Nose Support Device with Shape Memory Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glasses for medical or safety use often suffer from discomfort due to hard nose pads that chafe or mark the skin, and lack effective maintenance of the frame position, especially when additional accessories are applied.
Innovation Solution
A support device with adjustable, removable tabs made of memory materials like stainless steel or titanium, combined with compressible support elements of thermoplastic rubber and nylon, which adapt to the nose shape and distribute weight evenly, ensuring comfort and secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hard materials are used for nose pads, then structural strength is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to chafing, redness, or skin marking
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into two distinct segments: rigid tabs (made of shape memory alloy or metal) that provide structural strength and positioning, and soft support elements (made of elastomeric material) that contact the skin. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromise - the rigid tabs maintain frame position while the soft elements prevent skin irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device combines dissimilar materials with complementary properties: a rigid metallic tab component (providing strength and memory effect) coupled with a soft elastomeric support element (providing comfort and skin protection). This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating both hard and soft material benefits into a single functional assembly.
2Ease of operation
If adjustable support device is implemented, then comfort and positioning are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device incorporates dynamic characteristics through the shape memory alloy tabs that can reversibly change their mechanical properties in response to temperature or stress. The tabs transition between a compliant state during adjustment and a rigid memory state during wear, providing adaptability without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy tabs possess an inherent memory effect that automatically returns them to their predetermined geometric configuration after deformation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex locking mechanisms or precise adjustment procedures, as the tabs self-adjust to the correct position based on their material memory properties.
3Ease of repair
If removable support device is used, then ease of maintenance is improved, but reliability of frame support may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed as a separable assembly of tabs and support elements that can be easily detached and reattached. This segmentation enables maintenance and replacement of the soft support elements without affecting the rigid tab structure, which remains permanently attached to the frame. The connection interface is designed to ensure reliable reattachment while allowing easy removal for maintenance.
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 high comfort and secure frame positioning by deforming to fit the nose shape, maintaining the frame's position effectively even under heavy accessories, and allowing for easy adjustment and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
tabs (14, 16) made of memory materials like stainless steel or titanium, which adapt to the nose shape
Implementation Method 2
compressible support elements of thermoplastic rubber and nylon, which adapt to the nose shape and distribute weight evenly
Data Source
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AI summary
Glasses for medical use or protection in the workplace are provided with a support device (8) for the nose. The support device comprises a pair of support tabs (14, 16) made of a stiff material, for example stainless steel, titanium or beta titanium, and a pair of support elements (32, 34), each applied to the respective tab (14, 16), comprising a support portion (36) made of soft material, for example rubber, being less stiff than the first material, to ensure an adaptation to the nose. The device (8) also allows for adjustment of the position.