Tear-Off Lens Capture for Litter-Free Eye Protectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tear-off lenses used in eye protectors often result in littering due to improper disposal, and existing roll-off systems have limitations such as non-linear shape compatibility, adherence issues, and mechanical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A laminated tear-off lens system with a retention mechanism and capturer that maintains released layers on the eye protector, using adhesive layers and tension to keep them away from the viewing area, allowing for easy disposal-free use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tear-off lenses are used in eye protectors, then clear field of view is provided by removing soiled layers, but the removed layers become litter or improperly disposed trash
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a capture mechanism that recovers discarded tear-off layers by capturing them on the eye protector surface using a tacky substance, preventing them from becoming litter while maintaining the ease of removing soiled layers
2Duration of action of stationary object
If roll-off systems are used, then continuous lens coverage is provided, but the systems have mechanical complexity and adherence issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous lens coverage function into discrete laminated layers that are stacked together, eliminating the need for complex mechanical roll-off systems while maintaining continuous coverage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple disposable laminated layers instead of a complex mechanical system, where each layer is simple, inexpensive, and can be easily replaced by tearing it off and capturing it
3Ease of operation
If tear-off layers are removed and disposed freely, then ease of removal is achieved, but environmental friendliness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines easy removal with environmentally friendly disposal by implementing a capture mechanism that collects the removed layers on the eye protector, preventing littering while maintaining operational simplicity
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
The system effectively maintains clear vision by retaining soiled layers on the eye protector, reducing litter and mechanical failures, while ensuring compatibility with non-linear shapes and avoiding adherence issues.
Implementation Method 1
The lens stack mounts to the base lens of the eye protector via an adhesive layer on a lower (or inward) surface of the stack
Implementation Method 2
The wound loop creates tension that biases the released tear-off layers of the stack away from the base lens of the eye protector
Implementation Method 3
A tacky surface of a capturer (e.g., a sticky pad or piece of tape), or the back side of a previously removed and captured tear-off layer helps hold the released tear-off layer to the side of the eye protector
Data Source
AI summary
A tear-off capture system includes an eye protector with a base lens. The eye protector has a retention mechanism mounted on one side, and a support mechanism that supports the eye protector on the head of a wearer. A two-tabbed stack of laminated tear-off lenses mounts to the eye protector via an adhesive. The stack mounts so that the first tab of the stack aligns with the first side of the eye protector and the second tab engages with the retention mechanism. Via the second tab and the retention mechanism, released tear-off layers are directed toward the second side of the eye protector away from the base lens. A capturer helps hold the initially released tear-off layer to the eye protector. An exposed tacky surface on each released tear-off helps hold the subsequently removed tear-off layers.