Hinged Spectacle Arm Support for Visible Decorations Above Headgear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spectacles with decorative patterns on lateral arms are obscured when worn with head coverings like scarves or veils, making the decorations invisible.

Innovation Solution

The spectacles feature a support element on the external flank of each arm, which is rotatably mounted via a hinge mechanism, allowing decorative surfaces to remain visible above the headgear and providing stable retention for the fabric folds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If decorative patterns are applied on the lateral arms of spectacles, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but the decorations become invisible when head coverings are worn

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoidvisibility of decorations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a support element that extends laterally from the arm, creating a new spatial dimension for displaying decorative patterns. This support element projects outward from the arm's surface, allowing decorations to be positioned in a different spatial plane that remains accessible to view even when head coverings are worn, thus resolving the visibility issue while maintaining aesthetic appeal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If the support element extends far from the arm, then visibility above headgear is improved, but stability of retention for fabric folds deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of decorationsVSAvoidretention stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support element is designed with articulation means that allow it to rotate between a first position (extended laterally for visibility) and a second position (retracted toward the arm for retention). This dynamic positioning capability enables the support element to adapt its configuration based on functional requirements, providing both visibility and retention stability as needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the support element is made rigid for stable retention, then reliability is improved, but adaptability to different positions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention stabilityVSAvoidposition adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support element incorporates articulation means including a resilient element that enables controlled rotation between positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the support element to transition between extended and retracted positions while maintaining structural integrity and retention capability in each position, thus achieving both reliability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 support element ensures that decorative patterns are visible even when wearing headgear, while securely holding the fabric in place, enhancing aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

there is provision for the articulation means to comprise a resilient element for rotating the support element towards the first position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3649504B1spectacles
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 SAFILO SPA
  • EP3649504B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3649504B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3649504B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

There are described a pair of spectacles comprising a front assembly mount (2) and a pair of arms (5) which extend from respective opposing lateral lugs (6) of the front mount, there being defined on each arm an internal lateral flank (5a), which is directed towards the head with the spectacles being worn, and an opposing external lateral flank (5b). The pair of spectacles further comprises on at least one of the arms (5) a respective support element (8), which is secured to the external flank (5b) of the arm in the region of a portion of the arm near the respective lug (6) for articulation to the mount (2) and which extends in the direction of longitudinal development of the arm behind the external flank (5b) and with a predetermined spacing from the external flank of the arm, the support (8) carrying a surface (8d), which is visible from the outer side with the spectacles being worn, which is intended to be decorated or to support decorative patterns.