Hinge-Free Goggles One-Piece Elastic Frame Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety goggles with fixed frames are costly and time-consuming to produce, lack flexibility for rim changes, and do not meet safety and design requirements, particularly for work safety applications.

Innovation Solution

The design features a one-piece injection-molded plastic frame with elastic properties, including hook-like attachments and a U-shaped recess system for lens fastening, allowing for secure fit, flexibility, and easy manufacturing, while also incorporating a two-component counter-current injection molding for the nose pad and temples to enhance comfort and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional fixed frames with separate components are used, then structural stability is achieved, but manufacturing cost and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing cost and timeVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the frame and temples into a single one-piece structure made from a continuous sheet of plastic material. This eliminates the need for separate components and assembly operations, directly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining structural integrity through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous sheet material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it forms the frame structure, provides structural stability, enables elastic deformation for lens insertion, and creates the overall goggle architecture. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and assembly steps.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional soldered brackets are used for lens fastening, then structural stability is achieved, but adaptability for rim changes is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens replacement flexibilityVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic elements through elastic deformation zones that allow the frame to flex during lens insertion and removal. This elasticity enables easy lens replacement while maintaining a secure fit during use, providing both adaptability and structural stability without complex fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If rigid frame structures are used, then structural strength is achieved, but impact energy absorption is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety complianceVSAvoidimpact resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the frame by introducing elastic deformation zones with reduced wall thickness. These zones allow controlled flexing under impact loads, enabling the frame to absorb impact energy through deformation while maintaining overall structural strength and safety compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If separate hinge components are used, then adjustability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewearing comfortVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the hinge function into the continuous sheet structure itself. The elastic deformation zones provide the necessary flexibility and adjustability for wearing comfort without requiring separate hinge components, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enables the production of affordable, comfortable, and safety-compliant safety goggles with enhanced wearability and bullet resistance, as the elastic frame absorbs impact energy and allows for easy lens adjustment, meeting EN 166 F standards.

Implementation Method 1

the fastening devices for the lens being injection-moulded from plastic in one piece with an inherently elastic upper frame part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the lens has a certain amount of play relative to the upper frame part, through which the energy from the Particles hitting the outside of the pane can be absorbed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP1731946B1Hinge-free goggles, in particular safety goggles
Publication Date: 2015.07.29 UVEX ARBEITSSCHUTZ
  • EP1731946B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1731946B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1731946B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In the case of hingeless spectacles, in particular safety spectacles, wherein the temples are formed in one piece with an upper frame part and fastening devices for the lens are formed on the upper frame part, it is provided, in order to achieve cost-effective manufacturing, that these fastening devices for the lens (2) are injection-molded in one piece from plastic with a self-elastic upper frame part (3).