Foldable Eyewear Connector Layout for Hidden Port Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Eyewear with onboard electronics is often bulky and unwieldy due to power and data ports, making them difficult to transport and unsightly when not in use.
Innovation Solution
The eyewear features a selectively exposable connector that hides ports when worn and exposes them for charging or data transfer when folded, using magnetic elements for continuous contact engagement and a case with internal connectors for seamless power and data connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power and data ports are permanently exposed for charging and data transfer, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and aesthetic appearance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to dynamically change its exposure state based on the temple position. When the temple is in the worn position, the connector is concealed within the hinge assembly. When the temple is folded to the storage position, the connector is automatically exposed and engaged with the case. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for permanent exposed ports while ensuring ease of charging when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector function is extracted from a permanent fixed position and made selective to the temple position. The connector is taken out of the continuous exposure state and only activated when the temple is in the folded position, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the eyewear is designed with visible ports for connectivity, then ease of operation is improved, but aesthetic appearance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a static visible port to a dynamic element that is concealed during wear and exposed during storage. The temple's movement drives this transition, automatically hiding the connector when worn and revealing it when folded, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance during use while preserving ease of charging during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The temple acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the aesthetic requirement (hidden connector during wear) and the operational requirement (accessible connector for charging). By coupling the connector's exposure to the temple's position, the temple serves as the intermediary that resolves the conflict between appearance and functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the connector is always accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time during folding/unfolding worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-positioned and automatically engaged with the case connector when the temple is folded to the storage position. This preliminary positioning ensures that as soon as the temple reaches the folded position, the electrical connection is already established, eliminating any additional time required to manually connect charging cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the connection action automatically through the temple's folding motion itself. The mechanical movement of folding the temple directly causes the connector engagement, making the system self-serving rather than requiring separate manual intervention for both folding and connecting operations.
4Volume of moving object
If the eyewear is made compact for transport, then ease of operation for portability is improved, but accessibility of ports worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The connector's accessibility is made dynamic rather than static. In the compact folded state, the connector is exposed and accessible for charging. In the extended worn state, the connector is concealed within the hinge assembly. This dynamic behavior allows the same compact structure to provide both portability and conditional accessibility without compromise.
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 allows for convenient transportation and aesthetically pleasing wearability by hiding ports when in use while enabling easy charging and data transfer when folded, enhancing user experience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
movement of the temple from the worn position to the folded position exposes the connector for connection to the case or cable. The magnetic elements engage the connector continuously to maintain contact between the eyewear and case
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems and methods for wearable devices such as eyewear are described. According to one embodiment, the wearable device includes a body, electronics, and a connector. The body is configured to hold one or more optical elements, the body being disposable between a collapsed condition and a wearable condition in which the device is wearable by a user to hold the one or more optical elements within user view. The electronics are carried by the body. The connector is configured to enable establishment of an electrical and/or electronic connection with the electronics via the connector, the connector being housed by the body such that the connector is substantially obscured from view when the body is in the wearable condition, and such that the connector is exposed for connective access when the body is in the collapsed condition.