Modular Glasses Temple with Removable Electronic Sensor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glasses for the blind or visually impaired with integrated electronic components on the temples are bulky, heavy, and non-replaceable, altering the form and requiring complete replacement upon damage.

Innovation Solution

A modular temple design featuring removable electronic components with a USB connector system, allowing for structural and electrical connections that enable obstacle detection and signaling, and can be easily swapped with a non-electronic structural component for use on a walking stick.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electronic components are integrated into the temple structure, then obstacle detection and signaling functions are achieved, but the glasses become heavier and bulkier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstacle detection capabilityVSAvoidweight of glasses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The temple is divided into two separate components: a first component containing the electronic module with optical sensor, and a second component containing the fastening mechanism. These components can be detached from each other, allowing the electronic components to be removed when not needed, thus reducing the weight and bulk of the glasses during normal use while maintaining full functionality when the components are assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If electronic components are permanently mounted on the temple, then structural integrity is maintained, but the components cannot be replaced in case of damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrity of templeVSAvoidreplaceability of electronic components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the first component and second component is made dynamic rather than static. The fastening mechanism allows the components to be easily assembled and disassembled, enabling the electronic module to be replaced if damaged or depleted, while maintaining structural integrity when assembled. This dynamic connection resolves the contradiction between permanent mounting for strength and replaceability for repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If electronic components are added to the temple, then advanced detection functions are provided, but the form and size of the glasses are altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstacle detection functionVSAvoidform of glasses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the temple into detachable components, the electronic module can be integrated into the overall temple structure only when needed. When removed, the original form and size of the glasses are preserved. The first component is designed to attach to the second component in a way that maintains the aesthetic and functional appearance of a traditional temple when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If the temple is designed as a single integrated component, then manufacturing is simplified, but the electronic components cannot be easily removed for other uses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidreusability of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The first component containing the electronic module is designed to be universally applicable - it can attach to different second components including traditional temple structures or other support structures like walking sticks. This multi-functionality allows the electronic components to be reused across different devices and applications, enhancing versatility while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for each individual component.

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 lightweight, form-preserving, and easily replaceable temple that enhances obstacle detection and signaling capabilities while allowing versatile use on glasses or walking sticks, improving usability and reducing waste.

Implementation Method 1

an optical sensor for detecting an obstacle in the direction of displacement of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Light

Data Source

PatentEP4057051B1Temples of glasses for the blind or visually impaired

Publication Date: 2024.10.09 LIGHTHOUSE TECH SAGL

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6c

AI summary

A temple (1) for glasses (100) for the blind or visually impaired is described, said temple comprising an end portion (2), intended to be supported by a user's ear, and a fixing portion (3), intended to be fixed to a front frame (101) of the glasses (100). The temple is characterized in that it comprises a first component (4) provided with a first electronic module (20) comprising an optical sensor (21) and with an electromechanical connector (22), preferably a USB connector, the second component (5) being provided with a fastening (6) for the connector (22) of the first electronic module (20), said fastening (6) and said connector (22) being designed to form a structural connection between the first component (4) and the second component (5), where either one of the first component (4) and the second component (5) comprises the fixing portion (3) for fixing to the frame (101) and the other one of the first component (4) and the second component (5) comprises the end portion (2) of the temple (1).