Sealed Eyewear Hinge With Integrated Electrical Connector

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smart eyewear faces challenges with space constraints, durability, and reliability due to the integration of electrical components and power sources, particularly in the hinge, which affects compactness, comfort, and is prone to wear and corrosion from environmental factors.

Innovation Solution

A modular hinge design with sealed electrical connectors and conductors, allowing for removable attachment, provides seamless and reliable electrical connections between the temple and frame, ensuring durability and efficient power transmission while maintaining mechanical functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an existing USB connector is used in the hinge to establish electrical connections, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the size of the connector exceeds the temple dimensions, affecting compactness and comfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidtemple size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the electrical connection function from a traditional USB connector and integrates it directly into the hinge mechanism. The electrical conductor is embedded within the hinge structure itself, separating the mechanical hinge function from the electrical connection function, allowing for a compact design that fits within the temple dimensions while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical conductor is nested within the hinge structure, with the conductor positioned inside the hinge body. This nesting approach allows the electrical connection components to be housed within the existing hinge volume, eliminating the need for additional external connectors and maintaining compact temple dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the hinge moves non-perpendicularly to the connector, then mechanical flexibility is achieved, but small particles can enter the hinge, causing wear and corrosion of electrical connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge movement flexibilityVSAvoidelectrical connection durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sealing structure as an intermediary between the external environment and the electrical conductor within the hinge. This sealing mediator prevents particles from entering the hinge while allowing the electrical connections to function, thus protecting the electrical components from wear and corrosion caused by particle contamination during hinge movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a flexible PCB is permanently attached before assembling smart eyewear, then electrical connections are established, but manufacturing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electrical connection system into modular components: the electrical conductor embedded in the hinge, and separate connection points on the temple and frame. This segmentation allows for independent assembly and testing of components, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining stable electrical connections through the hinge's inherent mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If existing connectors or flexible PCB are used in the hinge, then electrical connections are established, but waterproofing and protection from moving elements become necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection functionalityVSAvoidprotection structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function with the hinge structure itself. The electrical conductor is integrated into the hinge body, and the hinge's natural sealing and protective functions are combined with the electrical connection system. This integration eliminates the need for separate waterproofing and protection structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining electrical functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4653938A1Hinge and eyewear apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.11.26 PIXIERAY OY

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

Disclosed is a hinge (100) comprising: a first hinge part (102) having a first end (104A) and a second end (104B); a second hinge part (106) having a third end (108A) and a fourth end (108B); a connecting member (110) for connecting the first hinge part and the second hinge part for providing first rotation point to allow rotation of the first hinge part with respect to the second hinge part; a first electrical connector (112) at the first end and a second electrical connector (114) at the fourth end, an electrical conductor (116) passing through the first hinge part and the second hinge part for connecting the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector; and a sealing (118) arranged at least at the first end, wherein the sealing is compressed in at least one of: an axial direction, a radial direction.