Extendable Eyeglasses with Overlapping Lens Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eyeglasses are bulky and prone to damage, making them inconvenient for carrying and use only during specific activities, as they often need to be stored in pockets or bags.
Innovation Solution
An extendable eyeglass apparatus with two lens portions and connector portions that transition between a stowed and extended configuration, allowing the lenses to overlie each other in the stowed position and align non-overlying in the extended position, utilizing guide pins and channels for mechanical connection and a spring-based mechanism for easy switching between configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional eyeglasses are designed with separate lens portions for different activities, then functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lens portions (first lens portion for distance vision, second lens portion for reading vision) into a single integrated eyeglass apparatus that can transition between configurations. The connector portions mechanically link the lens portions allowing them to be positioned together in a compact stowed configuration or separated in an extended configuration, merging multiple functions into one device rather than requiring separate eyeglasses for different activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability where the lens portions can transition between different spatial arrangements. The connector portions are designed with movable connections that allow the eyeglass apparatus to change from a compact stowed configuration where lens portions overlap to an extended configuration where they are positioned for use, enabling the device to adapt its structure based on operational needs.
2Reliability
If eyeglasses are kept in pockets or bags when not in use, then protection from damage is improved, but convenience and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by allowing the first lens portion and second lens portion to overlap and nest within each other when in the stowed configuration. The connector portions are designed to hold the lens portions in a compact nested arrangement that minimizes the overall size of the eyeglass apparatus, enabling it to be easily stored in pockets or bags while maintaining protection for the lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides dynamic ease of operation through a simple mechanical transition mechanism. The connector portions can be easily manipulated to switch between the stowed and extended configurations, allowing users to quickly transition from a compact stored state to an operational state without complex assembly or disassembly procedures, thus maintaining both protection and convenience.
3Volume of moving object
If lens portions are positioned to overlie each other in stowed configuration, then compactness and portability are improved, but alignment precision and optical performance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the eyeglass apparatus into distinct first lens portion, second lens portion, and connector portions. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and manufactured with precise tolerances, then assembled together. The connector portions are designed with specific geometric features that guide the assembly process and ensure proper alignment of the lens portions when in the extended configuration, while allowing compact nesting when in the stowed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector portions serve as intermediary elements between the lens portions and the frame. These intermediary components are designed with precise geometric features including guide surfaces and positioning elements that ensure accurate alignment of the lens portions when extended, while simultaneously enabling compact nesting when stowed. The intermediary connector portions mediate between the conflicting requirements of compactness and alignment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An eyeglass apparatus comprises first and second eyeglass portions, each having a connector portion and a lens portion. The eyeglass apparatus is configured to transition between stowed and extended configurations. When the eyeglass apparatus is in the stowed configuration, the lens portions overlie one another. When the eyeglass apparatus is in the extended configuration the lens portions are in a non-overlying configuration.