Multi-Axis Eyewear Side Arm Joint for Tool-Free Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eyewear designs require mechanical deformation and tools for adjustments, which can damage the frames and side arms, necessitating frequent specialist interventions and leading to discomfort due to rigid configurations.
Innovation Solution
The eyewear features joints that allow side arms to articulate in multiple axes (X, Y, Z) without tools, using a post and prong assembly with biasing fasteners to adjust compressive force, enabling easy customization and secure optical and cosmetic alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If side arms are adjusted using mechanical deformation and tools, then proper optical and cosmetic alignment can be achieved, but the frames and side arms may be damaged and specialist intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The eyewear enables users to perform adjustments themselves without requiring specialist intervention. The multi-axis joint mechanism allows users to easily reposition side arms and temples to achieve proper optical and cosmetic alignment independently, eliminating the need for external assistance and avoiding potential damage from improper adjustment techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multi-axis joints that provide dynamic adjustment capabilities rather than fixed rigid connections. These joints allow side arms and temples to be repositioned along multiple axes (X, Y, Z) to achieve optimal alignment, while the dynamic nature of the joints prevents stress concentration that could lead to frame or side arm damage.
2Reliability
If side arms are frequently adjusted to account for deformations, then proper fit can be maintained, but the side arms and frame may fatigue and fail
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-axis joints provide controlled flexibility that allows the eyewear to adapt to normal wear deformations without requiring frequent aggressive adjustments. The joints can accommodate small position changes within their range of motion, reducing the need for repeated bending and heating that would fatigue the materials and extend the service life of the side arms and frame.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid configuration is used to maintain stability, then optical and cosmetic alignment is constant, but user comfort is reduced due to inability to customize shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid fixed connections with multi-axis joints that provide controlled flexibility. These joints maintain stable optical and cosmetic alignment when in position, while allowing users to easily reposition components to customize the shape and fit to their specific needs, thus achieving both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The eyewear is divided into separable components (side arms, temples, lenses) connected by multi-axis joints rather than rigid monolithic structures. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted to achieve optimal fit and comfort for different users while maintaining stable alignment when assembled.
4Strength
If traditional rigid frames are used, then structural strength is maintained, but ease of adjustment is reduced and tool assistance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-axis joints are designed with controlled flexibility that allows easy manual adjustment without tools while maintaining sufficient structural strength when in position. The joints provide mechanical advantage through their lever arm geometry, enabling users to reposition heavy side arms and temples with minimal effort while the locked configuration maintains strong structural integrity during normal wear.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint for coupling a side arm to a frame of a pair of glasses. The joint includes a post, a plurality of prongs, and optionally a nut. The post is configured to be secured to one of the side arm or the frame and the plurality of prongs are configured to be secured to the other of the side arm or the frame. The post includes a shaft and an enlarged head at a distal end of the shaft. The plurality of prongs define a socket configured to receive at least a portion of the enlarged head of the post and apply a compressive force against the enlarged head of the post. The nut may be configured to generate a compressive force against the plurality of prongs. The compressive force may be adjusted by threading the nut along the length of the prongs. The nut may threadably engage a base that the prongs extend from and/or the prongs.