Spectacle Frame Telescopic Hinge with Rotatable Endpiece Spring Tension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spectacle frames with telescopic hinges are bulky and heavy due to the presence of a spring, making them uncomfortable to wear, and the spring tension cannot be adjusted by the user without a separate tool.

Innovation Solution

The spectacle frame is designed with a branch comprising two separate parts, a main part and an end part, where the slide extends into the endpiece, which is rotatably mounted to adjust the spring tension, allowing the user to tension or relax the spring as needed without tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a spring is added to enable over-opening, then the branch can open beyond right angle for comfort, but the hinge becomes bulky and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveover-opening capabilityVSAvoidhinge weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spring is extracted from the hinge assembly and relocated to the distal end of the branch. This separation removes the heavy spring mass from the hinge region, significantly reducing hinge weight while preserving the over-opening function through the extended spring arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring is repositioned along the longitudinal axis of the branch, extending from the hinge toward the distal end. This dimensional redistribution moves the spring's mass center away from the hinge, reducing the rotational inertia and weight at the hinge while maintaining the spring's functional role in enabling over-opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the spring is placed in the hinge, then over-opening is enabled, but the front face region becomes heavier

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveover-opening capabilityVSAvoidfront face weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The spring is extracted from the hinge assembly and relocated to the distal end of the branch. This separation removes the heavy spring mass from the front face region, significantly reducing the weight borne by the nose while preserving the over-opening function through the extended spring arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the spring tension is made adjustable, then user comfort can be customized, but a separate adjustment tool is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring tension adjustabilityVSAvoidadjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is designed so that the user can directly manipulate the spring tension using built-in components (such as a movable element or adjustable feature) without requiring external tools. This self-service approach enables users to customize the spring tension to their comfort preferences while eliminating the need for separate adjustment tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This design allows users to adjust the spring tension comfortably and conveniently, reducing the frame's weight on the nose and enhancing wearability by allowing the user to customize the fit according to their preferences.

Implementation Method 1

A telescopic hinge generally comprises a spring which presses the branch against the head but precisely allows over-opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The sliding of the slide in the sheath takes place against and under the action of a spring, generally of compression

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The sliding of the slide in the sheath takes place against and under the action of a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2946244B1Spectacle frame having telescopic hinges with an adjustable offset spring, mounted in a rotary end piece
Publication Date: 2016.10.05 DELAMOUR DOMINIQUE
  • EP2946244B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2946244B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2946244B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a spectacle frame having two temples that are articulated by two telescopic hinges, each with a front face element and a temple element, which has a slide (123) articulated to the front face element and mounted so as to slide in a sheath (125) counter to and under the action of a spring (126). The slide (123) extends as far as the free end of the temple (15) that provides said sheath (125). A sleeve (130), mounted on the slide (123), slides in the end of the temple in which said spring (126) also extends. The temple is produced in two parts, namely a main part (115) and an end that forms an end piece (117) in which the spring (126) is disposed. The end piece (117) is mounted so as to be able to rotate with respect to the main temple part (115) in order to adjust the tension in the spring (126).