Illuminated Eyewear Temple Arm Lighting Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior lighted eyeglasses are often bulky, inconvenient, and aesthetically unsatisfactory due to heavy lighting modules, complex wiring, and unreliable hinge switches, which compromise performance and appearance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates thin, compact batteries and LEDs within the temple arm members, eliminating the need for external wiring and hinge switches, with canted blinder surfaces to minimize glare and maintain a traditional eyeglass appearance by housing all lighting components within the temple arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If separate and bulky lighting modules are fastened to the glasses, then illumination function is provided, but the glasses become bulky and heavy making them inconvenient to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting module, battery, and mounting structure into a single integrated unit that attaches directly to the temple arm. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate bulky components and reduces overall weight while maintaining illumination functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting module is nested within a compact housing that attaches to the temple arm, with the battery integrated into the same structure. This nesting approach minimizes the external dimensions and weight of the lighting system while preserving its illumination capability.
2Illumination intensity
If lighting modules and electronic components are mounted conspicuously on the glasses, then illumination function is provided, but the glasses have an unsightly appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the lighting module and electronic components specifically on the temple arm (side arm) rather than on the front frame or lenses. This localized placement maintains the aesthetic appearance of the glasses from the front view while providing the necessary illumination function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting module and electronic components are extracted from the front-facing areas of the glasses and relocated to the temple arm. This extraction removes the unsightly components from the visible front area while preserving their functional illumination capability.
3Reliability
If wires are run from the power source to the light source across the pivot connections, then electrical connection is established, but the pivoting action between temple arms and front frame is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection from the pivot connection area by routing wires through dedicated channels or openings in the temple arm structure. This separation allows the pivot action to occur without interference from wires spanning the connection point, simplifying the mechanical movement while maintaining electrical reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary structures such as wire channels, grommets, or routing guides within the temple arm that facilitate wire passage. These intermediaries protect the wires from damage during pivoting and prevent them from interfering with the pivot action, thereby maintaining both electrical connection and mechanical simplicity.
4Ease of operation
If hinge switches are used to power the light source, then hands-free operation is achieved, but the lights blink on and off due to intermittent conductance from repeated usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light control function from the hinge switch mechanism by implementing a separate on/off switch located on the temple arm. This separation allows the hinge to pivot freely without electrical contacts that would wear and cause blinking, while maintaining hands-free operation through the dedicated switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hinge switch system with a separate mechanical on/off switch that is not integrated into the hinge mechanism. This substitution eliminates the wear and intermittent conductance problems associated with hinge switches while preserving the hands-free operation benefit.
5Adaptability or versatility
If another on/off switch is added to allow glasses to function as unlighted glasses, then conventional glass functionality is restored, but complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal on/off switch that serves dual purposes: it controls the light source when needed and allows the glasses to function as conventional unlighted glasses when the light is turned off. This single switch provides both lighting control and conventional glass functionality without requiring additional switches or complex mechanisms.
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 configuration provides reliable, hands-free illumination without bulkiness or unsightly components, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics by ensuring seamless integration of lighting within the eyewear.
Implementation Method 1
The design incorporates thin, compact batteries and LEDs within the temple arm members
Data Source
AI summary
Illuminated eyewear is provided. In one form, the temple arm members have all the lighting components mounted thereto including for each temple arm member a light, power source for the light, and electrical connections including a switch for providing power from the power source to the light. In another form, the cross-frame member has blinder portions integrally formed at either end thereof which are configured to block stray light to avoid glare problems. The blinder portions preferably include surfaces that are inclined to generally extend along the light cone generated by an LED light source mounted to the front end portion of each of the temple arm members. In another form, the temple arm members each have a recessed cavity formed in inner surface portion thereof in which the power source and switch components are received with the switch actuator mounted to the inner surface portion so it is hidden from view when the eyewear is worn for enhanced aesthetics.