Resilient Eyeglass Hinge with Spring Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional eyeglasses hinges are vulnerable to abnormal loads, limiting temple movement beyond a perpendicular position and prone to damage from accidental contact or improper storage.

Innovation Solution

A ball and socket hinge assembly with resilient attachment using springs, allowing for flexible movement of the temple relative to the main frame, including a compression spring mechanism to absorb and distribute loads, enabling folding, unfolding, and accommodating abnormal loads in various directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional hinges are used to attach temple to main frame, then the hinge structure is simple, but the hinge is vulnerable to abnormal loads and prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge durabilityVSAvoidhinge structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a resilient member (spring) into the hinge assembly that can absorb abnormal loads before they reach critical levels. The spring is pre-positioned to compress when abnormal forces are applied, cushioning the impact and preventing damage to the hinge components, thereby improving reliability without requiring a completely complex redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the hinge by introducing a spring mechanism that alters the stiffness and load-bearing characteristics. The spring allows the hinge to transition from a rigid, brittle structure to one with controlled flexibility, enabling it to withstand abnormal loads while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional hinges are used, then the hinge structure is simple, but the temple movement is limited beyond perpendicular position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemple movement rangeVSAvoidhinge assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing a static, fixed-position hinge with a dynamic spring-based mechanism. The spring allows the temple to move beyond the traditional perpendicular position by compressing and expanding as needed, providing continuous adaptive movement rather than fixed angular limitations, thereby increasing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring acts as an intermediary element between the temple and main frame, mediating the movement and force transmission. This intermediary component enables greater temple articulation by absorbing and releasing energy, allowing the temple to achieve positions beyond what a direct rigid connection would permit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the hinge allows greater temple movement, then the functionality is improved, but the hinge becomes vulnerable to excessive bending forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemple movement freedomVSAvoidhinge resistance to bending forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient member provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-configured to absorb bending forces before they can cause damage. When the temple moves through greater ranges, the spring compresses to cushion abnormal loads, protecting the hinge from excessive bending forces while maintaining movement freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the force-parameter characteristics of the hinge by introducing spring compliance. This allows the hinge to accommodate greater temple movement while the spring's elastic properties automatically adjust to resist excessive bending forces, maintaining strength despite increased mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 hinge assembly enhances the durability and functionality of eyeglasses by allowing greater temple movement while preventing excessive bending forces, ensuring the temple returns to its normal position and maintaining structural integrity under normal and abnormal loads.

Implementation Method 1

each resiliently attached (e.g., using a spring) to a respective one of the temple and the main frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The hinge assembly enhances the durability and functionality of eyeglasses by allowing greater temple movement while preventing excessive bending forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8256894B2Resilient hinge for eyeglasses

Publication Date: 2012.09.04 ASPEX GROUP

AI summary

The present invention relates to a hinge assembly for use with eyeglasses. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a hinge assembly to attach a temple to a main frame of a pair of eyeglasses. The hinge assembly of this embodiment may include a pair of hinge members (formed as a ball and socket) rotationally attached to one another and each resiliently attached (e.g., using a spring) to a respective one of the temple and the main frame of the pair of eyeglasses.