Spectacle Frame Clipped Temple Elastic Stop Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectacle frames are difficult to assemble and disassemble, especially when using clipping mechanisms, which require high forces and can lead to assembly yield, making it challenging to easily replace frame elements without specialized tools.
Innovation Solution
A spectacle frame design featuring a counter-plate trapped between stops, where the counter-plate is secured by opposing forces from the stops, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without high effort, with the stops forming a unitary metal assembly and the counter-plate having a sufficient thickness to prevent interference with the hinge axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If clipping mechanisms are used to attach frame elements, then assembly and disassembly become possible without specialized tools, but high forces are required that can lead to assembly yield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the direction parameter of the clipping force from transverse (perpendicular to the branch) to longitudinal (parallel to the branch axis). This parameter change allows the elastic pinching to occur along the length of the branch rather than across it, significantly reducing the risk of assembly yield while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs elastic stops that can dynamically change their state between engaged and disengaged positions. The stops are designed to flex and deform elastically during assembly, allowing the branch to be inserted, then return to their original position to secure the branch firmly. This dynamic behavior enables easy assembly without requiring excessive force that would cause yield.
2Reliability
If transverse clipping is used to secure the branch to the tenon, then retention is ensured, but significant force is required for mounting and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional clipping approach by changing the direction of the elastic pinching from transverse to longitudinal. Instead of pinching the branch from the sides (transverse), the stops engage the branch from front and back along its length (longitudinal). This inversion maintains secure retention while dramatically reducing the assembly force required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the clipping action from a transverse dimension (perpendicular to branch axis) to a longitudinal dimension (parallel to branch axis). By moving the clipping action to another dimension along the branch length, the patent achieves effective retention with reduced force requirements, as the elastic deformation occurs along the stronger axis of the branch.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interchangeable branches are provided, then frame adaptability increases, but assembly complexity increases due to tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the clipping mechanism to be self-servicing, allowing users to assemble and disassemble branches without external tools. The elastic stops naturally engage and disengage the branches through simple manual manipulation, eliminating the need for specialized assembly tools and making interchangeable branches accessible to individual users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal clipping system that can accommodate multiple interchangeable branches with the same attachment mechanism. The standardized stops and engagement features allow different branch types to be mounted on the same tenon structure, providing frame adaptability while maintaining simple, tool-free assembly through the universal clipping design.
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
Facilitates easy and reliable replacement of frame elements with reduced assembly stress, ensuring precise positioning and maintaining the frame's structural integrity without requiring significant force, thus enhancing user convenience and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The tenon comprises an elastic abutment on the side of a hinge axis and a hook on the opposite side... The establishment of the counter-plate on the plate is carried out by putting the counter-plate in abutment against the first abutment then by forcing the counter-plate against the plate by bringing the second abutment in its release state
Data Source
AI summary
The frame i.e. side frame (4.A), has an element i.e. pin (10), provided with an abutment formed from a portion of a loop receiving an articulation axle of a branch (32). The element is provided with another abutment opposite to and separated from the former abutment for receiving a counter plate (31) integrated to another element i.e. branch (30). The latter abutment is elastically deformable between a retaining state of the counter plate and a release state of the counter plate, where the latter abutment covers the counter plate against the former abutment and a plate in the retaining state. The counter plate and the element i.e. branch, are formed from a single piece. The abutments and the plate are formed from a metal piece.