Elastomeric Traction Member for Eyewear Earstem Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eyewear frames do not conform to individual head contours, leading to discomfort, slippage, and potential damage during active sports due to uneven weight distribution and poor fit, particularly in protective eyewear.
Innovation Solution
The design includes flexible earstem members with a tubular portion and a trough-shaped portion that provide enhanced traction and a secure fit, featuring removable and replaceable traction members with complementary interface structures to secure the earstem in place, made from materials like metals, polymers, and elastomeric materials for comfort and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard size eyewear frames are used, then manufacturing cost and simplicity are improved, but fit comfort and retention are worsened due to not conforming to individual head contours
Solution Approach 1:
The earstem is divided into multiple segments with different materials - a harder base portion for structural support and a softer traction member for comfort and retention. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the earstem have different material properties - the base is made of harder material for structural integrity while the traction member is made of softer material for comfort. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction between structural requirements and comfort requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard size eyewear frames are used, then manufacturing cost is improved, but comfort level is worsened due to uneven weight distribution and poor fit
Solution Approach 1:
The traction member is made of softer material specifically at the portion that contacts the user's head, while the base remains harder for structural support. This local quality differentiation reduces discomfort and skin abrasion without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The earstem combines two different materials - a harder base material and a softer traction member material - to create a composite structure that provides both structural integrity and comfort, reducing harmful effects like skin abrasion while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible earstem members with removable traction members are used, then fit customization and comfort are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The earstem is segmented into a base and a removable traction member, allowing the traction member to be customized or replaced based on user needs. The segmentation enables adaptability while keeping the base structure simple and standardized for manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The base earstem structure serves as a universal platform that can accommodate different traction members with varying material properties, shapes, or sizes. This multi-functionality approach allows customization without requiring completely different earstem designs for each application.
Data Source
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AI summary
An earstem for eyeglasses is provided that can incorporate an interchangeable elastomeric traction member disposed in a recessed seat which extends along a length of the earstem to provide a contact area between the earstem and the head. The traction member can be disposed along the bottom portion of the earstem and/or around the periphery of the earstem. The traction device can be detachably coupled to the earstem so that the traction device can be exchanged to accommodate different needs or situations.