Flexible Sidepiece Glasses with Segmented Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glasses with rigid or semi-rigid sidepieces face challenges in storage due to size constraints and discomfort during use, as they require tensioned elastic straps for support, which can cause pressure issues and misalignment of frame parts.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sidepiece made from semi-rigid plastic at the ends and thermoplastic elastomer in the central area, allowing bending for storage and adjustable fitting with a telescopic guide-seating system for even pressure distribution and easy adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid or semi-rigid sidepiece is used to maintain shape and provide support, then the glasses can be held securely on the head, but the sidepiece occupies considerable space and cannot be stored in a conventional-sized case
Solution Approach 1:
The sidepiece is segmented into multiple zones with different rigidity characteristics: a first zone with high rigidity for structural support, a second zone with intermediate rigidity, and a third zone with low rigidity for bending. This segmentation allows the sidepiece to maintain its shape when worn while enabling compact folding for storage in a conventional case.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sidepiece are assigned different mechanical properties (rigidity values) according to their functional requirements. The first zone near the hinge has high rigidity to maintain geometry, the second zone has intermediate rigidity for transition, and the third zone has low rigidity for flexibility during folding and adaptation to head contours.
2Volume of moving object
If an elastic strap is used as a restraint system to enable compact storage, then the sidepiece can be bent and stored in a conventional case, but the band must be adjusted and tensioned at the head which produces discomfort and increases pressure on the nose
Solution Approach 1:
The sidepiece is divided into zones with different rigidity levels, allowing it to fold compactly for storage while maintaining sufficient structural support when worn, eliminating the need for tensioned elastic straps that cause discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigidity parameter of the sidepiece is varied along its length, creating a gradient from high rigidity near the hinge to low rigidity at the bending zone. This parameter change allows the sidepiece to provide adequate support without requiring excessive tension, thereby reducing pressure on the nose and improving comfort.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid sidepiece is used to provide structural support, then the glasses remain stable on the head, but the sidepiece cannot be adjusted to fit different head contours
Solution Approach 1:
The sidepiece is segmented into zones with different rigidity characteristics, allowing the proximal portion to maintain structural stability while the distal portion can adapt to different head contours, achieving both stability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the sidepiece have locally optimized rigidity properties: the first zone maintains high rigidity for stability, while the third zone has low rigidity to conform to various head shapes, enabling the same sidepiece to fit different users comfortably.
4Ease of operation
If the frame is opened by the bridge area with detachable sidepieces, then the glasses can be easily put on and taken off, but the two parts of the frame may experience misalignment or relative turns during use
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system incorporates self-centering and self-aligning mechanisms that automatically correct minor misalignments when the sidepiece is attached to the frame, ensuring proper positioning without requiring precise manual alignment by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connection allows for controlled movement and adjustment of parameters such as angle and position during attachment, enabling the frame parts to self-align and eliminate misalignment issues while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Enables comfortable, secure fitting for various head sizes and movements, reducing storage space requirements and minimizing pressure on sensitive areas while ensuring proper alignment of frame parts.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible sidepiece (1) for connecting the two arms (4) of the glasses, made up from a bimaterial, comprising respective semi-rigid sections (11) and a flexible central area (12)
Implementation Method 2
an adjustment system which allows a perimeter adjustment to be carried out on the contour of the head, achieving a light and distributed pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 8~10
AI summary
The invention relates to glasses with a flexible sidepiece, comprising a frame (2) divided by the bridge area (3), and a sidepiece (1) configured from a narrow, elongated part the ends of which are coupled to articulated connection means that connect it to the respective external ends of said frame (2), and which is closed by the rear part of the head; said narrow, elongated part comprising semi-rigid sections (11) which comprise a substantially straight portion at the respective ends of the sidepiece; and a flexible central area (12) subsequently surrounding the user's head.