Electronic Spectacle Hinge Sealed Conductive Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available electronic eyewear is prone to electrical failures due to moisture exposure, particularly in humid environments, resulting in shorting of 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
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical connections are used in electronic eyewear, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but moisture exposure causes shorting and electrical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate electrical contacts that act as mediators between the temple and frame portions. These contacts are positioned to minimize exposure to moisture while maintaining electrical connectivity, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving electrical connection and preventing moisture-induced shorting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from traditional exposed contact points and relocates it to sealed intermediate contacts within the hinge assembly. This extraction removes the harmful exposure to moisture while preserving the essential electrical connectivity function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical contact points are used for functionality, then electronic features are enabled, but the risk of moisture-induced shorting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electrical contact functions into a single sealed intermediate contact assembly within the hinge. This consolidation maintains the necessary electronic functionality while reducing the number of exposed contact points, thereby improving resistance to moisture shorting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible printed circuit boards (FPC) that can bend and flex to accommodate the hinge movement while maintaining electrical connectivity. This flexible film approach allows multiple electrical functions to be integrated into a single protected structure, reducing exposure to moisture.
3Ease of operation
If traditional hinge structures are used, then mechanical flexibility is achieved, but electrical connections are exposed to moisture and sweat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the electrical connection components within the hinge assembly structure. The intermediate contacts are positioned inside the hinge mechanism, protected by the hinge housing, while still allowing the necessary mechanical flexibility for temple movement. This nesting approach shields electrical connections from moisture while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible printed circuit boards that can bend with the hinge movement, accommodating mechanical flexibility while keeping the electrical traces protected within the flexible substrate. This allows the hinge to move freely while the electrical connections remain shielded from external moisture exposure.
Data Source
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 routed 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.