Flat Fold Eyeglasses Hinge Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional eyeglasses folding designs result in a bulky case due to a relatively thick folded configuration, making them difficult to store in small spaces like cloth pockets or personal bags.

Innovation Solution

The eyeglasses feature a frame with temples connected by hinges that can rotate from a perpendicular to a parallel position using a ball and socket joint, allowing for a substantially flat configuration, which can be stored in a compact case, with a groove providing frictional resistance and a retaining mechanism to maintain the folded position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional hinges fold temples horizontally toward the frame, then the eyeglasses achieve a smaller profile than when unfolded, but the folded configuration remains relatively thick requiring a bulky case

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolded profile volumeVSAvoidfolded thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism transitions from horizontal folding (first dimension) to vertical folding (second dimension), allowing the temple to rotate from a horizontal position to a vertical position that aligns with the frame's thickness dimension, achieving a flatter profile

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge enables dynamic reconfiguration of the temple's spatial orientation, allowing it to switch between extended and folded positions while maintaining structural integrity and achieving compact storage configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the groove width is increased to reduce frictional resistance, then the temple piece can move more easily, but the retaining capability of the groove is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of temple movementVSAvoidretaining capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The groove width parameter is optimized to a specific range that balances two competing requirements: sufficient width to allow easy insertion and movement of the temple piece, yet narrow enough to provide adequate frictional retention and prevent accidental displacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design enables eyeglasses to be folded into a compact, flat configuration, allowing them to be stored in a smaller case, enhancing portability and space efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the groove having a width sized to provide frictional resistance to movement of the at least one temple piece relative to the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11422386B2Flat fold eyeglasses and case

Publication Date: 2022.08.23 THINOPTICS INC

AI summary

Eyeglasses are provided capable of folding into a substantially flat configuration that may be fitted inside a compact case or other narrow space. The eyeglasses may include a frame configured to hold one or more lenses and defining an imaginary plane, at least one temple piece, and at least one hinge connecting the at least one temple piece to the frame, wherein the hinge is configured to rotate the at least one temple piece between a first position extending substantially perpendicular to the imaginary plane defined by the frame, and second position extending substantially parallel to the imaginary plane.