Eyeglass Hinge Friction Stabilization for Intermediate Temple Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eyeglass hinges, known as 'flex-hinges,' are complex and costly due to their multiple components and assembly requirements, and they do not allow temples to remain in intermediate positions chosen by the user, as they are designed to maintain only two preset configurations.
Innovation Solution
A hinge composed of two half-shells with a fixing portion, a pivoting body, and a rotation contrasting element, such as a brake pad, which uses friction to stabilize the temple in any chosen angular configuration between the two limit positions, reducing the number of parts and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flex-hinges with cam devices and springs are used, then the temple can be stabilized in preset configurations, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the cam device and spring components from the hinge mechanism. Instead of using these separate components to provide friction and elastic opposition, the invention integrates the friction-based stabilization function directly into the hinge structure through a simple pivot connection between the temple and frame front, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining configuration stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism utilizes the natural friction between the pivot connection surfaces to stabilize the temple in any angular position. The system serves itself by using the inherent friction properties of the mating surfaces without requiring additional springs or cam devices to provide the stabilizing force, thereby simplifying the overall structure.
2Reliability
If conventional flex-hinges with cam devices are used, then the temple can be stabilized in preset configurations, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the cam device and spring components, the number of parts that need to be assembled is significantly reduced. The simplified hinge structure requires fewer assembly steps and less precise alignment, thereby increasing assembly speed and manufacturing productivity.
3Reliability
If conventional flex-hinges with cam devices are used, then the temple can be stabilized in preset configurations, but the number of components increases leading to higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple components (cam device, spring, pivot connection) into a single integrated hinge structure. The pivot connection simultaneously provides the articulation function and the friction-based stabilization function, eliminating the need for separate cam devices and springs, thereby reducing the quantity of components and associated costs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flex-hinges are used, then the temple can be stabilized in two preset configurations, but intermediate positions chosen by the user cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism allows dynamic positioning of the temple at any angular configuration through the pivot connection. The friction between the pivot surfaces provides continuous stabilization throughout the range of motion, enabling the user to hold the temple at any intermediate position rather than being restricted to discrete preset configurations.
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 proposed hinge is simpler, more affordable, and easier to assemble, allowing the temple to be stabilized in any desired angular position, overcoming the limitations of conventional hinges by utilizing a friction-based mechanism to lock the temple in place.
Implementation Method 1
a rotation contrasting element (19), arranged so as to press against the pivoting body (17) and contrast its rotation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A hinge (10) for articulating a temple to a front of a frame for eyeglasses, the hinge comprising two half-shells (11, 12) which are closed onto each other and which comprise in turn: - a fixing portion (13) for engaging, at an end part, one of either an eyeglass front (14) or a temple (15), - a first seat (16), defined inside the two half-shells (11, 12) closed onto each other, for a pivoting body (17) which is integral with the other one of either the front (14) or the temple (15), - a second seat (18), contiguous to the first seat (16), to accommodate an element (19) for contrasting the rotation of the pivoting body (17).