Eyewear Hinge Charging Interface Hidden Until Temple Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic eyewear designs face challenges with bulky charging ports that detract from aesthetics, are prone to dust and water exposure, and pose safety risks due to potential radiation, electric shocks, or overheating when worn during charging.
Innovation Solution
The eyewear system integrates a charging interface at the hinge, which is only exposed when the temples are folded, ensuring discreet charging, enhanced safety by preventing wear and charge simultaneously, and reduced wear and tear on the hinge area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging interface is placed on the external surface of the eyewear, then the charging function is accessible, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and the charging port becomes exposed to dust and water
Solution Approach 1:
The charging interface is extracted from the main body of the eyewear and relocated to the hinge area. This separation allows the charging port to be hidden within the hinge mechanism, making it invisible when temples are in the open (wearing) position, thus preserving aesthetic appearance while maintaining charging functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging interface is designed to be dynamically exposed or hidden based on the temple position. When temples are folded (closed position), the charging interface becomes accessible; when temples are open (wearing position), the charging interface is concealed. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between accessibility and aesthetics.
2Ease of operation
If the charging interface is placed on the external surface, then charging is convenient, but user safety deteriorates due to risk of radiation, electric shocks, or overheating while wearing
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls charging availability based on temple position. The charging interface is only electrically connected when temples are in the closed (folded) position, preventing charging while the eyewear is being worn. This eliminates safety risks associated with charging during use while preserving charging convenience when the eyewear is stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism acts as an intermediary that controls the electrical connection for charging. It mediates between the charging port and the power source, enabling connection only when temples are closed, thus preventing direct charging while worn and eliminating associated safety hazards.
3Ease of operation
If the charging port is exposed on external surface, then charging access is easy, but the charging interface suffers from increased wear and tear and shortened lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The charging interface is extracted from the vulnerable external surface and relocated to the protected hinge area. This relocation shields the charging port from environmental exposure (dust, water) and physical damage, significantly improving reliability and lifespan while maintaining charging access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging interface is dynamically exposed only when temples are closed, protecting it from continuous environmental exposure. This reduces wear and tear from dust, water, and physical contact, extending the charging interface lifespan while preserving accessibility during charging operations.
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
This design enhances user safety and aesthetics by hiding the charging interface when not in use, reducing exposure to environmental factors, and preventing unsafe charging practices.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnet having a south pole and a north pole, arranged at the first proximal end of the first temple, wherein the first magnet lies between the first contact and the second contact, and wherein a longitudinal axis of the first magnet is aligned perpendicularly to a first line that passes through a first centre of the first contact and a second centre of the second contact
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
An aim of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic eyewear system (100). The eyewear system (100) comprises a rechargeable power source (112) housed within a first temple (106), an electronic component (102A-B), and a charging interface (114) located at the first proximal end (106A) of the first temple (106) for recharging the rechargeable power source (112) using a charger (200). The rechargeable power source (112) supplies power to the electronic component (102A-B). A first magnet (120) is disposed in between the first contact (116) and second contact (118) of the charging interface (114).