Screwless Eyewear Hinge with Security Slot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small hinges in eyeglasses, such as those connecting the earpiece to the lens frame, are prone to loose screws that can fall out, leading to safety issues and are difficult to manufacture and repair, especially with the advent of augmented reality technology that requires more complex assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a security ledge and slot mechanism that allows for secure pivoting without screws or tightly fitting pins, combined with optional magnetic cartridges for enhanced retention, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screws and pins are used to connect hinge components, then the hinge can be securely assembled, but the screws become loose and fall out over time, creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional screw fastening mechanism from the hinge assembly. Instead of using separate screws that can loosen and fall out, the design integrates the fastening function directly into the hinge components through interlocking features such as recesses, protrusions, and friction-fit mechanisms that permanently secure the connection without removable fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the hinge pin and hinge leaf into a single integrated component structure. The hinge pin is formed as an integral part of the hinge leaf with continuous material formation, eliminating the need for separate fastening elements. This merging of components ensures that the hinge maintains its structural integrity without separate parts that can become loose.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional multi-step assembly processes are used for small hinges, then precise alignment can be achieved, but the manufacturing becomes time-consuming and requires high expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hinge assembly into modular components with self-aligning features. The hinge ear, hinge leaf, and lens mount are designed as separate modules that automatically align through integrated guide features, recesses, and protrusions during assembly, eliminating the need for complex multi-step alignment procedures while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-formed alignment features, recesses, and protrusions into the hinge components during manufacturing. These preliminary structural features ensure that when components are assembled, they automatically align correctly without requiring additional alignment steps or specialized expertise, significantly reducing assembly time and complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hinge designs are used, then simple structure is maintained, but the hinge cannot accommodate augmented reality technology components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the hinge assembly to serve multiple functions: it provides the traditional mechanical connection for eyeglass frames while also incorporating integrated mounting structures, recesses, and attachment points that can accommodate augmented reality components such as displays, sensors, and processors. The hinge ear and lens mount are designed with versatile geometries that can support both optical lenses and electronic components.
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 design ensures that the hinge components remain securely attached, preventing accidental separation and simplifying manufacturing and repair processes, even for individuals without extensive training, while accommodating the increased complexity of augmented reality eyewear.
Implementation Method 1
combined with optional magnetic cartridges for enhanced retention
Data Source
AI summary
An eyewear hinge is provided for removably connecting an earpiece to a lens frame. A lens mount is attached to the lens frame and has one of a hinge receiver and a security slot or a hinge post and a security ledge. A hinge support is attached to the earpiece and has the other of the hinge receiver and the security slot or the hinge post and the security ledge. The hinge post is removably insertable into the hinge receiver and the security ledge is removably receivable in and engages with the security slot as the lens mount and hinge support pivot relative to one another.