Hidden Snap-In Eyeglasses Temple Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing eyeglasses temple connection systems are aesthetically unpleasing, prone to breakage, and easily dirty due to visible fastening mechanisms and finger contact during unfastening.

Innovation Solution

A hidden snap-in connection system using an elongate member with a deformable tooth and a socket with a recess, where the elongate member is fully inserted and not visible from the outside, combined with a passage for a release key to prevent dirt entry and allow secure detachment without finger contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a visible snap-in connection system is used to allow detachable temple portions, then the wearer can easily substitute parts and change appearance, but the aesthetic appearance of the eyeglasses deteriorates because the connection system is clearly visible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to substitute temple portionsVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The elongate member is fully inserted into the socket, with the tooth engaging inside the recess. The member is completely nested within the socket structure, making the connection system invisible from the outside while maintaining detachable functionality for substituting temple portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If a conventional snap-in connection system is used, then the temple portions can be fastened and unfastened, but the connection system deteriorates in robustness and frequently breaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachable connectionVSAvoidconnection robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tooth is designed with a curved profile that matches the curvature of the recess. This curved geometry distributes mechanical stresses more evenly during engagement and disengagement, preventing stress concentration and frequent breakage while maintaining easy detachable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The tongue is made elastically deformable, allowing it to flex during the engagement and disengagement process. This elasticity enables the tooth to move in the locking direction and engage smoothly with the recess, absorbing mechanical shocks and improving connection robustness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the fastening system is accessible for finger operation, then the temple portions can be unfastened with fingers, but the system deteriorates by being easily dirtied due to lipid layer transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefinger operation for unfasteningVSAvoiddirt contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful contact between fingers and the fastening system is eliminated by extracting the need for direct finger access. The passage allows insertion of a release key for unfastening operations, removing fingers from the equation and preventing lipid layer transfer and dirt contamination of the connection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution provides an aesthetically refined, robust, and clean temple connection that is difficult for dirt to penetrate, ensuring a secure and durable fastening while maintaining a smooth appearance.

Implementation Method 1

a tongue from which a tooth projects transversely to the longitudinal direction, the tongue being elastically deformable to allow the tooth to move in a locking direction transversal to the longitudinal direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9448420B2Eyeglasses temple

Publication Date: 2016.09.20 LUXOTTICA SRL

AI summary

An eyeglasses temple comprises a first portion, having an end hingeable to a front rim of the eyeglasses and a fastening end, and a second portion, having an end designed to rest on a wearer's ear and a fastening end, the fastening ends being connectable by a snap-in connection; a first of the fastening ends comprises an elongate member extending in a longitudinal direction and having a tongue from which a tooth projects transversely to the longitudinal direction, the tongue being elastically deformable to allow the tooth to move in a locking direction transversal to the longitudinal direction; the second of the fastening ends comprises a socket having an opening to guide the insertion and extraction of the member into and from the socket in the longitudinal direction, and internally defines, on a wall which delimits the socket, a recess shaped to receive the tooth.