Eyeglass Spring Hinge Clutch Mechanism for Symmetrical Smooth Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring hinge designs for eyeglasses are unsymmetrical, aesthetically unpleasing, and inconvenient due to friction surfaces that require clearance fits, leading to vacant positions during rotation, which can be problematic, especially when reversing the hinge motion.
Innovation Solution
A spring hinge using a clutch structure with meshing-teeth and a resilient element, where the end-meshing element is fixed in a through hole of the hinge bracket, and the central-meshing element is received in a via hole of the hinge cannula, with a spring and screw mechanism to maintain engagement and facilitate smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If friction surfaces with clearance fit are used in the hinge mechanism, then the hinge can rotate smoothly, but vacant positions occur during reverse rotation which compromises reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clutch mechanism with meshing teeth as an intermediary between the hinge components. The clutch assembly includes a driving clutch and a driven clutch with interengaging teeth that positively transmit rotational motion without clearance, eliminating the vacant position problem while maintaining smooth operation through proper tooth engagement design
2Reliability
If traditional spring hinge structure is used, then the hinge is durable and easy to control, but the structure is unsymmetrical and aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry principle by designing the clutch mechanism with symmetrical appearance on the outside while containing asymmetric functional components inside. The clutch assembly presents a uniform cylindrical shape from external view, but internally contains the driving clutch and driven clutch with meshing teeth arranged to achieve both aesthetic symmetry and functional durability
3Ease of operation
If meshing teeth with spring pressure are used in the clutch structure, then engagement is maintained and operation is smooth, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the clutch assembly: the driving clutch and driven clutch are integrated with the hinge components, the spring is incorporated within the clutch assembly to maintain constant engagement pressure, and the meshing teeth are directly formed on the clutch components rather than being separate elements. This integration maintains operational smoothness while minimizing the number of discrete parts
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 provides a novel, aesthetically pleasing, and functional design that ensures easy and smooth operation of the eyeglasses by maintaining engagement through the spring force, preventing vacant positions and allowing for symmetrical motion, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a spring and screw mechanism to maintain engagement and facilitate smooth operation
Implementation Method 2
a resilient element received in the hole of the central-meshing element
Data Source
AI summary
A spring hinge using clutch structure for eyeglasses of the invention includes a hinge bracket, a end-meshing element, a central-meshing element; a hinge cannula, a resilient element received in the hole of the central-meshing element; a fixing element; and a slide bush. The present invention uses the clutch structure to retain engagement by the pressure of a spring to achieve an easy and smooth operation during the motion of opening or closing the eyeglasses.