Multi-Jointed Folding Eyeglasses for Compact Low-Effort Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding eyeglasses do not achieve the smallest possible space occupation and require significant effort to fold, with limitations in both temple and front-level folding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The eyeglasses feature a multi-jointed hinge system with differentially loaded compression springs and bistable mechanisms allowing temples and front to be folded with minimal effort, achieving a compact configuration by superimposing lenses and temples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If existing folding mechanisms are used, then the eyeglasses can be folded, but the space occupation and folding effort are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The temple is divided into multiple segments including a proximal temple portion, a distal temple portion, and an intermediate temple portion. This segmentation allows each part to fold independently and contribute to achieving the compact folded state while distributing the folding action across multiple joints, reducing the effort required at each individual joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism is designed so that the distal temple portion nests within the proximal temple portion when folded, and the intermediate temple portion provides additional nesting capability. This nested configuration minimizes the overall volume occupied by the folded eyeglasses while maintaining ease of operation through the progressive folding action.
2Length of stationary object
If simple folding mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is low, but the folding thickness is not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The front is divided into a first front portion and a second front portion, creating a bi-stable hinge mechanism that enables the front to fold onto itself. This segmentation allows the lenses to be superimposed, minimizing the folding thickness while keeping the mechanism relatively simple through the use of standard hinge components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bi-stable hinge mechanism provides dynamic folding capability where the front can transition between open and folded states. This dynamic design allows the front to actively engage in the folding process, reducing the overall folding thickness without requiring complex mechanical systems.
3Ease of operation
If multi-jointed hinges with springs are used, then the folding effort is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Compression springs are incorporated into the multi-jointed hinge mechanism to provide counterbalancing force that assists the user during folding and unfolding operations. The springs store and release mechanical energy, reducing the effort required by the user while adding only moderate complexity through the integration of spring elements within the hinge assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-jointed hinge with integrated springs creates a dynamic system that adapts to the folding motion. The springs provide progressive resistance and assistance throughout the folding range, making the operation easier while the modular joint design keeps the overall complexity manageable through standardized components.
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
The eyeglasses can be folded to occupy the smallest possible space with minimal user effort, ensuring high reliability and competitive costs.
Implementation Method 1
there are compression springs arranged between said sliders and the respective temple portions
Implementation Method 2
The temple is provided with a bi-stable hinge mechanism which enables said temple to be folded onto itself
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
Folding eyeglasses (1), comprising a front (2) which supports a pair of lenses (3) and a pair of temples (4) hinged to the front (2), each one of the temples (4) comprises a proximal portion (4a) and a distal portion (4b) which are mutually hinged by means of a hinge (5); the hinge (5) comprises a multi-jointed central body (6) configured to allow a first 90° rotation of the distal portion (4b) of the temple (4) and a further 90° rotation of the multi-jointed central body (6) with respect to the proximal portion (4a) of the temple (4), in order to arrange the proximal portion (4a) of the temple (4) and the distal portion (4b) of the temple so that they are mutually parallel and superimposed.