Engineers from Novosibirsk State Technical University have developed a unique eyeglass frame. Due to its properties, the novelty is suitable for any type of face and will not cause allergies. The developers have provided the opportunity to install a modular earphone, which will greatly facilitate the life of the hearing impaired.
A unique eyeglass frame was developed at NSTU-NETI. The novelty is characterized by lightness, durability and anatomicity — all thanks to special material and manufacturing technologies. Alexey Alimov, head of the University's Youth Laboratory of Reverse Engineering and Prototyping (LRiP), said that a photopolymer resin for 3D printing was chosen for the frame. It allows you to work out the smallest details and ensures the rigidity and strength of the structure. In the future, it will be possible to produce a frame made of cellulose or carbon fiber.
"Anatomicity is ensured by scanning the user's face to obtain an accurate 3D model of the head, and adaptive 3D modeling allows you to take into account the individual features of the shape of the nose, ears and the distance between the eyes - all conditions that must be taken into account when selecting a frame," said Alexey Alimov.
The developers have provided an option with the installation of a modular earphone that is able to synchronize with applications for converting speech to text and text notifications to audio signals, which will significantly improve the lives of the deaf and dumb. A special feature of the new product is also a removable video module: it will allow for real—time broadcasting in a variety of fields - from surgery and research to extreme sports and the entertainment industry.
Danila Vtorushin, A LRiP laboratory assistant , who is the author of the idea of creating a super-light frame, is confident that the project will be continued. Anatomical and hypoallergenic frames will be of interest to people with visual and motor impairments, including children. "The frame is prepared quickly. It takes from 10 to 15 hours to manufacture, including 3D printing and post-processing. It's too early to talk about the cost of the frame. The cost of the layout varies from 500 to 2000 rubles, excluding the video module," said Danila Vtorushin.
NSTU-NETI noted that the development will receive a patent immediately after the completion of experimental research — this will ensure the protection of unique aspects of the design and manufacturing technology.
The Youth laboratory of reverse Engineering and prototyping was created as part of the strategic project "New Engineering Solutions and Artificial Intelligence for Biomedicine" of the Priority 2030 program.