Kerf-like Slotted Spring Lock for Secure Interchangeable Lens Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing eyeglass and sunglass technologies face challenges in providing a versatile, cost-effective, and secure solution for interchangeable lenses that can withstand athletic activities.

Innovation Solution

A frame receptor with a kerf-like slotted spring lock mechanism that allows for easy insertion and secure retention of lenses, enabling quick lens changes and maintaining lens position during athletic activities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a secure lens retention mechanism is used, then lens stability during athletic activities is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens retention securityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete functional elements: a spring element providing biasing force, a lock element with latches for engagement, and a release element for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity and reliability in lens retention during athletic activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element automatically biases the lock element into the locked position without requiring external power or complex control systems. The mechanism self-locks when the lens is inserted, and the release element provides a simple manual override when needed, eliminating the need for electronic controls or multiple actuation stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a kerf-like slotted spring lock mechanism is used, then ease of lens insertion is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens insertion easeVSAvoidslot and latch dimensional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The kerf-like slots are designed with specific dimensional parameters that balance ease of insertion with manufacturing feasibility. The slots are positioned and dimensioned to allow the lock element to flex open sufficiently for lens insertion while maintaining precise engagement surfaces for the latches and detents, accommodating standard manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The lock element is designed as a dynamic component that flexes elastically within the kerf-like slots during lens insertion. This dynamic behavior allows the mechanism to accommodate minor variations in slot dimensions and latch positions, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliable engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable lens capability is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens interchangeabilityVSAvoidframe and receptor structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock element and receptor are designed as universal components that can accommodate various lens types through a standardized interface. The same spring element, lock element with latches, and release element work with different lens configurations, allowing the frame to serve multiple functions with interchangeable lenses without requiring separate mechanisms for each lens type.

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

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 a versatile and cost-effective means for interchangeable lenses, ensuring secure retention and ease of use, even during athletic activities.

Implementation Method 1

a kerf-like slotted spring lock. The kerf-like slotted spring lock releases under pressure to allow the insertion of a lens and once inserted, provides sufficient force to retain the lens in position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2966495B1Lens receptor lock for glasses
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 EARLEY WILLIAM J
  • EP2966495B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2966495B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2G
  • EP2966495B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3H

AI summary

A lens receptor that includes relief mechanism, such as a kerf-like slotted spring lock, that releases under pressure to allow the insertion of the lens and once inserted, provides sufficient force to retain the lens in position even during athletic activity. The lock includes an interior space that includes latches. The lens includes catches and detents that correspond to the latches. In operation, the lock is forced into the open position as the catches of the lens are forced to the backside of the latches, and as the lock closes, the latches are forced into the detents thereby securing the lens to the lock.