Eyeglass Hinge Device Using Elastic Deformation Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge devices for eyeglasses suffer from structural mechanical weak points, such as screws that can unscrew easily, requiring precise machining, leading to increased size, weight, and reduced friction over time, which results in a less effective and more costly design.
Innovation Solution
A compact hinge device with an accommodation body and C-shaped hollow bodies that utilize engagement teeth and washers made from flexible materials to provide secure locking and friction, eliminating the need for external screws and ensuring a lightweight, minimal design with improved mechanical reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional hinge devices use screws and welds to couple the temple to the end piece, then the structure provides mechanical coupling, but it creates structural mechanical weak points and increases the size and weight of the hinge device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the screw from the hinge device structure, replacing it with a deformation-based locking mechanism. The tongue element is inserted into the accommodation body and locked through elastic deformation of the engagement elements, eliminating the need for separate fastening components like screws that add weight and create weak points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical screw-thread system with an elastic deformation-based locking system. Instead of using threaded engagement, the invention uses flexible engagement elements that deform elastically to lock the tongue element in place, reducing the number of parts and overall weight.
2Ease of operation
If conventional hinge devices use screws that are accessible from outside the end piece, then the structure allows for assembly and disassembly, but it increases the size of the hinge device and contributes to a less minimal design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the screw from the visible external structure, hiding all fastening mechanisms within the accommodation body. The tongue element is accessed through the temple itself, keeping the end piece clean and minimal while maintaining the ability to assemble and disassemble the hinge device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the fastening mechanism within the accommodation body, which is itself integrated into the end piece structure. The tongue element is inserted through the temple and locked within the accommodation body, creating a nested arrangement that minimizes external dimensions.
3Force
If conventional hinge devices rely on screw friction to provide resistance to temple opening, then the mechanism provides initial friction, but the screw tends to become stripped over time and the friction becomes less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses elastic deformation of the engagement elements as a consumable mechanism. The elastic material gradually loses its ability to deform and return to its original shape over time, providing a built-in wear indicator. When the elastic elements no longer provide sufficient friction, the hinge device needs to be replaced, ensuring reliable operation throughout its service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the engagement elements from rigid (as in screw-based systems) to flexible and elastic. This allows the friction characteristic to evolve over time as the material deforms, providing consistent resistance during the functional life of the device and clear indication when replacement is needed.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional hinge devices use precise mechanical machining to create threads for screws, then the structure provides accurate screw engagement, but it increases manufacturing costs and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the precision-machined thread system with a deformation-based locking mechanism. The engagement elements are formed through stamping or molding processes that create flexible structures capable of elastic deformation, eliminating the need for complex threading operations and reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs materials with specific elastic properties that allow the engagement elements to deform and lock without requiring precise mechanical machining. The use of elastomeric or spring-like materials enables simple forming processes while achieving reliable mechanical coupling.
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
The solution results in a lightweight, reliable, and cost-effective hinge device with enhanced resistance to temple opening and closing, reducing the risk of mechanical failures and maintaining effective friction over time.
Implementation Method 1
a second C-shaped hollow body (2) which defines an accommodation body (2) and which is provided with retention teeth (17) that make it possible to lock the teeth (7) of the first C-shaped hollow body (4)... an elastic element that makes it possible to lock the tongue element (3) to the accommodation body (2) in a detachable manner
Implementation Method 2
washers (10) which are adapted to be inserted along the hinging axis, are made of polymeric or metallic material and are arranged symmetrically so as to interpose themselves between the eyelets (9) and the eyelet (5a)... the friction necessary for the temple of the eyeglass frame to be able to be opened while offering a certain resistance
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A hinge device (1) for eyeglasses, which comprises an accommodation body (2) provided with engagement seats for gripping and locking a hinge body (3) to an end piece (15) of an eyeglass frame, the hinge body (3) comprising a central body (4) that is adapted to engage within the accommodation body (2), the central body (4) being adapted to engage in turn a temple (5) of the eyeglass frame.