Polymeric Lens Holder for Metal Eyewear Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal eyeglass frames, such as those made from aluminum or titanium, pose challenges in easily mounting and securely retaining lenses due to their rigidity, leading to difficulties in lens replacement and increased risk of dismounting upon impact, which complicates user maintenance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric lens holder with a narrower front surface portion and a wider rear surface portion, combined with a specific durometer range, is used to interface with metal eyeglass frames, allowing for easy lens engagement and disengagement while providing enhanced resistance to dismounting, including during impacts, by forming a shock-absorbing mechanism that prevents lens dislodgment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal frames with tempered hardness are used, then impact resistance and frame strength are improved, but lens mounting difficulty and lens retention reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A polymeric lens holder is introduced as an intermediary component between the metal frame and the lens. The lens holder engages with the tempered metal frame through friction fit and geometric interlocking, while simultaneously securing the lens through circumferential engagement. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing a compliant interface that accommodates the rigidity of the metal frame while ensuring reliable lens retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The eyewear system employs a composite structure combining tempered metal frames with polymeric lens holders. The metal frame provides impact resistance and structural strength, while the polymeric lens holder provides lens retention through material compliance and geometric design. This composite approach allows both materials to contribute their advantageous properties without compromising overall system performance.
2Strength
If metal frames with tempered hardness are used, then impact resistance is improved, but ease of lens replacement worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The lens mounting system is segmented into three distinct components: the metal frame, the polymeric lens holder, and the lens itself. The lens holder acts as a removable intermediate component that can be independently manipulated. Users can release and replace lenses by applying force to the lens holder, which disengages from the frame, allowing lens replacement without affecting the intact metal frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric lens holder serves as a mediator that facilitates lens replacement. Its compliant material properties allow it to be temporarily disengaged from the metal frame with minimal force, enabling users to remove and install lenses easily. After replacement, the lens holder re-engages with the frame, restoring the secure connection without requiring frame deformation.
3Ease of operation
If conventional lens holders are used, then lens engagement is achieved, but resistance to lens dismounting upon impact is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lens holder employs specific geometric parameters including a front-to-rear width ratio between 0.5:1 and 2:1, and material durometer between 40-90 shore D. These parameter optimizations ensure the lens holder is sufficiently compliant for easy lens engagement while providing adequate structural resistance to prevent lens dismounting during impact events.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric material of the lens holder provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and dissipating impact forces before they can transmit sufficient force to dislodge the lens. The material's viscoelastic properties allow it to deform during impact, reducing peak forces, while the geometric design maintains lens retention through continuous circumferential engagement.
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
This solution enables users to easily change or replace lenses without professional assistance, enhances safety by preventing lens dismounting during impacts, and provides a comfortable fit for various head sizes and shapes, addressing the challenges of lens retention and user convenience in metal-framed eyewear.
Implementation Method 1
the lens holder is formed with a front and rear facing portions having a ratio of width which enhances resistance to the held lens from dismounting
Implementation Method 2
A polymeric lens holder with a narrower front surface portion and a wider rear surface portion, combined with a specific durometer range, is used to interface with metal eyeglass frames
Data Source
AI summary
A lens holding system for eyeglass frames having a pliable body with a lens opening for engagement of a lens therein and a circumferential edges configured to engage with a lens aperture of an eyewear frame to hold the lens operatively positioned therein. A front surface portion extending from the pliable body contacts a front surface of the eyeglass frame and is formed with a width narrower than a rear surface portion extending from the pliable body which contacts a rear facing surface of the eyewear frame. Significant comfort and performance enhancement is provided using a metal alloy frame in combination with polymeric temples.