Liquid Crystal Ski Goggle Stress Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard ski goggles cause strain and stress on liquid crystal devices due to their construction, leading to failures, especially in harsh outdoor conditions, as the electrodes are susceptible to flexing and contortion, resulting in fragile electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal ski goggle design where the liquid crystal device is positioned on a rear lens that is not tightly secured to the frame, with a power unit connected via copper strips and spring-loaded leads, allowing the lens to 'float' and reducing stress, and a power unit with a recessed state change switch to prevent accidental activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the rear lens is tightly adhered to the gasket and frame to provide structural support, then the goggle structure is stable, but strain and stress are transferred to the liquid crystal device causing failure
Solution Approach 1:
The goggle structure is divided into two separate mounting systems: the front lens is secured to the frame through the gasket, while the rear lens is independently suspended by spring-loaded clips. This segmentation isolates the liquid crystal device between two lenses from the structural stresses of the frame, allowing each component to fulfill its function without transferring harmful forces to the others.
Solution Approach 2:
Spring-loaded metal clips serve as intermediary elements between the frame and the rear lens. These clips provide the necessary mechanical support and positioning for the rear lens while absorbing and isolating structural stresses, preventing them from being transmitted to the liquid crystal device mounted on the lens assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the liquid crystal device is mounted on the rear lens to enable optical control, then the user can darken or lighten the lens, but the fragile electrical connections are susceptible to failure due to flexing and strain
Solution Approach 1:
Spring-loaded metal clips are pre-installed to provide cushioning and stress absorption for the rear lens assembly before any operational stresses occur. This beforehand cushioning protects the electrical connections embedded in the lens from future flexing and strain during normal goggle use and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of flexible spring-loaded metal clips provides a compliant mounting system that can accommodate minor movements and flexing of the lens without transmitting rigid stresses to the electrical connections. This flexible support mechanism maintains reliable electrical contact while allowing the lens assembly to move slightly without causing connection failure.
3Strength
If the goggle uses standard tight construction to secure lenses, then the lenses are firmly held, but the liquid crystal device electrodes are contorted and breakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into a rigid frame structure for overall support and a separate, more compliant rear lens suspension system using spring clips. This segmentation allows the frame to provide strong structural integrity while the spring clips provide a compliant interface that protects the electrode connections from contortion and breakage.
4Ease of operation
If the state change button is positioned near the top edge for easy access, then the user can easily actuate the liquid crystal device, but accidental activation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The state change button is positioned asymmetrically on the lower portion of the goggle frame rather than at the top edge. This asymmetric positioning maintains ease of access for the user while eliminating the risk of accidental activation that would occur with top-edge placement, as the button is located in an area less likely to be inadvertently pressed during normal wear.
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 design significantly reduces stress on the liquid crystal device, enhances the durability of the electrical connections, and prevents unwanted power consumption, leading to a more reliable and durable ski goggle.
Implementation Method 1
these devices may have a first, unactuated state, and a second actuated state, wherein the application of an electric potential or other physical stimulus causes the device to switch between the states
Data Source
AI summary
A goggle includes a lens assembly which comprises a front lens, a rear lens spaced apart from the front lens, and a liquid crystal device disposed on one of the lenses. The goggle includes a frame, which defines an aperture and a peripheral channel. The peripheral channel receives the front lens and the rear lens is positioned rearward of the channel so that the aperture receives the lens assembly. A power unit includes a battery and a drive circuit, wherein the drive circuit is connected to a pair of prongs that are electrically connectable to the liquid crystal device for operation thereof. The power unit provides a master switch connected to the battery to control application of power to the drive circuit, and a state change switch to control application of power from the drive circuit, through the prongs, to the liquid crystal device.