Eyeglasses with Interchangeable Lenses via Lens Tab Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eyeglasses lack a convenient and easy method for wearers to independently replace or switch lenses, as current solutions often require professional assistance and are not adaptable to different needs such as varying lens heights or prescriptions.
Innovation Solution
The eyeglass assembly features bridge frames and temple lugs with unique capture features, including lens tabs and retention steps that allow for easy insertion and removal of lenses, providing a visual and tactile confirmation of secure attachment, and can accommodate interchangeable lenses with different heights and prescriptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional lens replacement methods are used, then lens security is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates as professional assistance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly is divided into separable components: a lens retaining portion integrated with the frame and a lens element with protruding tabs. This segmentation allows the lens to be independently removed and replaced without affecting the frame structure, enabling user-friendly lens replacement while maintaining overall system integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Lens tabs serve as intermediary elements between the lens and the frame's retaining portion. These tabs protrude through openings in the retaining portion, providing a mechanical interface that simplifies the attachment and detachment process. The intermediary tabs translate the complex retention mechanism into a simple insert-secure-remove operation for the user.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lenses are made interchangeable with different specifications, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens retaining portion is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple lens types and specifications. The standardized openings and retention mechanism allow different lenses (with varying prescriptions, tints, or materials) to be installed using the same retention system, providing multi-functionality without increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in the lens element (prescription strength, tint density, material composition) while maintaining constant geometric parameters of the retention interface. The lens tabs and retaining portion openings are designed with fixed dimensions that accommodate variations in lens optical properties without requiring changes to the retention mechanism itself.
3Ease of operation
If visual confirmation of lens capture is provided, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens tabs are designed to automatically protrude through the retaining portion openings upon proper insertion, providing self-verifying visual confirmation of correct lens installation. This self-service feature eliminates the need for separate verification mechanisms or complex alignment systems, as the protrusion itself serves as both the retention mechanism and the visual indicator.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens tabs extend slightly beyond the retaining portion openings, providing excessive protrusion that ensures visible confirmation of proper installation. This partial protrusion exceeds the minimum functional requirement for retention, creating a deliberate visual indicator that the lens is securely in place without requiring precision beyond what is necessary for the retention function.
Data Source
AI summary
An eyeglass assembly with a bridge frame having temple tab thru-holes and lens retention receivers; a nose bridge insert; at least one lens in a single lens configuration with tabs configured to insert into the lens retention receivers of the bridge frame such that the lens tabs, or a portion thereof, protrude through temple tab thru-holes. In some embodiments, the eyeglasses are frameless, having first and second temple lugs with temple tab thru-holes and lens locking features; at least one lens in a single lens configuration having lens tabs, lens retention steps, lug locking notches; and a nose bridge insert. In some embodiments, the eyeglass assembly has a bridge frame with an integral nose bridge, two lenses, each lens having a lens tab, and a lens retention step, further having a lens hook. In still further embodiments, the eyeglass assembly comprises lens receiving portions with unique capture features to retain lenses having lens tabs, lens retention steps and/or hooks and capture features configured to removably capture and retain the lens in the assembly. Other embodiments further comprise a rocker frame.