Conductive Routing Through Eyewear Hinge Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Conductive coupling between separated components in electronics-enabled eyewear devices, such as smart glasses, is challenging due to aesthetics, durability, and reliability concerns, particularly at the hinge mechanism where electrical, data, or thermal connections are required.

Innovation Solution

A flexible conductive element, such as a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or thermal conductor, is routed through the hollow interior of the hinge mechanism connecting the temple and frame, providing a hidden and reliable electrical, data, or thermal connection, while maintaining a compact and aesthetically pleasing design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate components are housed in the frame and temple with a hinge mechanism, then compact stowage and flexibility are improved, but conductive coupling reliability and aesthetic appearance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompact stowageVSAvoidconductive coupling reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive element is nested within the hollow interior of the hinge mechanism, allowing the conductor to be concealed inside the hinge structure while maintaining electrical connectivity between the frame and temple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism serves as an intermediary structure that houses the conductive element, mediating between the aesthetic requirement for clean appearance and the functional requirement for reliable electrical connection by providing a hidden pathway for the conductor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate components are housed in the frame and temple with a hinge mechanism, then compact stowage and flexibility are improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompact stowageVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive element is nested within the hollow interior of the hinge mechanism, allowing the conductor to be concealed inside the hinge structure while maintaining electrical connectivity between the frame and temple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive element is extracted from the external view by routing it through the hollow interior of the hinge mechanism, separating the aesthetic appearance from the functional connectivity requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If conductors are routed externally through the hinge mechanism, then connectivity is improved, but aesthetic appearance and compact design deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive element is nested within the hollow interior of the hinge mechanism, allowing the conductor to be concealed inside the hinge structure while maintaining electrical connectivity between the frame and temple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20240310652A1Conductive connection through eyewear hinge

Publication Date: 2024.09.19 SNAP INC

AI summary

An eyewear device provides for routing a flexible conductive element or conductor through a hollow interior of a hinge mechanism that connects a temple of the eyewear device to its. The hinge mechanism comprises a pair of hinge pieces that defines a composite conduit through the hinge mechanism, conduit and hence the conductor routed through the passage being hidden or obscured from external view in any operational position of the hinge mechanism.