Magnetic Connector for Screwless Eyewear Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eyewear connectors are prone to damage, require miniature screws that are difficult to handle and replace, and lack flexibility, leading to breakage and disfigurement.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic connector system using magnets with opposite or same polarities to connect eyewear components, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and replacement without the need for screws, while providing flexibility and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connectors with miniature screws are used, then the eyewear members are securely connected, but the connectors are prone to damage, breakage, and disfigurement, and the screws are difficult to handle and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical screw-based connection system with a magnetic field-based connection system. Magnets embedded in the connector components create magnetic attraction forces that securely hold eyewear members together without requiring miniature screws, thereby eliminating handling difficulties and improving both reliability and ease of replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the miniature screws from the connector system entirely, removing the problematic components that are difficult to handle and replace. The magnetic connector achieves secure connection without these extracted screw elements, solving the operational difficulty while maintaining connection strength.
2Strength
If rigid connectors are used to securely connect eyewear members, then the connection is strong, but the connectors lack flexibility and are prone to breakage when bent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility to the connector by incorporating flexible components that allow the magnetic connector to bend and adapt to stress without breaking. The magnetic field maintains connection strength while the physical structure gains adaptability to deformation, resolving the contradiction between strength and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the connector by using magnetic field strength rather than rigid mechanical interlocking. This allows the connection to maintain strength through magnetic attraction while permitting flexible movement and bending of the connector components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If detachable frame connectors are created to provide flexibility, then the eyewear can be adjusted, but the frames ultimately result in breakage, metal fatigue, loss of miniature screws, or severe disfigurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical detachable connector system that suffers from metal fatigue and screw loss with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic connection provides easy detachability for adjustment while eliminating metal fatigue and screw loss issues, thereby improving reliability alongside adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connector components are designed to be replaceable and durable, eliminating the need for complex repair of broken mechanical parts. The magnetic system allows for simple replacement rather than repair, reducing metal fatigue and disfigurement issues.
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 magnetic connector system minimizes damage to eyewear by allowing components to detach easily when bent, enables easy repair and interchangeability, and eliminates the need for screws, providing a secure and flexible connection.
Implementation Method 1
When the magnets are positioned in sufficient proximity to each other to create a magnetic field of attraction, members are thereby substantially connected
Implementation Method 2
magnets are positioned in proximity to each other sufficient to create a field of magnetic repulsion, members are pushed away from each other and a tension is created that secures the engagement between the lock and key
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a magnetic connector for use between members to magnetically connect members such as members between eyewear. Magnetic connector has first and second magnets positioned in or on first and second eyewear members, respectively. Magnets are positioned substantially parallel to each other in a plane and rotate about an axis. A magnetic field of attraction is created between magnets when magnets are in sufficient proximity to each other thereby substantially connecting members. When magnets disengage or fall out of alignment due to force or pressure against members, magnets disengage and allow members to break away without damage. In an embodiment, a magnetic nose pad assembly is disclosed that is used to magnetically attach a nose pad to a nose pad arm.