Eyeglasses Case Cam-Spring Closure for One-Hand Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing eyeglasses cases have limitations due to the hinge's rotation axis being outside the containing volume, restricting movement mechanisms and design options, and lack a secure, irreversible closing system that prevents accidental opening and lens damage.

Innovation Solution

A spring and cam system is integrated into the eyeglasses case, allowing the lid to be opened and closed with one hand, with the cam and spring mechanism ensuring secure closure and compact design without exposing moving parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hinge with external rotation axis is used, then the case can be opened and closed, but the rotation axis position limits movement mechanisms and design solutions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement mechanismsVSAvoidhinge system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the traditional external hinge rotation axis from the case structure. Instead, it uses a cam mechanism with a cam surface that guides the lid's movement path, extracting the rotational constraint and replacing it with a controlled sliding/rocking motion that provides greater design flexibility and movement options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than using a fixed external axis to define the rotation path, the invention inverts the approach by using a cam surface that actively guides and defines the movement trajectory. The lid follows the cam surface contour, reversing the traditional role of the hinge axis from a fixed constraint to a guided path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a spring system is added to automatically close the case, then accidental opening is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosing securityVSAvoidspring system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the spring mechanism with the existing cam structure. The spring is integrated into the cam assembly, sharing the same space and structural elements. This merging allows the automatic closing function to be added without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity, as the spring works in conjunction with the cam surface already present in the design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If moving parts are exposed for operation, then ease of use is improved, but the risk of accidental opening increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveone-hand openingVSAvoidaccidental opening prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cam surface acts as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the lid's opening motion. By pressing on the cam surface at specific points, the user controls the lid's movement through the cam's guided path. This intermediary mechanism allows intentional opening while preventing accidental opening, as the cam geometry requires deliberate pressure application to overcome the spring force and initiate movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system provides a secure, compact, and easy-to-use eyeglasses case that maintains closure without external rotation axes, ensuring protection and ease of use while minimizing the risk of accidental opening.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element (13) designed to be mounted on the side (12) of the lid (10) and to cooperate with the cam (30) so as to push the lid (10) towards the closed position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the arm (13c) of the spring element (13) being elastically deformable inwards

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a cam element (30) integrally joined with the side (22) of the container (20) so as to interact with the spring element (13) during opening of the lid (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam: Cam

Data Source

PatentEP4368060B1Eyeglasses case with lateral spring means and cam
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 LUXOTTICA GRP SPA
  • EP4368060B1 patent drawingFigure 1~7
  • EP4368060B1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

Case for eyeglasses comprising a container (20) comprising a central body (21) and two opposite sides (22) integral with a respective end of the central body, a lid (10) movable so to open and close with respect to the container and comprising a central body (11) and two opposite sides (12) respectively integrally joined to one end of the central body, spring means (13) mounted on at least one of the said sides (12) of the lid (10) and designed to interact with the container (2); at least one side (22) of the container (20) has an opening (23) designed to house a cam (30).