Eyeglass Earstem Deflection Dampening Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal frame eyeglasses often lack adjustability and flexibility, leading to poor fit and durability issues across a range of head sizes and shapes, particularly during misuse or impact.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pivotable earstem assembly with a flexible suspension component and a rigid elongate body, featuring a breakaway mechanism, biasing, and dynamic dampening to accommodate various head sizes and shapes while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal frame eyeglasses are used to provide durability and strength, then resistance to breaking and bending is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to different head sizes and shapes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The earstem is divided into multiple segments with varying degrees of flexibility. The proximal portion is more flexible to accommodate different ear shapes, while the distal portion maintains rigidity for structural support. This segmentation allows the earstem to adapt to various head sizes and shapes while preserving overall durability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the earstem are designed with different mechanical properties. The proximal portion near the frame has higher flexibility to allow adjustment, while the distal portion has higher rigidity to maintain shape. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall durability and local adaptability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid earstems are used to maintain structural integrity, then resistance to deformation is improved, but comfort and fit for various head sizes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The earstem incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to change shape in response to different head forms. The proximal portion can flex and deform to accommodate various ear shapes, then return to its original shape, providing both structural integrity and comfort for different wearers.
Solution Approach 2:
The earstem's mechanical parameters (flexibility, rigidity) are changed along its length. The proximal portion has lower rigidity to accommodate different head sizes, while the distal portion maintains higher rigidity for structural stability, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible earstems are used to improve fit and adjustability, then adaptability to different head sizes is improved, but durability and resistance to misalignment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The earstem is segmented into a proximal flexible portion and a distal rigid portion. The proximal portion provides adjustability for different head sizes, while the distal portion maintains durability and prevents misalignment, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The earstem may utilize composite construction combining materials with different mechanical properties. The proximal portion uses more flexible materials for adaptability, while the distal portion uses more rigid materials for durability, achieving both adjustability and reliability simultaneously.
4Ease of manufacture
If single-size eyeglass frames are manufactured to simplify production, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different head sizes and shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The earstem incorporates dynamic flexibility that allows a single-size frame to adapt to different head sizes and shapes. The proximal portion can flex and deform to fit various ears, eliminating the need for multiple frame sizes while maintaining manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The earstem is designed with universal adaptability through its flexible proximal portion that can accommodate different head forms. This single design serves multiple wearers with different head sizes and shapes, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving versatility.
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 configuration allows for a customizable, durable, and comfortable fit by enabling the earstems to deflect and reattach, providing enhanced adjustability and resistance to misalignment, thus improving the eyeglass's performance across different head sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible suspension component and an earstem... the suspension component can be operative to pivot relative to the frame... the rigid elongate body can be operative to pivot relative to the frame beyond the deployed position
Implementation Method 2
featuring a breakaway mechanism, biasing, and dynamic dampening to accommodate various head sizes and shapes while maintaining structural integrity
Implementation Method 3
featuring a breakaway mechanism, biasing, and dynamic dampening
Implementation Method 4
featuring a breakaway mechanism, biasing, and dynamic dampening
Data Source
AI summary
An earstem for an eyeglass is provided that can exhibit a dampening effect as the earstem is over-rotated or deflected from a deployed position to a deflected position. In some embodiments, a suspension component of the earstem can be operative to pivot relative to the frame until reaching a deployed position. The rigid elongate body can be operative to pivot relative to the frame beyond the deployed position. In this regard, the suspension component can be attached to the rigid elongate body along a posterior portion of the suspension component such that pivoting of the rigid elongate body beyond the deployed position causes deflection of the suspension component to dampen further pivoting of the rigid elongate body.