Moisture-Resistant Eyewear Sealed Conductive Connectors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Commercially available electronic eyewear is prone to electrical failures due to moisture exposure, particularly in humid environments, resulting in shorted connections and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

The development of eyewear with sealed conductive elements and reduced electrical contact points, including the use of conductive compressible members and insulating coatings, to enhance moisture resistance and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional electrical connections are used in electronic eyewear, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but moisture exposure causes shorted connections and electrical failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidmoisture exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate electrical contact system where the conductive element is positioned between the optical functional member and the electronics module, creating a protected interface that reduces direct exposure to moisture while maintaining electrical connectivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a thin film coating applied to the conductive element that provides moisture protection while maintaining electrical conductivity, effectively creating a protective barrier against harmful environmental factors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrical contact points are exposed for functionality, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the risk of electrical shorts increases in humid environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidresistance to electrical shorts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different properties to different parts of the conductive element - the thin film coating is applied specifically to portions exposed to the environment, providing localized protection where it is most needed while maintaining conductivity in functional areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining the conductive material with a protective thin film coating, resulting in a material that possesses both electrical conductivity and moisture resistance properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11586057B2Moisture-resistant eye wear

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 E VISION OPTICS LLC

AI summary

Eyewear including an optical functional member, control electronics, and a sealed electrical connective element connecting the electronics to the optical functional member. The connective element can directly connect the electronics to the optical functional member, or can connect through an intermediate contact, e.g., a plug-and-receptacle. The connective element can be muted from the electronics, around a rimlock of the eyewear to the optical functional member. The connective element can be a conductive compressible member, such as conductive rubber. In some embodiments, the connective element can be a multiconductor cable.