Foldable Eyewear Connector Layout for Hidden Charging Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Eyewear with onboard electronics is 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/data transfer when folded, using magnetic elements for continuous contact engagement and a case with internal connectors for seamless charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If eyewear includes onboard electronics with ports for power and data transfer, then functionality is improved, but the eyewear becomes bulky and unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is extracted from the main body of the eyewear and positioned on the temple piece, allowing it to be selectively exposed only when needed. This separates the functional element from the main structure, reducing the perceived bulkiness while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to be dynamically exposed or hidden based on the temple's position. When the temple is in the worn position, the connector is hidden; when the temple is folded, the connector is exposed for charging. This dynamic behavior allows the eyewear to maintain a sleek appearance during use while providing easy access to ports when stored.
2Ease of operation
If ports are always exposed for charging and data transfer, then ease of operation is improved, but the eyewear becomes unsightly when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The connector's visibility is dynamically controlled by the temple's position. In the worn position, the temple covers the connector, maintaining aesthetics. When folded for storage or charging, the temple moves away, automatically exposing the connector for easy access. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction between always-exposed ports and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The eyewear structure itself serves as the covering mechanism for the connector. The temple piece automatically hides or exposes the connector based on its position, eliminating the need for separate covers or flaps. The act of folding the temple for storage simultaneously exposes the connector for charging, making the system self-serving.
3Volume of moving object
If the temple is folded for compact storage, then portability is improved, but the connector must be accessible for charging
Solution Approach 1:
The connector's exposure is dynamically linked to the temple's folded position. When the temple is folded to achieve compact storage, the connector is automatically positioned in an exposed, accessible state. This allows the eyewear to be compact for portability while simultaneously making the connector ready for charging without requiring additional manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The act of folding the temple performs a preliminary action of exposing the connector before charging begins. By folding the temple into the case, the user automatically prepares the connector for connection, eliminating the need to separately open covers or manipulate the connector. The folding action itself sets up the charging condition.
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 and aesthetically pleasing storage and charging of electronic eyewear by hiding ports when worn and exposing them for connection when folded, enhancing usability and portability.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet or other magnetically attracted material can be positioned on the frame near the first connector, and a corresponding magnet or magnetically attracted material can be positioned on the temple near the second connector. These magnetic elements can promote continuous contact engagement between the first and second connectors when the temple is in the first position.
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.