Interchangeable Bridge Spectacle Frame with Adjustable Aperture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spectacle frames lack easy adaptability to individual wearer morphology, particularly interpupillary distance, and do not allow for easy lens mounting or personalization without tools.

Innovation Solution

A spectacle frame design featuring interchangeable bridges and temples with complementary connecting means, allowing for adjustable interpupillary distance and easy lens attachment without screws or tools, using a kit of parts for customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional spectacle frames are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different wearer morphologies and lens mounting difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to wearer morphologyVSAvoidlens mounting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spectacle frame is divided into separate modular components: rims with cuts, interchangeable bridges, and detachable temples. Each component can be independently selected and assembled to match different wearer morphologies and preferences, enabling easy adaptation while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connecting means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame incorporates adjustable and interchangeable elements including variable bridge positions, adjustable temple lengths, and detachable components. These dynamic features allow the frame to adapt to different interpupillary distances and wearer preferences, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed bridge designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different interpupillary distances decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterpupillary distance adjustmentVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge connecting means are designed with universal compatibility across different bridge types and positions. The standardized connecting mechanism allows multiple bridge configurations to interface with the same rim structure, enabling interpupillary distance adjustment without increasing overall system complexity.

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

3Reliability

If screws and tools are used for lens mounting, then secure attachment is achieved, but ease of operation and user-friendly assembly decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens attachment securityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional screw-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with a snap-fit or click-in mechanism integrated into the rim cuts. This substitution maintains secure lens attachment through elastic deformation and geometric interlocking while eliminating the need for tools, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3596535B1Spectacle frame with cut rims and attachable bridge, kit of parts and eyewear
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP3596535B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3596535B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3596535B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention is a spectacle frame (1) comprising a pair of lens holding rims (2R, 2L) interconnected by a bridge (3), each rim (2R, 2L) being suitable to encircle and holding a lens in a central aperture (5R, 5L) of the rim (2R, 2L), each rim (2R, 2L) being linked laterally to a temple, each rim (2R, 2L) having at least one cut (6BR, 6BL) allowing to expand the central aperture (5R, 5L) or to retract and close the central aperture by closing the cut (6BR, 6BL), the spectacle frame (1) further comprising at least one locking means allowing to close and lock the cuts (6BR, 6BL) of the rims (2R, 2L). According to the invention, the bridge is attachable to the rims (2R, 2L) in order to allow the attachment of one bridge (3) chosen among bridges having different shapes and/or sizes and/or decorations to adapt the spectacle frame to different morphological features of wearers and/or to choices of the wearers, and wherein the rims (2R, 2L) and the bridge (3) comprises complementary bridge connecting means (7R, 8R, 7L, 8L) (9R, 10R, 9L, 10L) to attach and connect the bridge (3) to each rim (2R, 2L). A kit of parts and an eyewear complete the invention.