One Stem Reversible Reading Glasses for Side-Lying Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reading glasses with two stems are uncomfortable and prone to movement when worn while lying on one's side, causing ear and head pain, and are unusable as they shift out of place.
Innovation Solution
Design of reversible reading glasses with a single stem and adjustable earpiece and nosepiece that allow secure fitting on either ear and nose, enabling comfortable wear while lying on either side by rotating the glasses 180°, with optional removal or folding of a second stem for enhanced comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional two-stem reading glasses are worn, then the glasses provide vision correction, but they cause ear and head pain and discomfort when lying on one's side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes one stem from the traditional two-stem glasses design, extracting the problematic element that causes discomfort when lying on one's side. The single stem is positioned to rest on the cheek rather than pressing against the ear, eliminating ear and head pain while maintaining vision correction functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the position and function of the stem by placing it on the cheek side rather than extending to the ear. The earpiece is designed to rest on the cheek surface when lying down, reversing the traditional orientation where the stem connects to the ear. This inversion allows comfortable side-lying while maintaining optical functionality.
2Reliability
If conventional two-stem reading glasses are worn while lying on one's side, then vision correction is provided, but the glasses move askew and become unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design where the single stem and earpiece are positioned to create stable contact with the cheek surface when lying on one's side. The asymmetric configuration ensures the glasses remain properly positioned regardless of which side the user lies on, preventing the glasses from moving askew while maintaining vision correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The earpiece is designed with universal functionality to serve both as a structural support and a positioning element that contacts the cheek. This multi-functional design ensures the glasses remain stable and properly positioned whether the user lies on their left or right side, eliminating the movement and misalignment problems of traditional glasses.
3Ease of operation
If a single stem is used instead of two stems, then comfort while lying on one's side is improved, but the ability to secure the glasses to both ears is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the cheek as an intermediary contact point between the glasses and the user's head. The earpiece is designed to rest on the cheek surface, creating a stable triangular support system with the nosepiece and single stem. This intermediary contact provides secure positioning without requiring two stems, maintaining both comfort and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of stem support and earpiece securing into a single integrated structure. The earpiece serves both as the terminal element and the securing mechanism by resting on the cheek, merging multiple functions into one component. This consolidation provides adequate securing reliability while maintaining the comfort benefits of a single-stem design.
Data Source
AI summary
One stem reversible glasses include a first lens and a second lens. A stem having a proximal end and a distal end is connected adjacent one of the first lens and the second lens at the proximal end. An earpiece is connected adjacent the distal end of the stem, the earpiece including means for securing the earpiece to a right ear of a user when the glasses are in a first reading position and for securing the earpiece to a left ear of the user when the glasses are in a second reading position. A nosepiece is disposed between the first lens and the second lens dimensioned and configured for receiving a nose of a user when the glasses are in either the first reading position or the second reading position.