Screwless Eyewear Hinge Assembly with Biasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eyewear hinges that use screws can loosen, leading to potential loss and increased stress on the frame, and are limited by material options and require difficult installation and removal, while also being prone to corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A screwless hinge assembly for eyewear that utilizes a hub and rotational elements with retaining features, eliminating the need for screws and providing additional support and resistance through a biasing mechanism, allowing earstems to pivot securely without the risks associated with screw-based systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw-based hinge assemblies are used, then the earstems can be attached to the front portion, but the screws can loosen, leading to potential loss and increased stress on the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the screw component entirely from the hinge assembly, replacing it with a screwless design where the earstem is directly attached to the front portion through a friction-fit or interference-fit mechanism. This eliminates the harmful factor of screw loosening and loss while maintaining the attachment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (such as a friction-fit interface or interference-fit connection) between the earstem and front portion that serves as a mediator to transmit forces without requiring screws. This intermediary connection prevents the harmful effects of screw-based assemblies while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If screw-based hinge assemblies are used, then the earstems can be attached to the front portion, but this increases stress on the eyeglass frame
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the screw component, the patent eliminates the stress concentration points that screws create in the frame material. The screwless design distributes forces more evenly across the attachment interface, reducing localized stress on the eyeglass frame while maintaining sufficient attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from a threaded mechanical connection to a friction-fit or interference-fit connection, altering the stress distribution parameters. This parameter change reduces peak stresses in the frame while maintaining the necessary attachment strength through surface friction and geometric interlocking.
3Ease of manufacture
If screw-based hinge assemblies are used, then the earstems can be attached to the front portion, but the installation and removal become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By eliminating the screw component, the patent simplifies the assembly and disassembly process. The screwless hinge allows for tool-free installation and removal through simple friction-fit or interference-fit mechanisms, making the process easier and more user-friendly compared to screw-based assemblies that require tools and precision alignment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If screw-based hinge assemblies are used, then the earstems can be attached to the front portion, but the material options are limited and corrosion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the screw component, the patent eliminates the corrosion issue associated with metallic fasteners. The screwless design allows for greater material versatility, enabling the use of plastics, polymers, or other non-corrosive materials that are resistant to degradation from moisture and sweat, thereby expanding material options while preventing corrosion.
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 screwless hinge assembly enhances the stability and durability of eyewear by preventing screw loosening, offering improved material options, easier assembly, and reduced stress on the frame, while providing a secure and aesthetically appealing solution for folding and unfolding earstems.
Implementation Method 1
The first flange comprises a tapered or radiused portion configured to engage with a corresponding tapered or radiused portion on at least one of the first and second rotational elements such that the first end of the hub is seated adjacent to or against at least one of the ear stem and the front portion
Implementation Method 2
The biasing mechanism can comprise a resilient element that acts against a biasing surface to provide an increasing degree of resistance to hyperextension of the earstem from the open or folded position
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly for an eyeglass frame is provided. The hinge assembly can be configured to provide support to the earstems of the eyewear frame when the earstems are rotated between a folded and unfolded position. In some embodiments, the hinge assembly can provide a screwless appearance and improved engagement and articulation of the earstem relative to the frame of the eyeglass.