Variable Compressibility Eyewear Cushion for Face Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eyewear cushions, particularly in goggles, fail to provide consistent and comfortable face pressure due to constant compressibility, leading to discomfort and increased moisture issues, which can result in lens fogging.
Innovation Solution
The development of a variable compressibility cushion with a continuous and uninterrupted lattice structure that allows for different compressibility zones to tailor face pressure and incorporate improved moisture management through ventilation channels and moisture transport systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the goggle strap is tightened for a more secure fit, then the security and stability of the goggle improve, but the face pressure increases to an uncomfortable point
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is divided into multiple zones with different compressibility characteristics. High-compressibility zones are positioned in areas requiring higher pressure (such as the brow area) to maintain security, while low-compressibility zones are positioned in areas requiring lower pressure (such as the cheek areas) to maintain comfort. This local differentiation allows the goggle to maintain a secure fit overall while preventing uncomfortable pressure points in specific regions.
2Ease of manufacture
If a constant compressibility cushion is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the face pressure distribution becomes non-optimized for different contact locations
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion incorporates zones with different compressibility values tailored to specific facial contact areas. The brow area utilizes higher compressibility material to accommodate the curved brow bone and distribute pressure, while cheek areas use lower compressibility material to provide stable support. This localized optimization of material properties significantly improves face pressure distribution and user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion is constructed from multiple foam materials with different compressibility characteristics, creating a composite structure. Each material is selected and positioned based on the specific requirements of the facial area it contacts, allowing the cushion to provide optimized pressure distribution across different zones of the face while maintaining a unified cushion structure.
3Strength
If the cushion absorbs moisture, then the cushion material remains soft and compliant, but user discomfort and lens fogging increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion incorporates porous foam materials that allow moisture vapor to pass through rather than being absorbed and retained. The porous structure maintains the softness and compliance needed for comfort while enabling moisture management by allowing sweat and humidity to evaporate through the cushion material, preventing both user discomfort and lens fogging.
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 variable compressibility cushion provides a more secure and comfortable fit by optimizing face pressure distribution and enhances moisture management, reducing fogging and user discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
First and second compression forces required to compress the lattice structure by a same distance at first and second points, respectively, on the second surface can be different
Implementation Method 2
Existing goggle cushions are usually made of a foam material that compresses when pressed against the user's face to increase comfort
Data Source
AI summary
A variable compression cushion for eyewear includes a lattice structure made up of lattice cells defined by lattice elements. The parameters of the lattice structure may be configured to create a desired compressibility in the cushion. Different zones of the cushion may have different compressibility. The variable compressibility enables the cushion to be configured to optimize the face pressure experienced by a user when the eyewear is worn to enhance the comfort of the user. Some embodiments of the cushion also include structures to improve ventilation through the cushion. Some embodiments of the cushion also include structures that channel moisture away from the portion of the cushion that contacts the face of the user to improve user comfort.