Smart Eyewear Charging Case With Rigid Frame Shock Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional eyewear carry cases often compromise the charging connection of electronics-enabled eyewear due to internal padding, which allows movement and disrupts the integrity of the charging connection, and lack effective shock protection for both the glasses and internal electronics.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional charging case with a rigid frame and a compressible, shock-resistant external protective cover that provides a stable connection and protection against shocks, incorporating a charging battery and a connection arrangement for seamless charging and data transfer, while isolating heat-generating components in a fire-resistant compartment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If internal padding is used in conventional eyewear cases, then shock protection for glasses is improved, but charging connection stability deteriorates due to movement and disruption of the charging connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock protectionVSAvoidcharging connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into two distinct protective layers: an external compressible shock-absorbing cover and an internal rigid frame structure. This segmentation allows the external cover to handle shock absorption while the internal rigid structure maintains stable charging connections, resolving the contradiction between shock protection and connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid frame structure acts as an intermediary between the compressible external cover and the electronics components. It translates and dampens external shocks before they reach the charging connection, while simultaneously providing a stable mounting platform that prevents movement during charging, thus protecting both shock and connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a rigid case structure is used, then charging connection stability is improved, but shock protection deteriorates as the rigid structure transmits shocks to internal components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging connection stabilityVSAvoidshock protection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A compressible shock-absorbing cover is applied to the external surface of the rigid case before shocks are transmitted. This beforehand cushioning layer absorbs and dissipates shock energy from bumps and drops, preventing it from reaching the rigid frame and internal electronics, thus protecting against shock while maintaining the rigid structure's connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If the case serves only as a carrying container, then device complexity is reduced, but functionality deteriorates by lacking charging capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecase structure simplicityVSAvoidcharging functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The carrying case and charging dock functions are merged into a single integrated device. The case incorporates a charging port, battery, and connection arrangement that automatically engages with the eyewear when placed in the case, combining storage and charging capabilities without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The case is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a protective carrying container for the eyewear, a charging dock that transfers power to the eyewear battery, and a data transfer interface. This multi-functionality enhances adaptability while maintaining relatively simple case structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures reliable charging and data connectivity while offering enhanced shock protection for both the eyewear and internal electronics, maintaining a stable connection and reducing the risk of damage from bumps and drops.

Implementation Method 1

a nonrigid, shock-resistant protective cover on the frame structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the protective cover being of a compressible material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 3

incorporating a charging battery and a connection arrangement for seamless charging

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS11857045B2Multifunctional case for electronics-enabled eyewear
Publication Date: 2024.01.02 SNAP INC
  • US11857045B2 patent drawing
  • US11857045B2 patent drawing
  • US11857045B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A carry case for an electronics-enabled eyewear device has incorporated therein electronic components for connection to the eyewear device while storing the eyewear device. The case comprises a rigid frame structure defining an openable holding space for the pair of smart glasses, and a compressible shock-resistant protective cover on the frame structure. The exterior of the case may be predominantly defined by the shock resistant protective cover.