforcement and heat dissipation, and enabling connection between frame elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic components are integrated into the spectacle frame, then the functionality of the spectacle frame is improved, but the complexity of the device structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the hinge structure: mechanical connection between frame parts, support for electronic components, wire routing protection, and reinforcement support. This integration reduces overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced functionality through the unified hinge assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge is designed as a multi-functional component that serves both mechanical connection purposes and electronic component integration. It provides structural support, houses electronic components, routes wires, and reinforces frame elements, making a single component perform multiple roles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electronic components are integrated into the spectacle frame, then the versatility of the spectacle frame is improved, but the volume of the spectacle frame increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidframe volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds electronic components within the hinge structure itself, nesting them inside the hinge body or on its surfaces. This nesting approach allows multiple electronic components to occupy the same spatial envelope as the hinge, preventing increase in overall frame volume while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge provides three-dimensional support structures and mounting surfaces that utilize vertical and lateral dimensions rather than expanding the horizontal footprint. Electronic components are arranged in layers and at different heights, efficiently using available space without increasing overall frame volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electronic components are embedded in the spectacle frame, then the functionality is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge is designed with pre-formed cavities, channels, and mounting structures that are created during hinge manufacturing. Wire routing paths and electronic component mounting locations are prepared in advance, simplifying subsequent assembly operations and reducing manufacturing complexity despite enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates wire routing channels and electronic component housings into the hinge manufacturing process itself, rather than adding separate components. This merging of functions into a single manufacturing process reduces overall manufacturing complexity while achieving multiple functional goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3299870B1Electronic hinge for spectacle frame
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP3299870B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3299870B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A hinge (20) comprising a first hinge part (40) and a second hinge part (50) configured to be attached respectively to a first spectacle frame element and a second spectacle frame element, the first hinge part (40) being rotatable relative to the second hinge part (50), the first hinge part (40) comprising a first electronic support part (42) supporting at least a first electronic component (44) and a first wire core part extending from the first electronic support part (42) through at least one of the first or second spectacle frame element, the first electronic support part (42) and the first wire core part are embodied in the first hinge part (40).