Eyeglasses Frame Tether for Hinge Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing eyeglasses, such as holders and neck tethers, are either uncomfortable, lead to premature wear or breakage, or require repeated folding and unfolding, which stresses the hinges and results in breakage.
Innovation Solution
A tension-actuated, removable, and reusable tether that passes through a hole in the eyeglass frame near the hinge, attaching to clothing using a knot, bead, magnet, or springhook, reducing stress on the hinges and providing a secure, comfortable, and non-obtrusive solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If neck tethers are used to secure eyeglasses, then the glasses are secured against loss, but the tethers are obtrusive and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tether attachment point from the temple/earpiece area and relocates it to the frame front near the hinge. This removes the obtrusive neck tether configuration while maintaining the security function, allowing the tether to attach higher on the frame structure without contacting the user's body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of attachment by moving from the lateral temple area to the superior frame front area near the hinge. This dimensional relocation eliminates the need for the tether to drape around the neck, removing the discomfort while preserving the anti-loss function.
2Reliability
If tethers are attached to the temples (earpieces) of the eyeglasses, then the glasses can be secured, but the hinges experience stress and result in premature breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tether attachment function from the temple/earpiece structure and relocates it to the frame front. This removes the harmful stress load from the hinges and temples while maintaining the tethering security function through attachment to the stronger frame front structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent proactively relocates the attachment point to a structurally stronger location (frame front near hinge) before damage occurs. This prevents premature hinge failure by avoiding repeated stress cycles on the vulnerable temple-hinge connection points.
3Reliability
If holders are used to secure eyeglasses, then the glasses are secured against loss, but repeated folding and unfolding results in premature failure of the hinges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the eyeglasses to secure themselves to the wearer's clothing without requiring manual placement in holders or cases. The tether automatically maintains attachment, eliminating the repeated folding and unfolding cycles that occur when manually storing and retrieving glasses from holders.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prevents hinge fatigue by eliminating the storage cycle (folding into holders and unfolding) before it can cause damage. The continuous tethered state keeps the glasses in a stable, unfolded position, preventing the cumulative stress that leads to hinge failure.
4Reliability
If eyeglasses are tethered to clothing by the temples, then the glasses are secured, but additional stress is placed on the hinges resulting in premature breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tether attachment point from the temple structure and relocates it to the frame front near the hinge. This removes the additional stress load from the temples and hinges while maintaining the security function of tethering to clothing.
Data Source
AI summary
A tether which passes through a hole in the eyeglass frame front or a hole affixed to the eyeglass frame front above either of the two lenses near the frame extension hinge. One end of the tether is held to the eyeglasses by a knot, bead, or protrusion which keeps it from passing through the hole in the eyeglass frame. The other end of the tether is attached to the clothing of the wearer. A gentle and secure removable, reusable, tension actuated tether coupling device for frame front of eyeglasses.