Spectacle Mount Screw Inversion for Self-Unscrewing Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional spectacles mount systems with threaded 'tube' structures face issues with screw self-unscrewing due to vibrations, making it difficult to notice and correct before the lens is lost, and are aesthetically compromised by hidden screw placement, leading to potential breakage and design flaws.

Innovation Solution

A spectacles mount design featuring a 'half frame' structure with metal arches and wire supports, where the screw is positioned laterally and accessible, allowing for easy control of screw depth and preventing self-unscrewing, with a mechanism that translates rotational screw movement into vertical sliding to secure or release the lens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the screw is inserted from below to hide the head, then the aesthetic design is improved, but the user cannot notice self-unscrewing in good time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic designVSAvoiddetection of self-unscrewing

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional screw insertion direction by inserting the screw from above rather than from below. This allows the screw head to be visible and accessible to the user, enabling timely detection of self-unscrewing while maintaining aesthetic appearance through proper positioning and design of the screw head location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Shape

If the screw is inserted from below to hide the head, then the aesthetic design is improved, but it is not very easy to screw or unscrew the screw

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic designVSAvoidease of screwing or unscrewing

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reverses the conventional screw insertion approach by positioning the screw to be inserted from above. This inversion makes the screw head accessible and visible, significantly improving ease of operation for both tightening and loosening actions while maintaining aesthetic design through controlled positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Shape

If the screw is positioned in a hidden position, then the aesthetic design is improved, but the user cannot notice the start of potential self-unscrewing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic designVSAvoidreliability of lens retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the screw positioning convention by inserting the screw from above rather than from below. This makes the screw head visible and accessible, allowing users to detect self-unscrewing early and take corrective action, thereby maintaining reliable lens retention while preserving aesthetic design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the traditional threaded tube structure is used, then the lens can be held stably on the rim, but the screw may loosen due to vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of lens retentionVSAvoidvibration-induced loosening

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the screw positioning and accessibility features that allow users to detect and address loosening before vibrations cause complete failure. The visible and accessible screw position enables early intervention to prevent the harmful effect of vibration-induced loosening from becoming irreversible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Prevents screw self-unscrewing, allows timely detection of loosening, facilitates easy lens installation and removal, enhances aesthetic design, and simplifies production by eliminating a welding phase, thus reducing costs and potential defects.

Implementation Method 1

a screw (16) engaged in a threaded hole (15) made in the tenon (6)... the shank of the screw (16) has an end (16b) having a conical profile shape, the generatrixes of which can couple to the inclined surface (13) by means of surface contact... transforming a translational movement of the screw, obtained by the screw-female screw coupling by means of rotating said screw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the shank of the screw (16) has an end (16b) having a conical profile shape, the generatrixes of which can couple to the inclined surface (13) by means of surface contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConical surface coupling: Wedge

Data Source

PatentUS11906815B2Mount for spectacles

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 SAFILO SPA

AI summary

A mount for spectacles includes a front frame having a pair of structures for holding lenses, which are connected by a central bridge extending in a nasal support zone, each lens-holding structure has an upper element for holding the lens, surrounding a part of the lens profile at the top, between the central bridge and a corresponding opposite lateral tenon intended to be connected to a lateral arm so as to articulate about an axis of articulation. The upper element is integral to the bridge and to the corresponding lateral tenon, and a lower element for supporting the lens, which extends so as to surround the remaining part of the lens profile at the bottom between the bridge and the corresponding lateral tenon, the lower element having a first end connected to the front frame at the central bridge and a second, opposite end constrained to the lateral tenon.