Smart Eyewear Hinge With Sealed Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart eyewear faces challenges with space constraints, durability, and reliability due to large connectors and flexible PCBs in hinges, which also require waterproofing and protection from environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A modular hinge design with separable parts and sealing at the ends to ensure reliable electrical connections, providing a seamless and durable solution for smart eyewear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an existing USB connector is used in the hinge to establish electrical connections, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the connector size exceeds the temple dimensions, affecting compactness and overall design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from a traditional USB connector and implements it through a simplified contact mechanism integrated into the hinge. The electrical conductor is directly embedded in the hinge body, eliminating the need for a separate USB connector component, thereby reducing size while maintaining connectivity functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical hinge structure. The hinge body itself serves as the connector housing, and the electrical conductor is integrated into the hinge's moving parts, combining mechanical articulation and electrical connectivity into a single unified component rather than separate assemblies.
2Ease of operation
If the hinge movement is not perpendicular to the connector, then mechanical articulation is achieved, but small particles can enter the hinge, causing wear and corrosion of electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of particle ingress into a benefit by designing the hinge movement path to be perpendicular to the electrical connector orientation. This orientation ensures that particles are swept away from the connector during hinge movement rather than being driven into it, transforming the movement action from a potential contamination source into a protective mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sealing mechanism as an intermediary between the electrical conductor and the external environment. The seal prevents particles from reaching the electrical connection points during hinge movement, mediating between the mechanical articulation requirement and the protection of electrical components.
3Reliability
If a flexible PCB is permanently attached before assembling smart eyewear, then electrical connections are established, but manufacturing complexity increases and waterproofing requirements are heightened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flexible PCB from the hinge assembly and relocates the electrical components directly into the temple structure. This eliminates the need for permanent PCB attachment to the hinge, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining stable electrical connections through direct integration of conductors into the temple's circuit board.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electrical connection system into separate functional modules: the hinge provides mechanical articulation, while the temple houses the electrical components and circuit board. This segmentation allows independent manufacturing and assembly of each component, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and facilitating easier waterproofing of individual modules.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge includes a first hinge part having a first end and a second end; a second hinge part having a third end and a fourth end; a connecting member for connecting the first hinge part and the second hinge part for providing first rotation point to allow rotation of the first hinge part with respect to the second hinge part; a first electrical connector at the first end and a second electrical connector at the fourth end, an electrical conductor passing through the first hinge part and the second hinge part for connecting the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector; and a sealing arranged at least at the first end, wherein the sealing is compressed in at least one of: an axial direction, a radial direction.