Adjustable Spectacle Frame with Embedded Metal Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectacle frames made from composite materials face challenges in adjusting shape and curvature without breaking, delaminating, or decomposing, limiting flexibility and design options.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a metal core part embedded within a moulded composite material, where the matrix material is a thermosetting resin cured through heat or chemical reaction, allowing for shape adjustment without compromising the composite's strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If composite materials are used for spectacle frames, then strength and rigidity are improved, but the ability to adjust shape and curvature is lost due to material brittleness
Solution Approach 1:
The spectacle frame is segmented into two functional components: a composite material outer layer providing strength and rigidity, and a metal core providing flexibility and adjustability. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining composite material (thermosetting resin with reinforcement) and metal core. This composite construction integrates the advantages of both materials: the composite material provides high strength-to-weight ratio and rigidity, while the metal core provides ductility and adjustability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thermoplastic materials are used for spectacle frames, then shape adjustment through heat is possible, but weight increases and design flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from thermoplastic to thermosetting resin for the composite material portion. This parameter change eliminates the need for heat-based adjustment while reducing weight, as the thermosetting composite itself is lightweight but provides structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal core acts as an intermediary element that enables shape adjustment without requiring the entire frame to be made of thermoplastic material. The metal core can be adjusted independently while the composite outer layer maintains its structural properties.
3Manufacturing precision
If composite materials are used for spectacle frames, then manufacturing precision and design options are improved, but the complexity of manufacturing processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into separate steps for creating the composite outer layer and the metal core, allowing each to be manufactured using optimized processes for that material type, then assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure simplifies manufacturing by allowing the composite material to be molded into complex shapes with high precision, while the metal core can be separately fabricated and inserted, reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to attempting to work with a single material system.
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
Enables the creation of adjustable spectacle frames with enhanced strength and durability, while maintaining design flexibility and reducing manufacturing costs, enabling thin and robust frame designs.
Implementation Method 1
wherein said matrix material is a thermosetting resin that is cured through addition of heat, through a chemical reaction or through irradiation
Implementation Method 2
wherein said matrix material is a thermosetting resin that is cured through addition of heat, through a chemical reaction or through irradiation
Implementation Method 3
wherein said matrix material is a thermosetting resin that is cured through addition of heat, through a chemical reaction or through irradiation
Implementation Method 4
The frame or the member can readily be e.g. shape, adjusted as regards the curvature etc. by forcing the member to take the desired shape, and the metal core part will counteract the composite materials natural tendency to return to the initial shape
Data Source
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AI summary
A spectacle frame (1) comprising at least one member (2, 6, 22), which comprises a metal core part (12, 14, 20) and a moulded part (24). The metal core part (12, 14, 20) is an interior part of the at least one member (2, 6, 22) and the moulded part (24) is a composite material part, i.e. comprising a material having a matrix material and reinforcement material embedded in the matrix material. Hereby, it is achieved that a spectacle frame (1) or a member of a spectacle frame can be manufactured using composite materials while still allowing the frame (1) or the member (2, 6) to be adjusted. The frame or the member can readily be e.g. shaped, adjusted as regards the curvature etc. by forcing the member to take the desired shape, and the metal core part will counteract the composite materials natural tendency to return to the initial shape, whereby the frame or the member will remain in the desired shape.