Flexible Pin Coupling for 3D Printed Glasses Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coupling systems for glasses require specialized machinery and labor, leading to longer production times and higher costs, and are not compatible with 3D printing due to limitations in producing small-sized components, making repairs and replacements difficult.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system using a pin made of flexible material with blind holes and an elastic element, allowing for adjustable and secure attachment of stems to the frontal frame, enabling the entire glasses production chain to be made via 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If micro-screw systems are used to couple frontal frame and stems, then the coupling strength and stability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate functional components: a stem coupling portion with a through-hole, a frontal frame coupling portion with a blind hole, and a flexible pin. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and manufactured using 3D printing, resolving the contradiction between achieving reliable coupling and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional micro-screw mechanical fastening system is replaced with a flexible pin system that utilizes elastic deformation of the pin material to create the coupling mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized screw machinery and trained labor while maintaining coupling reliability through the elastic properties of the pin.
2Reliability
If micro-screw systems are used for coupling, then the connection stability is improved, but the production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible pin automatically deforms and locks into position through elastic deformation when the stem and frontal frame are assembled. The pin self-adjusts to accommodate minor dimensional variations without requiring precise alignment or specialized assembly machinery, thereby reducing production time while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is designed with specific elastic properties and dimensional parameters that allow it to deform during assembly and then maintain a stable locked position. By optimizing the pin's material properties and geometric parameters, the system achieves both rapid assembly and long-term connection stability.
3Reliability
If standard coupling systems are used, then the coupling reliability is improved, but the adaptability to 3D printing manufacturing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system merges the stem, frontal frame, and pin into an integrated assembly process where the pin is inserted through the stem's through-hole and into the frontal frame's blind hole. This merged design allows all components to be manufactured using 3D printing technology while maintaining coupling reliability through the flexible pin's elastic locking mechanism.
4Manufacturing precision
If specialized machinery and labor are required for assembly, then the coupling precision is improved, but the ease of repair and replacement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible pin provides a dynamic coupling mechanism that can be manually manipulated and adjusted. The pin's flexibility allows it to be compressed and repositioned during assembly, and similarly allows users to adjust or replace the pin themselves during repair, eliminating the need for specialized assembly machinery while maintaining adequate precision.
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 solution reduces production costs and complexity, allows for easy adjustment and secure fitting of glasses, and enables the production of high-quality glasses using 3D printing, facilitating DIY repairs and replacements.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element (14) adapted to be interposed between said stems (5) and said frontal frame (1) in an appropriate seat (15) so as to create friction between the two elements and better control the opening and closing movement of the stems (5) on the frontal frame (1)
Implementation Method 2
by means of the elastic deformation of the pin (11) and/or of the coupling portions (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling system for glasses having two stems and a frontal frame includes: for each of stem, a pin made of flexible material and having two opposite ends; two blind holes made on coupling portions of the frontal frame; and a through seat made on ends of each of stems adapted to receive the pin. The second end of each stem including the pin in the respective seat is adapted to be inserted in the respective coupling portion of the frontal frame so the ends of the pin are inserted into the blind holes made therein by elastic deformation of the pin and/or of the coupling portions.