Eyewear Hinge Assembly With Bistable Overtravel and Cable Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eyewear hinges, particularly those for smart eyewear, are complex, prone to malfunction and damage, occupy excessive space, and hinder the arrangement of flexible cables due to numerous articulation elements.
Innovation Solution
A simplified hinge assembly for eyewear featuring an anchor element, anchor box, hinging member, and elastic element that allows stable and flexible positions with reduced parts, minimizing the risk of damage and accommodating cables without increasing size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple articulation elements are used to provide bistability and flexibility, then the hinge can maintain stable positions and enable overtravel, but the number of parts increases and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple articulation elements into a single integrated hinge assembly consisting of a temple, front, and pivot connection. This merging eliminates the need for separate bistable mechanisms and overtravel elements, reducing the number of parts while maintaining all necessary functions including stable positioning and overtravel capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides rotational movement, maintains stable open and closed positions through its pivot geometry, enables overtravel beyond 90 degrees, and accommodates flexible cables. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized elements for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple articulation elements are used to provide bistability and flexibility, then the hinge can maintain stable positions and enable overtravel, but the risk of damage and malfunction increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple separate articulation elements into a single integrated hinge assembly with fewer moving parts, the patent reduces the number of potential failure points. The simplified structure with fewer connection interfaces minimizes the risk of misalignment, wear, and malfunction while maintaining the necessary stable positions and overtravel capability.
3Reliability
If multiple articulation elements are used, then the hinge can provide bistability and flexibility, but the space occupied increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components into a single integrated hinge assembly, significantly reducing the total volume and weight. The temple, front, and pivot connection are designed as a compact unified structure that occupies minimal space in the hinging area while providing all necessary hinge functions including bistability and overtravel.
4Reliability
If multiple articulation elements are used, then the hinge can provide bistability and flexibility, but the arrangement of flexible cable becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the hinge components into a compact unified structure, the patent creates sufficient internal space within the hinge assembly to accommodate and route the flexible cable that electrically connects the temple to the front. The simplified geometry with fewer separate elements makes cable routing more straightforward compared to complex multi-element hinge mechanisms.
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 hinge assembly is simpler, lighter, and more reliable, reducing the risk of failure while effectively housing flexible cables without enlarging the eyewear dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a hinging member (130) having at least one end portion (131) rotatably coupled to the anchor element (110) and at least one shaft-like shaped portion (132)
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly for eyewear includes an anchor element configured to be applied to a front of eyewear; an anchor box configured to be applied to a temple, the anchor box has at least one housing chamber with an inner retaining member; at least one hinging member with at least one end portion rotatably coupled to the anchor element and at least one shaft portion ending with at least one head portion; at least one elastic element passed through by at least one respective shaft-like shaped portion and, from one side, in contact with the inner retaining member and, from the other side, in contact with the at least one head portion; wherein the hinge assembly reversibly passes from a first stable opening position to a second stable closing position and vice versa and from the first stable opening position to a third unstable overtravel position and vice versa.