Eyeglass Temple Conductive Paths for Integrated Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in incorporating electronic components into eyewear without compromising aesthetics or functionality, while also reducing the number of stock keeping units (SKUs) of eyeglass frames and allowing for efficient design and manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
The use of conductive paths, such as electrical conductors, within the eyeglass frames to securely hold electronic components in place, including an electronics module with capacitive touch switches, and integrating these components into the frame's structure through methods like insert molding, to create a robust and efficient electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are incorporated into eyewear, then functionality is enhanced, but aesthetics are compromised due to visible connections and additional fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical conductor with the temple structure by integrally forming the conductor as part of the temple. This integration eliminates separate visible connections and fasteners, allowing electronic components to be securely held in place while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the eyewear frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The temple structure serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework of the eyewear, incorporates electrical conductors for electronic components, and acts as a mounting structure for holding electronics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components that would compromise aesthetics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SKUs of eyeglass frames are produced to accommodate different electronic component placements, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temple is designed with integrated electrical conductors and electronic component holding capabilities that can accommodate different electronic components (such as capacitive touch switches, batteries, or other electronics) in various positions. This universal design allows a single frame model to support multiple electronic configurations without requiring separate SKUs for each placement variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical conductor is designed as a separate integrally-formed component that can be independently positioned and configured within the temple structure. This segmentation allows flexible placement of electronic components along the conductor path while maintaining a standardized temple design, reducing the need for multiple frame SKUs.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting methods with separate fasteners are used for electronic components, then ease of assembly is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductor is integrally formed with the temple structure, combining the mounting function with the structural and electrical functions. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners and reduces component count while maintaining ease of assembly, as the integrated conductor provides both structural support and electrical connection in a single piece.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an electronic eyewear device is provided. The electronic eyewear device may comprise a temple, a touch sensor, a plurality of electronic components, and an enclosure partially enclosing the touch sensor and the plurality of electronic components. The enclosure may have a first opening that exposes a surface of the touch sensor. The exposed surface of the touch sensor may define a top surface of the plurality of electronics components. The enclosure may be attached to the temple.