Eyeglass Hinge Assembly with Detachable Temple Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing eyeglass hinge systems face issues with temple arm detachment being too easy, leading to accidental disconnection, and the need for pin deformation, which can cause breakage and is fiddly, while also being prone to looseness due to screws, limiting customization and durability.

Innovation Solution

A hinge assembly with a pivot shaft and hooked member design that requires deformation of the temple arm to disconnect, featuring a notch on the pivot shaft to facilitate engagement and disengagement, and biasing mechanisms to maintain secure connection and easy interchangeability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the temple arm is made detachable for style changes, then customization ability is improved, but the connection reliability deteriorates leading to accidental disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization abilityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The temple arm assembly is segmented into detachable components: the temple arm, hinge, and frame are separate parts that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The hinge acts as an independent segment with pivot shaft and hooked member that facilitates detachment while maintaining connection during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge connection transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic detachable connection. The hooked member can engage with the pivot shaft during normal use providing secure connection, and can be disengaged when force is applied in the detachment direction, allowing the connection state to change dynamically based on user need.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If pins are deformed for connection and disconnection, then ease of operation is improved, but the strength of pins deteriorates causing breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connectionVSAvoidpin strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation action is extracted from the pin itself and transferred to the temple arm. The temple arm is deformed to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the hinge, while the pin remains undeformed and maintains its structural integrity and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge acts as an intermediary mechanism between the temple arm and frame. Instead of directly deforming the pin for connection, the hinge's hooked member engages with the pivot shaft, mediating the connection process and protecting the pin from deformation and breakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If screws are used to attach temple arms, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity deteriorates due to extra components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidcomponent complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge combines multiple functions into a single integrated component. It provides both the connection mechanism (hooked member engaging pivot shaft) and the rotational movement capability, eliminating the need for separate screws and washers that would be required for a simple fixed attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge serves multiple functions: it attaches the temple arm to the frame, allows rotational movement for wearing comfort, and enables easy detachment for customization. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components including screws, washers, and pivot mechanisms.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2646869B1Eyeglass hinge assembly
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 AUSTIN FRANCIS WILLIAM
  • EP2646869B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2646869B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2646869B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a hinge for connecting a temple arm to an eyeglass frame that may be made up of one or more frame parts. Parts of the eyeglasses, including the temple arm and frame, are interchangeable so the colour, shape and style of eyeglasses can be quickly and easily changed. The temple arm is connected to the frame securely, but in a way that the temple arm can easily be disconnected for interchanging. The temple arm needs to be deformed, bent or moved beyond a normal orientation to allow it to be easily disconnected. In a preferred embodiment, the temple arm hinge assembly comprises a hooked member and a pivot shaft, whereby the pivot shaft comprises a notch or truncation positioned such that the hooked member can only be engaged / disengaged if the temple arm is deformed or the like beyond a normal position.