Electronic Spectacle Frames with Housing Module and Spring Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in integrating electronics into spectacle eyewear without compromising aesthetics or functionality, while maintaining minimal stock keeping units, allowing for robust placement, and ensuring affordability.
Innovation Solution
The development of electro-active spectacle frames featuring a housing module that houses electronic components, a spring hinge for secure placement, and conductive compliant materials to provide an electrical path between components, allowing for efficient manufacturing and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronics are integrated into spectacle frames, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electronic components (electro-active lens elements, power sources, control circuits) into a single integrated spectacle frame system. The frame structure merges mechanical support with electrical connectivity, consolidating what would otherwise be separate devices into one unified product, thereby improving functionality while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The spectacle frame is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical support for lenses, electrical connectivity for electronic components, structural housing for power sources, and control functions for electro-active lenses. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, addressing the contradiction between enhanced functionality and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic components are placed in the frame, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electronic components into modular units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the final spectacle frame. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific manufacturing process while simplifying the overall assembly procedure, thereby improving functionality without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where smaller electronic components are housed within larger structural elements of the frame. For example, power sources and control circuits are integrated within the frame structure itself, allowing multiple components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes and reducing the total number of discrete parts that need to be manufactured and assembled.
3Device complexity
If a housing module is used to contain electronics, then device complexity is reduced, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing module merges multiple protective and structural functions into a single component. It simultaneously serves as a protective enclosure for electronics, a structural support element, and an integral part of the frame assembly. This merging reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate protective housings and mounting structures, even though it adds one component to the bill of materials.
4Reliability
If conductive compliant material is used for electrical paths, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional rigid wire-based electrical connections with conductive compliant material that provides flexible electrical pathways. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical wiring and connection points, improving reliability by accommodating frame flexing and movement without compromising electrical connectivity, while reducing overall device complexity by eliminating complex wiring harnesses.
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
This solution enables the incorporation of electronics into eyewear frames that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, providing a comfortable fit and efficient power conservation while reducing the number of components and manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring hinge and an electrical path from a temple to a lens
Implementation Method 2
a conductive compliant material that provides part of an electrical path between the electronic components
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments may provide a first device that includes a frame having a first temple and a second temple. The frame may also comprise a housing module coupled (e.g. attached) to a structural member. The first device may further include a first lens and a second lens coupled to the frame and an electronics module that may be located within the housing module. The electronics module may include at least any two of: a power source; a controller; and/or a sensing mechanism.