Rotating Bridge Mechanism for Adjustable Swimming Goggle Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustable bridges for swimming goggles often cause discomfort, interfere with the nose, inhibit suction, require excessive strength to adjust, and can inadvertently adjust while in use, particularly affecting children who lack the necessary hand strength.

Innovation Solution

The design features a bridging mechanism with a first and second bridging member that rotationally engage, allowing for adjustable distance between eyepieces through threaded engagement, and includes a stop mechanism to prevent unintended rotation, along with a strap connector system to secure the goggles effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the bridge is made adjustable to accommodate various face sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability for various face sizesVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustable bridge mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge is designed with a rotatable connection between the first and second bridging members, allowing the bridge length to be dynamically adjusted by rotating one member relative to the other. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the bridge to adapt to various face sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge is divided into two separate bridging members (first bridging member and second bridging member) that can rotate relative to each other. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the bridge length without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the bridge adjustment mechanism requires secure engagement, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to excessive strength required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure engagement of bridge componentsVSAvoidease of adjusting bridge length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simpler rotational engagement system. The first and second bridging members engage through rotation rather than requiring screws, clips, or other complex fastening mechanisms, making adjustment easier while maintaining secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement mechanism is designed to change the friction and contact parameters between the bridging members during rotation. The curved surfaces and threading create optimal contact conditions that provide secure engagement during normal use while allowing easy rotational adjustment when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the bridge adjustment mechanism is simple, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to inadvertent adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of adjustment mechanismVSAvoidprevention of inadvertent adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stop mechanism is designed to preemptively prevent inadvertent rotation of the bridging members. The stop portion and stop groove are positioned to engage before any unintended adjustment can occur, creating a preliminary barrier against unwanted movement while not interfering with deliberate adjustment actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The stop mechanism creates a periodic engagement pattern during rotation, where the stop portion intermittently engages with the stop groove at specific rotational positions. This periodic engagement provides stable positioning at discrete intervals while allowing controlled adjustment between positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the bridging members are designed to rotate for adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors worsen due to interference with the nose

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustable bridge lengthVSAvoidinterference with user's nose
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bridging members are designed with curved surfaces instead of straight rigid structures. This curvature allows the bridge to conform to the natural contour of the user's nose and face, reducing pressure points and discomfort while maintaining the adjustable length capability through rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The bridging members are designed with flexible or compliant characteristics that allow them to adapt to the user's facial geometry. The curved, rotatable design enables the bridge to flex and conform to individual face shapes, reducing interference and discomfort while providing adjustable fit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 provides a comfortable, adjustable, and easy-to-use bridging mechanism that accommodates various face sizes, ensuring proper fit and suction without requiring excessive strength, suitable for users of all ages.

Implementation Method 1

the exterior surface of the first bridging member has threads and wherein the cavity wall has threads. Another aspect of the disclosure is swimming goggles wherein the threads of the cavity wall are configured to engage the threads of the first bridging member.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded engagement: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS10173103B1Goggles having an adjustable bridging means
Publication Date: 2019.01.08 HAHN CHRISTIAN
  • US10173103B1 patent drawing
  • US10173103B1 patent drawing
  • US10173103B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Swimming goggles having a first eyepiece, a second eyepiece, and a bridging means, having a first bridging member, and a second bridging member, wherein the first bridging member engages the first eyepiece, wherein the second bridging member engages the second eyepiece, and wherein the first bridging member rotationally engages the second bridging member.