Eyeglass Strap Connecting Member for Safe Detachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing eyeglasses with a retainer band or strap using hook-and-loop tape face risks of strangulation, lack safety, and have inconsistent attachment due to variability in mechanical strength and coupling constancy over time, especially when worn by children or during sports.

Innovation Solution

A pair of eyeglasses with a frame coupled to a strap using a single-piece connecting member made of plastic, featuring a sloping slot and an elastically movable portion that separates from the frame when subjected to excessive tension, ensuring safe detachment and constant attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If hook-and-loop tape is used to attach the strap to the frame, then the manufacturing is simple and ease of operation is improved, but the reliability and safety deteriorate due to strangulation risk and inconsistent attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidattachment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion that attaches to the frame, a bent portion that provides elastic movement, and a free end that can detach. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member is designed with specific geometric parameters including the bent portion angle, slot dimensions, and material properties that define the detachment force threshold. These parameters are controlled during manufacturing to ensure consistent mechanical strength and reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If hook-and-loop tape is used for attachment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety deteriorates due to inability to break away under tension

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment mechanism complexityVSAvoidstrangulation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member is pre-designed with a controlled weakness point in the bent portion that will fail under excessive tension. This preliminary design prevents the harmful effect of strangulation by ensuring the strap detaches before it can cause injury, while maintaining a simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The potential harm of the strap becoming too tight or caught on obstacles is converted into a beneficial safety feature. The elastic bent portion allows movement to accommodate tension, and the controlled detachment point ensures safe breakaway when necessary, transforming a potential hazard into a protective mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of manufacture

If Velcro tape is used for coupling, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to variability in mechanical strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidcoupling strength consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The unreliable mechanical coupling of hook-and-loop tape is replaced with a positive mechanical engagement system. The bent portion fits into the slot with defined geometric constraints, providing consistent and predictable attachment strength that is not subject to the variability inherent in Velcro manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If a fixed rigid connection is used between strap and frame, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment constancyVSAvoidstrap flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system. The bent portion can elastically deform and move within the slot, allowing the strap to adjust to different positions and tensions while maintaining reliable attachment during normal use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 safe and consistent attachment of the strap to the frame, preventing injury by allowing the strap to break away under tension and maintaining attachment reliability over time, enhancing user safety and usability.

Implementation Method 1

a portion (16) bent parallel to said body and elastically movable with respect to it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8840243B2Eyeglasses with frame coupled to retainer strap or band which can separate under tension

Publication Date: 2014.09.23 ARTSANA SPA

AI summary

Eyeglasses comprising a frame (1) intended to support a pair of lenses (2) and having lateral ends (12) provided with slots (13), said frame (1) intended to be coupled to a retainer strap or band (3), with opposing free ends (5), which, when worn by the user around the head, allows him to wear the eyeglasses. A connecting member is provided (10) coupled to at least one of the free ends (5) of the aforementioned band (3), said connecting member (10) having an elongated body (15) with a portion (16) bent parallel to said body (15) and elastically movable in relation to it, said bent portion (16) intended to be inserted into one of the slots (13) provided on the lateral ends (12) of the frame (1) and being separable from it, deforming elastically if the band or strap (3) or the frame is subjected to tensile force.