Eyewear Traction Surface Asymmetric Texturing for Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing eyewear lacks effective traction devices to securely maintain position on the wearer's head, especially during active sports or forceful movements.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a traction surface on eyewear supports, such as nosepieces and earstems, which exert varying amounts of traction force in different directions to prevent slipping while allowing easy removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traction surface is added to eyewear supports, then retention and anti-slip performance are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveretentionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traction surface is integrated directly into the eyewear support structure (nosepiece or earstem), merging the retention function with the existing structural component. This eliminates the need for separate retention mechanisms while enhancing grip through the textured surface pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The traction surface applies localized texturing only to specific contact areas of the eyewear supports where skin contact occurs. This provides enhanced friction and retention precisely where needed, while leaving other portions of the structure simple and unmodified.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If high traction force is exerted in all directions, then retention is improved, but ease of removal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveretentionVSAvoidease of removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The traction surface employs asymmetric texturing with protrusions oriented at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the skin surface. This asymmetric geometry provides high friction forces in directions perpendicular to the protrusion orientation (preventing slippage during wear) while allowing easier separation forces when pulled in the direction parallel to the protrusion orientation (facilitating removal).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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

The traction surface effectively inhibits slipping of eyewear in undesired directions, enhancing retention during wear, while allowing easy removal with minimal resistance in desired directions.

Implementation Method 1

The traction surface exerts a traction force on a contact surface at a plurality of contact points within the contact surface, the traction force being configured to inhibit slipping of the eyewear on a user's head when worn.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3387485B1Eyewear traction devices and methods

Publication Date: 2025.05.07 OAKLEY INC

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AI summary

Eyewear can be provided that include at least a support and a traction surface that allows the eyewear to be retained on a user's face. The support can include at least an earstem and a face. The traction surface can be coupled to a portion of the support. The traction surface can provide a greater amount of traction force before slipping when subject to forces in certain directions and can provide a lesser amount of traction force before slipping when subject to forces in other directions.