3D Printed Goggle Frames for Custom Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional goggles struggle to provide a comfortable and secure fit for users due to the variability in face shapes and sizes, as standard sizes cannot adequately accommodate individual differences, leading to discomfort during extended wear.

Innovation Solution

A goggle customization system that uses 3D face scanning technology to generate custom-fit goggle frames and components, combining user-specific geometry with standard components, allowing for precise fitting through 3D printing and assembly with standard-size components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If standard-size goggle frames are used, then manufacturing cost and inventory management are simplified, but fit comfort and security are insufficient for users with varying face shapes and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit precisionVSAvoidcustomization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs 3D face scanning and custom frame generation in advance before manufacturing. The customization process is completed digitally beforehand, allowing standard manufacturing processes to produce custom-fitted goggles without adding complexity to the physical manufacturing stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system varies geometric parameters of the goggle frame based on individual face scan data. By adjusting parameters such as frame curvature, width, and depth to match specific user measurements, the system achieves precise fit customization while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If 3D scanning and custom manufacturing are implemented, then fit precision and comfort are improved, but manufacturing time and production complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is divided into modular components: digital scanning, 3D modeling, parameter optimization, and fabrication. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different goggle components and enables standardized sub-assemblies to be manufactured efficiently while custom portions are produced on-demand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital 3D models and prototypes virtually before physical manufacturing. By working with digital copies and simulations, the system validates design accuracy and fit precision without consuming physical materials or manufacturing time, reducing waste and accelerating the design-to-production cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If fully custom goggle frames are manufactured for each user, then fit comfort is maximized, but manufacturing cost and production time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewearability comfortVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system designs custom goggle frames with standardized interfaces and common components that can be shared across different user configurations. By maintaining universal mounting points, lens attachments, and adjustment mechanisms, the system reduces the number of unique parts that need to be manufactured while preserving custom fit characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies full customization only to the portions of the goggle frame that directly contact the user's face, while keeping non-contact portions standardized. This selective customization approach maximizes comfort benefits in critical areas while minimizing manufacturing complexity and cost in less critical areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 system provides a comfortable and secure custom-fit goggle that addresses the variability in user face shapes, enhancing wearability and user satisfaction by utilizing 3D scanning and printing to create tailored goggle frames and components.

Implementation Method 1

A goggle customization system that uses 3D face scanning technology to generate custom-fit goggle frames

Methodology Applied
Scientific Effect3D scanning: Photogrammetry

Implementation Method 2

allowing for precise fitting through 3D printing and assembly with standard-size components

Methodology Applied
Scientific Effect3D printing: 3D Printing

Data Source

PatentEP4202819A1Goggle customization system and methods
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 SMITH SPORT OPTICS INC
  • EP4202819A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4202819A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4202819A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Computer-implemented systems and methods for making a custom-fit goggle are described.