Eyewear Nosepad Pivot Axis Relocation for Wider Adjustment Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spectacles with adjustable nose supports face limitations in adjustment range and locking mechanism due to protruding pivot axes and inadequate latching, which compromise the strength and adaptability of the frame.

Innovation Solution

The design features wedge-shaped receiving grooves with a counter-lock mechanism, allowing pivot axes to shift closer to the lens edges, enabling a wide adjustment range while maintaining frame strength and ensuring reliable locking through a detent device, and optional asymmetry for additional adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the pivot axes are positioned on protruding legs of the holder against the flanks of the nose, then the nose pads can be adjusted, but the adjustment range is limited and the latching mechanism is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment range of nose padsVSAvoidlatching mechanism effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot axes are relocated from the lateral flank area to the bridge area of the nose, representing a spatial repositioning that expands the adjustment range. The receiving grooves are designed with wedge-shaped cross-sections that guide the carrier webs into proper positioning, adding a dimensional control mechanism for the adjustment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Counter-latches are introduced as intermediary elements that interact with latching projections on the carrier webs. These counter-latches engage with the projections to secure the nose pads in their adjusted positions, providing a reliable latching mechanism that was previously inadequate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If laterally open receiving recesses are used for the carrier webs, then the nose pads can be adjusted, but the frame sections are weakened and lateral detachment risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of nose supportVSAvoidframe section strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving grooves are designed with wedge-shaped cross-sections that provide guiding and positioning functions while maintaining frame strength. The groove geometry allows the carrier webs to be inserted and positioned correctly without requiring large open recesses that would weaken the frame sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The wedge-shaped groove geometry acts as an intermediary mechanism that guides the carrier webs into proper positioning during adjustment. This geometric constraint provides the necessary adjustability while maintaining the structural integrity of the frame sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the pivot axes are shifted toward the flanks of the nose, then the nose pads can be mounted, but the adjustment area is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting capability of nose padsVSAvoidadjustment area of nose support
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot axes are repositioned from the lateral flank area to the bridge area of the nose, representing a spatial repositioning that maximizes the adjustment area. This dimensional change in axis location allows for greater angular adjustment range while maintaining proper mounting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3278172B1Eyewear with adjustable nosepads
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 SILHOUETTE INT SCHMIED
  • EP3278172B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3278172B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to eyeglasses with a frame (2) for eyeglass lenses (3) and an adjustable nose support (6), the nose pads (8) of which are held in hinge bearings provided on a frame portion (5) in a pivotally adjustable manner by means of a respective carrier (9), said carrier comprising a web (10) which projects from the nose pads (8), engages into a receiving recess of the frame portions (5), and comprises a hinge axis (11) that runs in the longitudinal direction of the frame portion (5) and engages radially into a bearing recess (13) at the base of the receiving recess in the manner of a snap lock, wherein the carriers (9) are provided with a latching device for securing the pivot position of the carriers. The receiving recesses of the frame portions (5) are designed as receiving grooves (12) with a cross-section that tapers in the shape of a wedge and with a groove base that forms the bearing recess (13). An attachment (16) of the carrier (9) covers the receiving groove (12) at least at one end, said attachment being provided with a latch (15) which interacts with at least one counter latch (14) of the frame portions (5).