Rotating Eyeglass Case with One-Handed Snap-Fit Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eyeglass cases require the use of both hands to open, making it difficult or impossible to access or store objects when only one hand is available.
Innovation Solution
A case design featuring a first and second half-shell that rotate around a common axis, allowing the housing chamber to open and close with one hand, utilizing coupling means such as pins and recesses, and a recall mechanism with a cam and elastic element to facilitate easy one-handed operation and automatic closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fastening mechanism with button or hook and loop closure system is used to secure the movable part to the main body, then the case can be kept closed securely, but the user must necessarily employ both hands to open the movable part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static button or hook-and-loop fastening system into a dynamic snap-fit mechanism with movable coupling elements. The resilient arm allows the coupling element to move between engaged and disengaged positions, enabling automatic locking when closed and easy release when activated, thus achieving both secure closure and one-handed operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit mechanism with resilient arm automatically engages and locks the movable part to the main body when closed, without requiring manual fastening. The system self-secures through the elastic deformation and engagement of the resilient arm with the coupling element, eliminating the need for buttons or hook-and-loop systems that require two hands to operate
2Reliability
If the user must simultaneously hold the main body with one hand and open the movable part with the other, then the fastening mechanism can be reliably unlocked, but it becomes difficult and inconvenient when the user cannot employ both hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the main body structure and relocates it to the movable part through the resilient arm and coupling element mechanism. This allows the fastening and unfastening actions to be performed independently on the movable part itself, enabling one-handed operation while maintaining reliable closure through the engaged snap-fit mechanism
3Device complexity
If a traditional fastening mechanism is used, then the case structure can be simple, but the housing chamber volume cannot be optimized when the case is open
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arm enables the movable part to transition smoothly between closed and open positions, allowing the housing chamber to achieve maximum volume when open while maintaining a compact closed profile. The dynamic snap-fit mechanism permits full opening without structural interference, optimizing the usable space within the housing chamber
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
Enables easy one-handed opening and closing of the case, ensuring secure storage and retrieval of objects while optimizing the housing chamber volume.
Implementation Method 1
a recall mechanism (40) configured to pull the first half-shell (10) into rotation when the case (100) is in the opening configuration to return it to the closing configuration. In this case, the recall mechanism (40) comprises a cam (41) and an elastic element (42)
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 3~4a
AI summary
A case (100) is described, extending in length along a longitudinal direction (Y) and comprising a first half-shell (10) at least partially open having two first end portions (12, 13) opposite each other and transverse to the longitudinal direction (Y), and a first wall (11) substantially U-shaped; the first wall (11) extending between the first end portions (12, 13) along the longitudinal direction (Y) and defining a housing chamber (14); a second half-shell (20) at least partially open having two second end portions (22, 23) opposite to each other and transverse to the longitudinal direction (Y), and a second wall (21) extending between the second end portions (22, 23) along the longitudinal direction (Y) defining a containment seat (24); the first half-shell (10) being inserted into the containment seat (24) defining a closed space (24') of varying dimensions; coupling means (25, 30, 31) placed at the first end portions (12, 13) and the second end portions (22, 23), the coupling means (25, 30, 31) rotatably coupling the first half-shell (10) and the second half-shell (20) in such a manner that the first half-shell (10) and the second half-shell (20) can rotate with each other about a common axis of rotation (X) substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y) to switch the case (100) between an opening configuration, in which the housing chamber (14) faces outward and the closed space (24') is separated from the housing chamber (14), and a closing configuration, in which the housing chamber (14) is closed by the second wall (21) and is contained in the closed space (24').