Pivotable Eyewear Temples with Overmolded Hinge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional eyewear temples are not universally compatible due to variations in human physiology, leading to discomfort and manufacturing complexity, resulting in lost profits due to limited marketability.

Innovation Solution

The design features pivotable temples with adjustable branches that can be angled to fit different head shapes, utilizing a hinge assembly and overmolding of different materials to simplify manufacturing and enhance adjustability, allowing for secure fitting without bulkiness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If temples are made vertically adjustable using snap-fit components, then adaptability to different head shapes is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different head shapesVSAvoidtemple structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The temple is designed with a pivotable connection between the first member and second member, allowing the temple to dynamically adjust its angle relative to the frame. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the temple to adapt to different head shapes and ear positions without requiring complex snap-fit mechanisms or multiple adjustable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If temples are made pivotable using screwed components, then adaptability to different head shapes is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different head shapesVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable connection between the first member and second member is integrated as a unified structure rather than being assembled from separate screwed components. This merging of components simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the pivotable functionality needed for adaptability to different head shapes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If temples are made from multiple assembled components, then adjustability is improved, but visual appeal and sleekness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidvisual appeal and sleekness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The first member and second member are connected through a pivotable joint that allows them to function as an integrated, sleek unit. The connection is designed to be visually unobtrusive, maintaining the aesthetic appeal and streamlined appearance of the temple while enabling adjustability through the pivotable mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2096486B1Eyewear with pivotable temples
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP2096486B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2096486B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2096486B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An eyewear (101) having a frame (102) with lens (103) and temples (105). Each of the temples comprises a first member (305) having proximate and distal ends (315; 325), the proximate end (315) being pivotably mounted to the frame about a first axis (A) such that the first member is movable from open and closed positions. The distal end comprises a first portion (330) made of a first material. Each of the temples further comprises a second member (109) extending along a second axis (B) from a proximate end to a distal end (111; 112), the second axis intersecting the first axis, wherein the proximate end (111) of the second member comprises a second portion (340) made of a second material, wherein one of the first and second portions is overmolded onto the other of the first and second portions for affixing together the first and second portions (330; 340), and wherein the second material is different from and incompatible with the first material such that the second member (109) is pivotable relative to the first member (305) about a third axis (C) intersecting the second axis (B).