Retractable Eyewear Tethering Mechanism for Headgear Attachment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Eyewear, such as sunglasses, often fall from headgear during storage, leading to loss or damage due to the lack of a secure attachment mechanism when not in use.

Innovation Solution

Integration of micro retractable reel technology or magnetic attraction mechanisms between eyewear and headgear, allowing continuous connection and secure attachment via retractable tethers or magnetic forces, enabling the eyewear to remain attached to the headgear even when not in use or when moved from a position in front of the eyes to a storage position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If eyewear is stored on headgear without attachment mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to loss or damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of storing eyewearVSAvoidsecurity of eyewear

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retractable reel mechanism automatically reels in the tether when the eyewear is moved away from the headgear, maintaining constant tension and secure attachment without requiring user intervention. The mechanism serves itself by using the movement of the eyewear to trigger the reeling action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical attachment mechanisms (clips, snaps, or permanent fixtures) with a retractable tether system that uses a spool-based reel mechanism. This allows the eyewear to remain attached while moving freely between positions, combining the security of mechanical attachment with the flexibility of unattached storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If retractable mechanism is integrated with eyewear and headgear, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of eyewearVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retractable reel mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as an attachment point, provides continuous tension through the tether, enables movement between positions, and secures the eyewear during storage. This single multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The retractable tether acts as an intermediary element between the eyewear and headgear, providing a flexible connection that maintains security while allowing movement. The tether mediates between the need for secure attachment and the need for ease of positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If constant tension is maintained between eyewear and headgear, then reliability is improved, but force required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstant tension maintenanceVSAvoidtension force on tether

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The retractable reel mechanism dynamically adjusts the tether length based on the position of the eyewear, maintaining constant tension only when needed while allowing the tether to extend freely when the eyewear is in use. The system transitions between tensioned and relaxed states based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reel mechanism applies tension periodically or intermittently rather than continuously - engaging when the eyewear is moved or stored, and disengaging when the eyewear is in use. This periodic application of force reduces overall tension requirements while maintaining reliability during critical moments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 ensures the eyewear remains securely attached to the headgear, preventing loss and damage, while allowing for easy movement between use and storage positions without obstructing the user's field of view.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic attraction mechanisms between eyewear and headgear, allowing continuous connection and secure attachment via retractable tethers or magnetic forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11275257B2Apparatus for retractable tethering and attachment to and between headgear and eyewear and methods of making and using the same

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 LOWE MATTHEW W

AI summary

Embodiments of the disclosure include an integrated eyewear and headgear system, including retrofitting existing headgear and eyewear, allowing the eyewear to remain attached, affixed to, or connected with headgear while not in use (not covering the eyes), as well as when in use (covering the eyes). A headgear and eyewear system may comprise eyewear configured to be worn on the face of a user; headgear configured to be worn on the head of the user; and at least one retaining mechanism configured to attach the eyewear to the headgear, wherein the eyewear comprises a first position in front of the user's eyes, wherein the eyewear comprises a second position upon the headgear and not in front of the user's eyes, and wherein the retaining mechanism is configured to retain the eyewear with respect to the headgear in at least one of the first position and the second position.