Electro-Active Eyeglass Hinge for Hidden Power Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-active eyeglasses face challenges in maintaining aesthetic appeal and functionality while incorporating electronics, requiring robust placement without increasing the number of frame components and ensuring continuous electrical connectivity between temples and lens housings.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a spring mechanism in electro-active eyeglasses that forms part of the conductive path, allowing for a selective electrical connection between the temple and lens housing, maintaining a 90-degree angle and ensuring continuous power supply when worn, and disconnecting when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronics are incorporated into eyeglass frames, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connection function with the mechanical hinge structure. The spring mechanism serves dual purposes: providing mechanical flexibility for the temple-lens housing connection and simultaneously acting as a conductive path for electrical signals. This merging eliminates the need for separate electrical connectors and wiring, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining enhanced functionality.
2Reliability
If additional components are added for electrical connection, then electrical connectivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical flexibility for the hinge, maintains electrical conductivity for signal transmission, and ensures reliable electrical connection through its elastic contact. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional dedicated electrical connection components, thereby maintaining reliable electrical connectivity without increasing device complexity.
3Shape
If electronics are embedded in the frame, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductors are nested within the spring mechanism structure itself. The conductive elements are integrated into the coiled spring design, allowing the electrical pathways to be concealed within the mechanical structure. This nesting approach maintains the external aesthetic appearance of the frame while accommodating the necessary electrical components, though it does require precise manufacturing to ensure proper conductor placement and connectivity.
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 solution provides a comfortable fit, conserves power by disconnecting electrical components when not in use, and maintains aesthetic appeal by embedding components within the frame structure, reducing the need for additional components.
Implementation Method 1
The spring mechanism maintains a 90-degree angle between the temple and lens housing
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments may provide a first device that comprises eyeglasses, where the eyeglasses may further include a lens housing, a first temple and a second temple coupled to the lens housing, and a first and a second lens supported by the lens housing. The first device may further include a façade that covers the lens housing. The first device may further comprise an electronic component and at least one conductive path may be provided from the electronic component to the first lens having a portion that runs through the lens housing.