Earplugs, in-ear hearing devices, and wireless listening devices

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a magnet array for securing a wireless listening device. An embodiment describes a magnetic securing assembly comprising a magnet group, the magnets in the magnet group being positioned laterally adjacent to each other, and the magnet group having a curved top surface defined by a separate curved top surface of each magnet in the magnet group. The magnet group comprises: a first magnet and a second magnet positioned laterally adjacent to each other, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet each have a polarity oriented parallel to a vertical dimension; and a third magnet and a fourth magnet positioned laterally from the first magnet and the second magnet, wherein the third magnet is positioned adjacent to the first magnet and the fourth magnet is positioned adjacent to the second magnet, the third magnet and the fourth magnet each having a magnetic polarity oriented at an angle relative to the vertical dimension.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 201910930734.2, application date September 29, 2019, and invention name “Magnetic array for fixing wireless listening devices”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 738,772, filed September 28, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 738,788, filed September 28, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 738,803, filed September 28, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 738,813, filed September 28, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 738,828, filed September 28, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 738,843, filed September 28, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 865,070, filed June 21, 2019; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 900,307, filed September 13, 2019; the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties and for all purposes. Background Art

[0004] Portable listening devices can be used with a variety of electronic devices, such as portable media players, smartphones, tablet computers, laptop computers, stereo systems, and other types of devices. Portable listening devices historically include one or more small speakers configured to be placed on, in, or near a user's ears, structural components to hold the speakers in place, and a cable to electrically connect the portable listening device to an audio source. Other portable listening devices can be wireless devices that do not include a cable but instead wirelessly receive an audio data stream from a wireless audio source. Such portable listening devices can include, for example, wireless earbud devices or in-ear listening devices that operate in pairs (one for each ear) or individually to output sound to and receive sound from a user.

[0005] While wireless listening devices offer many advantages over wired portable listening devices, they also have some potential disadvantages. For example, due to the limited amount of space available within each listening device, achieving high-end acoustic performance from the listening device can be difficult. Furthermore, some wireless listening devices that extend into the ear canal to achieve better performance often have an inadequate seal between the portable listening device and the ear canal, resulting in a lower-quality sound experience for the user. Furthermore, the small size of wireless listening devices often leads to compromised user interface features, obstruction of sensors and / or microphones, and a poor overall user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a wireless listening device that achieves improved acoustic performance and functionality, resulting in a rich user experience. In some cases, the wireless listening device can include a housing and an earplug that can be attached to the housing. The earplug can be configured to be inserted into the user's ear and provide a path through which the sound generated by the housing can be output to the user. The housing can include various sensors that can work alone or in conjunction with the earplug to perform various functions, such as, but not limited to, detecting when the wireless listening device is inserted into the user's ear canal, determining whether a proper seal is formed between the earplug and the ear canal, and determining whether there is inappropriate obstruction to one or more sensors of the wireless listening device. The housing can also be configured to recognize user input by movement of an anatomical part of the user's ear near the wireless listening device, as well as recognizing user input solely through the user's voice or in combination with additional sensory measurements. These additional features can improve the user experience and enhance the acoustic performance of the wireless listening device.

[0007] In some embodiments, a magnetic mounting assembly includes a magnet group having magnets positioned laterally adjacent to one another, the magnet group having a curved top surface defined by a separate curved top surface of each magnet in the magnet group. The magnet group includes: a first magnet and a second magnet positioned laterally adjacent to one another, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet each have a polarity oriented parallel to a vertical dimension; and a third magnet and a fourth magnet positioned laterally from the first magnet and the second magnet, wherein the third magnet is positioned adjacent to the first magnet and the fourth magnet is positioned adjacent to the second magnet, the third magnet and the fourth magnet each having a magnetic polarity oriented at an angle relative to the vertical dimension.

[0008] In some further embodiments, a housing for a wireless listening device includes a lid movable to open and close the housing, a hinge coupled to the lid to allow the lid to open and close the housing, and a body coupled to the lid by the hinge, wherein the body includes a magnet group, the magnets in the magnet group being positioned laterally adjacent to each other, and the magnet group having a curved top surface defined by a separate curved top surface of each magnet in the magnet group. The magnet group includes: a first magnet and a second magnet positioned laterally adjacent to each other, wherein the first magnet has a first magnetic polarity oriented vertically downward and the second magnet has a second magnetic polarity oriented vertically upward; and a third magnet and a fourth magnet positioned laterally from the first magnet and the second magnet, wherein the third magnet is positioned adjacent to the first magnet and the fourth magnet is positioned adjacent to the second magnet, the third magnet and the fourth magnet each having a magnetic polarity oriented at an angle relative to a vertical dimension.

[0009] In some further embodiments, a wireless listening device system includes a wireless listening device and a housing. The wireless listening device includes: a housing including an external structure defining an acoustic opening and a nozzle disposed around the acoustic opening, the acoustic opening allowing sound to escape from the external structure; a first communication system disposed within the housing and configured to send and receive data; an earplug removably attached to the nozzle to direct sound output by the housing through the acoustic opening; and an attachment mechanism removably attaching the earplug to the housing. The housing includes: a lid movable to open and close the housing; a hinge coupled to the lid to allow the lid to open and close the housing; a body coupled to the lid via a hinge; and a second communication system disposed in the body and configured to exchange data with the first communication system. The body includes a magnet group, the magnets in the magnet group are positioned laterally adjacent to each other, and the magnet group has a curved top surface defined by the individual curved top surface of each magnet in the magnet group, wherein the magnet group includes: a first magnet and a second magnet positioned laterally adjacent to each other, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet each have a polarity oriented parallel to a vertical dimension; and a third magnet and a fourth magnet, the third magnet and the fourth magnet positioned laterally from the first magnet and the second magnet, wherein the third magnet is positioned adjacent to the first magnet and the fourth magnet is positioned adjacent to the second magnet, and the third magnet and the fourth magnet each have a magnetic polarity oriented at a certain angle relative to the vertical dimension.

[0010] The nature and advantages of embodiments of the present invention may be better understood by referring to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1A is a block diagram illustrating a portable electronic listening device system including an exemplary wireless listening device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1B is a simplified illustration of an exemplary portable electronic listening device system having a host device configured as a smartphone, a case, and a pair of wireless listening devices configured as earbuds, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2A is a side view illustration of an exemplary wireless listening device with an EarTip attached to the housing, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2B is a side view illustration of a wireless listening device with the EarTip detached from the housing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3Ais an illustration of a cross-sectional view of an EarTip attached to an external structure of a housing via an attachment mechanism according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3B is an illustration of a top view of an EarTip according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 3C is an illustration of a close-up cross-sectional view of an attachment mechanism attached to an external structure via an attachment feature according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3D is an exploded view illustration of an exemplary wireless listening device including a wire attachment mechanism for attaching an EarTip to a housing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3E is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of an EarTip configured to be attached to a housing via a wire attachment mechanism according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figures 3F to 3H is an illustration of a wire attachment mechanism having an S-shaped profile configured to compress toward its center when engaged with an EarTip according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 3I is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of an EarTip attached to a housing via a wire attachment mechanism according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figures 3J to 3L is a series of diagrams showing different points along the process of attaching an EarTip to a Nozzle, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figures 3M to 3O is an illustration of an exemplary wire attachment mechanism having a U-shaped profile configured to compress toward its center when engaged with an EarTip according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 3P to Figure 3Q is an illustration of an exemplary wire attachment mechanism having a U-shaped profile configured to rotate its end cap about an axis when engaged with an EarTip, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 4A is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary EarTip configured as a capacitive sensor according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 4B and Figure 4C is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of an EarTip according to some embodiments of the present disclosure as it is inserted into an ear canal.

[0027] Figure 5A is an illustration of a bottom view of an exemplary EarTip configured with patterned lines separated by spaces on an inner surface of its outer EarTip body according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 5B is a side view illustration of an exemplary wireless listening device having an EarTip and a housing having an optical sensor for viewing an inner surface of an outer EarTip body according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5C is a bottom view of an EarTip after being deflected due to insertion into an ear canal according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6A is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary wireless listening device having controlled leakage in its eartips according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6B and Figure 6C is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of different EarTips having different leakage control configurations according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6D is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of an EarTip across a vertical cutting plane according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 6E is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of an EarTip across a horizontal cutting plane according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figures 6F to 6H is a perspective illustration of exemplary EarTips with various modifications for mitigating occlusion of leakage control when the outer EarTip body bends and deforms when inserted into an ear canal, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary wireless listening device showing further details of the housing, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 8 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a wireless listening device when worn by a user, illustrating the positioning of the wireless listening device relative to the ear canal and pinna, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 9A is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a wireless listening device when no leakage is present, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 9B is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a wireless listening device in the presence of a leak, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 10 is an exemplary side view illustration of a wireless listening device worn by a user with one or more ports, control leaks, and / or microphones obscured, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 11A and Figure 11B is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of exemplary configurations having different acoustic shielding components for a microphone in a housing, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 12 is an exploded view of an exemplary acoustic shield configured as a multi-layer mesh according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 13 is a side view illustration of a wireless listening device having a battery and driver uniquely positioned to reduce the size of the housing, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 14 is a side view illustration of a wireless listening device configured to display a user's listening status according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 15 is a side view illustration of a wireless listening device configured to receive user input through inactivity with the user's ear anatomy, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 16A is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary wireless listening device including an eartip coupled to a housing including a stem, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 16B is a simplified cross-sectional view illustration of electrical components within a handle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 17A is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary contact configured with an alignment post according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 17B is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary contact configured with an alignment frame according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 18A is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary bus bar having two conductive traces in a single layer, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 18B is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary bus bar having two conductive traces in different layers according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figures 19A to 19G is a simplified illustration of an exemplary method of forming an EarTip according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 20A is a front view illustration of an exemplary housing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing being transparent to illustrate the configuration of components inside the housing from the front.

[0053] Figure 20B is a rear view illustration of an exemplary housing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing being transparent to illustrate the configuration of components inside the housing from the rear.

[0054] Figure 20C is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary housing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 21A is a simplified perspective illustration of an internal frame for a housing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 21B is a simplified top view illustration of an internal frame for a housing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 22A According to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 21A Illustration of a simplified cross-sectional view of the internal frame in .

[0058] Figure 22B According to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 22A Illustration of a simplified enlarged view of a portion of a cross-sectional view.

[0059] Figure 23 is a simplified cross-sectional view illustration of a retaining magnet set and a wireless listening device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 24A is a front view illustration of a retaining magnet set according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 24B is a top view illustration of a retaining magnet set according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 25is a simplified perspective illustration of an exemplary visual indicator according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the visual indicator including a light emitter and a light pipe for directing light emitted by the light emitter from within the body of the housing to an area outside the body of the housing.

[0063] Figures 26A to 26B is a simplified cross-sectional view of an exemplary magnetic attachment and sensor system including a mix retention and sensor diverter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0064] Figure 27 is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary bistable hinge according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] Figures 28A to 28C are cross-sectional view illustrations of different states of a bistable hinge according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] Figures 28D to 28F is a simplified illustration of an exemplary bistable hinge having a piston formed from a curved plate coupled to a rocker arm, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0067] Figures 29A to 29C is a simplified illustration of an exemplary straddle-type battery pack according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0068] Figure 30 is a simplified plan view of housings for a pair of wireless listening devices according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a wireless listening device that achieves high-end acoustic performance and an improved user experience. The wireless listening device can be one of a pair of wireless listening devices configured to fit in the left and right ears of a user for outputting sound to the user and for inputting sound from the user and / or the surrounding environment. In some cases, the wireless listening device can include a housing and an earplug that can be attached to the housing. The housing can include a rigid external structure that encloses various electrical components (e.g., a battery, a processor, a driver for generating sound, etc.) that operate the wireless listening device. The external structure can include an opening through which the generated sound can be output to the earplug, which can then direct the sound into the user's ear canal. The earplug can be substantially flexible in construction, but include a rigid attachment structure that enables the earplug to be easily attached to the housing by inserting it into the opening of the external structure. In this document relative to Figures 3A to 3E Details of exemplary EarTips are discussed.

[0070] In some cases, the EarTip can be attached via a wire attachment mechanism that enables the EarTip to be attached to the housing with a low insertion force, while requiring a high extraction force to remove the EarTip. The wire attachment mechanism can have an S-shaped profile that includes an end cap for insertion into a recessed portion of the EarTip's attachment structure. The end cap can have a beveled upper corner to allow a vertical insertion force to be converted into a horizontal force to compress the wire attachment mechanism. Figures 3F to 3Q Details of exemplary linear attachment mechanisms are discussed.

[0071] In some additional or alternative embodiments, the wireless listening device can include a controlled leak to improve comfort. For example, the ear tip can include a controlled leak in the form of a specially designed opening through which the ear canal can be exposed to the atmosphere. The controlled leak can be limited by the attachment structure of the ear tip. Without the controlled leak, pressure can be trapped in the ear canal and cause discomfort to the user, and the output sound may be muffled. Figures 6A to 6E Details of exemplary control leaks are discussed.

[0072] In some embodiments, the wireless listening device can also include an acoustic shielding component to reduce wind noise and improve sound capture quality. The acoustic shield can be a multi-layer mesh structure that includes an acoustic mesh sandwiched between a decorative mesh and a reinforcement. The outer surface of the decorative mesh can be flush with the outer contour of the housing to reduce wind noise. Figures 11A to 11B and Figure 12 Details of exemplary acoustic shielding components are discussed.

[0073] In some additional or alternative embodiments, the wireless listening device can include various sensors for performing various functions. For example, the ear tip can include a capacitive sensor for determining when the ear tip has been inserted into the ear canal, as described herein with respect to Figures 4A to 4C Alternatively, in another example, the housing can include an optical sensor that can work in conjunction with a feature of the EarTip to determine when the EarTip has been inserted into the ear canal, as described herein with respect to Figures 5A to 5C The wireless listening device can also be configured to determine whether a proper seal has been formed between the ear tip and the ear canal and whether one or more sensors of the housing are improperly blocked, as described herein with respect to Figures 9A to 9B discussed.

[0074] The wireless listening device can also include various improved user interface features, such as status light indicators, strategically positioned optical sensors, outward-facing microphones, and / or low-power accelerometers, as described herein with respect to Figures 7 and 8 、 Figure 10 and Figures 14 and 15The status light indicator can be configured to output different colors of light to indicate whether active noise cancellation (ANC) is activated. For example, the status light indicator can output red light when ANC is on and green light when ANC is off, allowing those around the user to understand the user's ability to communicate. Optical sensors can be strategically positioned to observe parts of the ear so that when the ear moves, for example, when the user pulls certain parts of their ear away from the wireless listening device, the wireless listening device can associate this movement with specific user input. A low-power accelerometer can be used in conjunction with an outward-facing microphone to detect only voice commands from the user. For example, the wireless listening device can determine that the user is speaking a command, rather than another person speaking right next to or directly at the user, by also measuring the level of vibration with the low-power accelerometer. When the user speaks, the low-power accelerometer can vibrate above a threshold. Therefore, when a command is spoken in conjunction with a threshold amount of vibration, the wireless listening device can determine that the user is speaking a command. These user interface features can improve the user experience of wireless listening devices, as discussed further herein.

[0075] As used herein, the term "portable listening device" includes any portable device designed to play sounds that can be heard by a user. Headphones are one type of portable listening device, and portable speakers are another type of portable listening device. The term "headphones" refers to a pair of small portable listening devices designed to be worn on or around a user's head. They convert electrical signals into corresponding sounds that can be heard by the user. Headphones include traditional earphones that are worn on the user's head and include left and right listening devices, namely headphones (a combination of headphones and microphone) connected to each other by a headband; and earbuds (very small headphones that can be designed to fit directly into the user's ears). Traditional headphones include both: over-ear headphones (sometimes called circumaural or full-size headphones), which have earpads that completely cover the user's ears; and on-ear headphones (sometimes also called on-ear headphones), which have earpads that press against the user's ears rather than around them.

[0076] The term "earbud," which can also be referred to as earphones or over-the-ear headphones, includes both small earphones that fit inside the user's outer ear, facing the ear canal without being inserted into the ear canal, and in-ear headphones, sometimes also called in-the-ear headphones, which are inserted into the ear canal itself. Thus, an in-ear listening device can be another type of portable listening device that is configured to be positioned substantially inside the user's ear. Other types of portable listening devices can also include hearing aids that enhance the sound from the user's surroundings. As used herein, the term "eartip," which can also be referred to as an earmold, includes a pre-formed, post-formed, or custom-molded sound-guiding structure that fits at least partially within the ear canal. Eartips can be formed to have a comfortable fit that can be worn for extended periods of time. They can come in different sizes and shapes to achieve a better seal with the user's ear canal and / or ear cavity.

[0077] In addition to the wireless listening device described herein, embodiments also include a housing for housing one or more wireless listening devices. The housing can include a magnet array formed by a set of magnets positioned laterally relative to each other. Each magnet can have a specific magnetic polarity positioned in a different direction to focus the magnetic force on the holding plate in the wireless listening device to generate a high attractive force in a small footprint. Figure 23 and FIG. 24A to FIG. 24B Details of exemplary magnet arrays are discussed.

[0078] In some additional or alternative embodiments, the housing can further include a bistable hinge that can have two stable states, wherein one stable state pulls the lid of the housing closed and the other stable state pushes the lid of the housing open. The bistable hinge can include three pivot points, and a spring and a piston rod along which the piston guide can move. The relative directions of the forces applied by the springs and the transition axis defined by the two pivot points can define the state that the bistable hinge pushes or pulls into. The bistable hinge can provide a good tactile feel when the lid of the housing is opened or closed, and can also minimize the number of magnets required to hold the lid closed. In this document relative to Figure 27 and Figures 28A to 28C Details of an exemplary bistable hinge are discussed.

[0079] In some cases, the housing can also include a mixing retaining and sensor shunt for detecting when the lid of the housing is in the closed position. The mixing shunt can allow the magnets in the lid to pull toward the body to hold the lid closed, while also providing a body through which the magnetic field from the magnets can traverse to the area below the shunt to be detected by the sensor. In this way, the sensor can utilize the space provided for the mixing shunt, rather than being placed elsewhere around the housing and taking up valuable space. Figures 26A to 26B Details of exemplary mix retention and sensor splitters are discussed.

[0080] I. Wireless listening devices

[0081] Figure 1A is a block diagram illustrating a portable electronic listening device system 100 including an exemplary wireless listening device 101, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As described above, wireless listening device 101 can include housing 105. Housing 105 can be an electronic device component that generates and receives sound to provide an enhanced user interface for host device 130. Housing 105 can include a computing system 102 coupled to a memory bank 104. Computing system 102 can execute instructions stored in memory bank 104 to perform a plurality of functions for operating housing 105. Computing system 102 can be one or more suitable computing devices, such as a microprocessor, a computer processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and the like.

[0082] The computing system 102 can also be coupled to a user interface system 106, a communication system 108, and a sensor system 110 to enable the housing 105 to perform one or more functions. For example, the user interface system 106 can include a driver (e.g., a speaker) for outputting sound to the user, a microphone for inputting sound from the environment or the user, and any other suitable input and output devices. The communication system 108 can include a Bluetooth component to enable the housing 105 to send data / commands and receive data / commands from the host device 130. The sensor system 110 can include optical sensors, accelerometers, microphones, and any other type of sensor capable of measuring parameters of external entities and / or the environment.

[0083] The housing 105 can also include a battery 112, which can be any suitable energy storage device capable of storing energy and releasing the stored energy to operate the housing 105, such as a lithium-ion battery. The discharged energy can be used to power the electrical components of the housing 105. In some embodiments, the battery 112 can also be charged to replenish its stored energy. For example, the battery 112 can be coupled to a power receiving circuit 114, which can receive current from a receiving element 116. In embodiments in which the receiving element 116 and the transmitting element 118 are configured to expose electrical contacts, the receiving element 116 can be electrically coupled to the transmitting element 118 of the housing 103. The housing 103 can include a battery 122, which can store energy and release it to a power transmitting circuit 120, which in turn can provide power to the transmitting element 118. The provided power can be transferred via an electrical connection 128 and received by the power receiving circuit 114 to charge the battery 112. While the housing 103 can be a device that provides power to charge the battery 112 via the receiving element 116 , in some embodiments, the housing 103 can also be a device that houses the wireless listening device 101 for storing the wireless listening device 101 and providing protection to the wireless listening device 101 while it is stored in the housing 103 .

[0084] The housing 103 can also include a housing computing system 119 and a housing communication system 121. The housing computing system 119 can be one or more processors, ASICs, FPGAs, microprocessors, etc. for operating the housing 103. The housing computing system 119 can be coupled to the power transmission circuit 120 for operating the charging function of the housing 103, and the housing computing system 119 can also be coupled to the housing communication system 121 for operating the interaction function of the housing 103 with other devices (e.g., the housing 105). In some embodiments, the housing communication system 121 is a Bluetooth component or any other suitable communication component that sends and receives data through the communication system 108 of the housing 105, such as an antenna formed by a conductive body. In this way, the housing 103 can be notified of the status of the wireless listening device 101 (e.g., charging status, etc.). The housing 103 can also include a speaker 123 coupled to the housing computing system 119, so that the speaker 123 can emit an audible noise that can be heard by the user for notification purposes.

[0085] The host device 130 (of which the housing 105 is an accessory) can be a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer. The host device 130 can include a host computing system 132 coupled to a battery 135 and a host memory bank 134, which contains lines of code that can be executed by the host computing system 132 to operate the host device 130. The host device 130 can also include a host sensor system 136 (e.g., an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a light sensor, etc.) for allowing the host device 130 to sense the environment, and a host user interface system 138 (e.g., a display, a speaker, buttons, a touch screen, etc.) for outputting information to a user and receiving input from a user. In addition, the host device 130 can also include a host communication system 140 for allowing the host device 130 to send and / or receive data from the Internet or a cellular tower via wireless communication (e.g., wireless fidelity (WIFI), long term evolution (LTE), code division multiple access (CDMA), global system for mobile (GSM), Bluetooth, etc.). In some embodiments, the host communication system 140 can also communicate with the communication system 108 in the housing 105 via a wireless communication link 142, so that the host device 130 can send sound data to the housing 105 for outputting sound and receive data from the housing 105 for receiving user input. The communication link 142 can be any suitable wireless communication link, such as a Bluetooth connection. By enabling communication between the host device 130 and the housing 105, the wireless listening device 101 can enhance the user interface of the host device 130.

[0086] Examples of such portable electronic listening device systems are Figure 1B, which is a simplified illustration of an exemplary portable electronic listening device system 150 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, having a host device 152 configured as a smartphone, a housing 154, and a pair of wireless listening devices 156 configured as a pair of in-ear hearing devices. Host device 152 can wirelessly couple with housing 154, enabling host device 152 to receive charge level data from housing 154 and / or charge level data from wireless listening devices 156. Host device 152 can also wirelessly couple with wireless listening devices 156, enabling audio data to be transmitted to wireless listening devices 156 for playback to a user, and audio data to be received by host device 152, as recorded / input from a microphone in wireless listening devices 156. Wireless listening devices 156 can also wirelessly couple with housing 154, enabling audio data from housing 154 to be transmitted to wireless listening devices 156. As an example, housing 154 can be coupled to an audio source that is different from host device 152 via a physical connection (e.g., an auxiliary cable connection). Audio data from the audio source can be output to housing 154, which can then wirelessly transmit the data to wireless listening device 156. In this way, a user can hear audio through wireless listening device 156 even if the audio device does not have wireless audio output capabilities.

[0087] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, each wireless listening device 156 can include a housing 158 formed by a body 160 and a handle 162 extending from the body 160, wherein the housing 158 is formed from a single piece of outer structure. The body 160 can include an inward-facing microphone 164 and an outward-facing microphone 166 for use herein with respect to Figures 7 to 10 The outward-facing microphone 166 can be positioned within an opening defined by portions of the body 160 and the handle 162, as shown. Figure 1B As shown. By extending into both the body 160 and the stem 162, the microphone 166 can be large enough to pick up sound from a wider area around the user. In some embodiments, the housing 158 can be attached to an ear plug 174, which can direct sound from the internal audio driver out of the housing 158 and into the user's ear canal. Thus, the wireless hearing device 156 can be configured as an in-ear hearing device. The stem 162 can be substantially cylindrical in construction, but it can include a planar area 168 that does not follow the curvature of the cylindrical construction. The planar area 168 can indicate an area where the wireless listening device can receive user input. For example, user input can be entered by squeezing the stem 162 at the planar area 168. The stem 162 can also include electrical contacts 170 and 172 for making contact with corresponding electrical contacts in the housing 154, as will be referenced herein. Figure 20A Further discussion.

[0088] As will be understood herein, the wireless listening device 156 can include several features that enable it to be worn by the user all day long. Its ear tips can be soft and pliable and can include controlled leakage to relieve pressure trapped in the ear canal, making it comfortable to wear. This functionality can also enable the wireless listening device 156 to provide an audio interface to the host device 152, potentially eliminating the need for the user to utilize the host device 152's graphical interface. In other words, the wireless listening device 156 can be so sophisticated that it enables the user to perform everyday operations from the host device 152 simply by interacting with the wireless listening device 156. This can create further independence from the host device 152 by not requiring the user to physically interact with the host device 152 and / or view its display, particularly when the functionality of the wireless listening device 156 is combined with the host device 152's voice control capabilities. Furthermore, the wireless listening device 156 can operate in a transparent mode, in which audible sounds from the surrounding environment are recorded by the outward-facing microphone 166 and immediately reproduced for the user to hear via the ear tips 174. Additionally, for users with hearing difficulties, the wireless listening device 156 can increase the volume of ambient sounds for the user to hear. Furthermore, for users in extremely noisy environments, such as at a concert, the wireless listening device 156 can reduce the volume of ambient sounds to a more acceptable level. In some embodiments, this adjustment between increasing and decreasing the volume can occur automatically to maintain a certain decibel range. Thus, the wireless listening device 156 can provide users with a truly hands-free experience.

[0089] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the EarTip 124 can be attached to and detached from the housing 105, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2B shown. Figure 2A is a side view of an exemplary wireless listening device 200 including an EarTip 204 and a housing 202, wherein the EarTip 204 is attached to the housing 202, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and Figure 2B FIG is a side view of a wireless listening device 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the ear tip 204 is detached from the housing 202. Figure 2A As shown, the EarTip 204 can include a tip region 206 and a base region 208 that together form a single-piece structure, and a sound channel 210 that extends through both the tip region 206 and the base region 208. The tip region 206 can include a curved annular surface 207 that is inserted into the ear canal for guiding sound from the housing 202 to the user, and can be formed of a pliable material that can be easily bent to conform to the inner surface of the ear canal to form an acoustic seal.

[0090] The EarTip 124 can be attached to the housing 105 in a variety of ways. For example, the EarTip 124 can be magnetically attached to the housing using magnets to magnetically attract the EarTip 124 to the housing 105. The EarTip 124 can also be attached to the housing 105 using mechanical means, such as screw and threaded hole attachment. In such an example, the opening of the housing 105 can be threaded, and the base area 208 can be correspondingly threaded, so that the EarTip 124 can be screwed into the housing 105. Additionally, the EarTip 124 can simply be adhered to the housing 105 using adhesive or any other chemical bonding agent. In some embodiments, the EarTip 124 can have a feature that hooks onto the housing 105, or a separate wire attachment mechanism can be provided in the housing 105 to latch onto the EarTip 124. Figures 3A to 3C as well as Figure 3E Further details of the construction of the EarTip 204 are discussed further below. The EarTip 204 can be detached from the housing 202, as shown in FIG. Figure 2B As shown, this enables easy replacement of damaged EarTips, or enables the use of different types and / or sizes of EarTips to more comfortably fit in ear canals having different anatomical shapes and sizes.

[0091] It should be understood that the ear tips 204 and the housing 202 can have different configurations and functions, resulting in improved sound quality and user experience. The details of such configurations and functions are further discussed herein.

[0092] II. Ear plugs

[0093] As described above, the EarTip can be attached to and detached from the housing of a wireless listening device. When configured as an in-ear hearing device or hearing aid, the EarTip can be positioned within the ear canal of a user and direct the sound output by the housing into the ear canal. In some embodiments, an attachment mechanism can be implemented in the base of the EarTip to enable the EarTip to be attached to and detached from the housing, as described herein with respect to Figures 3A to 3C discussed.

[0094] A. Ear Tip and Attachment Mechanism Construction

[0095] Figure 3A 3 is a cross-sectional view 300 of an EarTip 302 attached to an outer structure 304 of a housing via an attachment structure 308 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that to better understand the structure of the EarTip 302, Figure 3A For discussion, please refer to Figure 3B . Figure 3B is a top view 301 of an EarTip 302 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0096] refer to Figure 3AThe EarTip 302 can include an EarTip body formed from an inner EarTip body 316 and an outer EarTip body 322 that together form a single-piece structure. The outer EarTip body 322 can extend around the perimeter / circumference of the inner EarTip body 316 and, during manufacturing, can initially be formed together as a deformable tube that is then folded so that the outer EarTip body 322 is positioned outside the inner EarTip body 316, as shown. The inner EarTip body 316 can be centered along a central axis 313 and define a sound channel 310 that extends through the EarTip 302 between the interface end 312 and the attachment end 314 of the EarTip body. The sound channel 310 can be an empty space through which sound can travel from the attachment end 314 to the interface end 312. In some embodiments, the attachment end 314 can be the end of the Ear Tip 302 configured to be attached to the outer structure 304 of the housing, allowing sound generated by the housing to enter the sound channel 310 through the acoustic opening 311 of the outer structure 304; and the interface end 312 can be the end of the Ear Tip 302 opposite the attachment end 314, where the outer Ear Tip body 324 begins to extend from the inner Ear Tip body 316 (such as at the top of the Ear Tip 302) and is configured to engage with (e.g., be inserted into) the user's ear canal. When the Ear Tip 302 is attached to the outer structure 304, the sound channel 310 can be substantially aligned with the acoustic opening 311 of the outer structure 304, allowing sound from the housing to easily propagate into the sound channel 310.

[0097] In some embodiments, the inner ear tip body 316 can be substantially cylindrical and can define a cylindrical sound channel 310. Thus, as Figure 3B As shown in the top view 301 of FIG, the sound channel 310 can be substantially circular. It should be understood that the circular profile is merely exemplary, and the top view profile of the sound channel 310 can have other profiles (such as oval, triangular, rectangular, elliptical, etc.) without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0098] Return Reference Figure 3AIn some embodiments, the EarTip 302 can include a tip region 318 and a base region 320 (e.g., tip region 206 and base region 208 in FIG. 2 ). The tip region 318 can be the portion of the EarTip 302 that is inserted into the user's ear canal, while the base region 320 can be the portion of the EarTip 302 that extends toward and is attached to the outer structure 304 of the housing. The base region 320 can be configured such that the EarTip 302 minimally protrudes from the outer structure 304. For example, the base region 320 can be configured such that the tip region 318 is positioned a distance D away from a non-protruding surface of the outer structure 304, where the distance D is, in some embodiments, less than 3 mm, and more particularly, less than 2 mm. By minimizing the protrusion of the EarTip 302 from the outer structure 304 of the housing, the EarTip 302 can better resist unintentional separation forces to minimize accidental detachment, and minimize protrusion from the user's ear when worn for a pleasing appearance.

[0099] In some embodiments, the outer Ear Tip body 322 can be a portion of the tip region 318 that extends from the inner Ear Tip body 316 toward the attachment end 314 at the interface end 312 of the Ear Tip 302 and is coupled to the inner Ear Tip body. The outer Ear Tip body 322 can bend and conform to the contours of the ear canal to form an acoustic seal to prevent sound from escaping the ear canal. Therefore, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the outer Ear Tip body 322 can be formed from a thin, compliant material, such as silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, etc., that can easily bend and deflect inward and outward to conform to the various contours of the ear canal. To allow the outer Ear Tip body 322 to deflect inwardly and outwardly, the outer Ear Tip body 322 can resemble a cantilever, with its end closest to the attachment end 314 positioned a distance from the inner Ear Tip body 316 to define a deflection zone 323 formed by an empty space within which the outer Ear Tip body 322 can freely deflect. In some additional and alternative embodiments, the inner Ear Tip body 316 can also be formed from the same material as the outer Ear Tip body 322, but with a different (e.g., greater) thickness, so that the majority of the Ear Tip 300 as a whole can be formed from a compliant material. The inner Ear Tip body 316 can have a greater thickness than the outer Ear Tip body 322 because it does not contact the ear canal and provides some structural integrity to the Ear Tip 300; therefore, it does not need to be as compliant as the outer Ear Tip body 322 to conform to the ear canal.

[0100] The outer Ear Tip body 322 can include a curved interface surface 324 sized and shaped to contact the inner surface of the ear canal to form an acoustic seal when the user is wearing the wireless listening device. The outer Ear Tip body 322 can taper toward the interface end 312 to make it easier for the user to insert the Ear Tip 302 into their ear canal. In some embodiments, the portion of the outer Ear Tip body 322 closest to the attachment end 314 can curve backward toward the inner Ear Tip body 316 to reduce the possibility of the outer Ear Tip body 322 turning inside out.

[0101] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the EarTip 302 can include an attachment structure 308 for securely attaching to the external structure 304. As described herein, the EarTip 302 can be formed from a compliant material such as silicone. Compliant materials may not easily attach to rigid structures on their own. Therefore, the attachment structure 308 can be implemented to provide some rigidity to certain portions of the EarTip 302 to enable secure attachment of the EarTip 302 to the external structure 304. In some embodiments, the attachment structure 308 is positioned within the base portion 320 and can extend into the portion of the tip portion 318 closest to the attachment end 314, enabling the attachment structure 308 to assist in attaching the EarTip 302 to the external structure 304 of the housing. The attachment structure 308 can be formed from a hard, rigid material, such as plastic or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), that is sufficiently strong to achieve the desired attachment characteristics suitable for attaching the EarTip 302 to the external structure 304. In some embodiments, the attachment structure 308 is formed to be more rigid than the inner Ear Tip body 316 and the outer Ear Tip body 322 .

[0102] The attachment structure 308 can include a mesh 309 for preventing debris and other unwanted particles from falling into the housing through the acoustic opening 311. The mesh 309 can be an interlaced structure formed by a network of wires that allows sound to propagate through but prevents debris from passing through. In some embodiments, the mesh 309 extends into a portion of the attachment structure 308 so that the mesh 309 can be securely secured within the ear plug 302 by the rigid structure of the attachment structure 308. The attachment structure 308 can also include a plurality of attachment features 326 that project outwardly from the attachment end 304 and are configured to physically couple with the external structure 304. In some cases, the attachment features 326 can be individually positioned around the perimeter of the attachment structure 308 so that the attachment features 326 can be attached to discrete locations of the external structure 304. Each attachment feature 326 can include an arm and a hook that are secured to the external structure 304, such as Figure 3C Better shown in .

[0103] Figure 3Cis an illustration of a close up cross-sectional view of an attachment structure 308 attached to an external structure 304 via an attachment feature 326 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The attachment structure 308 can include a frame portion 328 and an attachment feature 326 that together form a monolithic structure. The frame portion 328 can be a ring positioned about a central axis 313 and can enclose a groove 330 extending around an outer circumference of the frame portion 328. The groove 330 can increase the surface area in contact with the inner Ear Tip body 316 to enhance the structural coupling between the inner Ear Tip body 316 and the attachment structure 308. In some embodiments, the attachment feature 326 can extend from the frame portion 328 in a direction parallel to the central axis 313 such that the attachment feature 326 can be attached to the external structure 304 and in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane in which the external structure 304 is oriented at the attachment location (at Figure 3A 313 is positioned at an angle (shown as horizontal in FIG). Each attachment feature 326 can include an arm 332 and a hook 334 for attaching to the external structure 304. The hook 334 can be a portion of the attachment feature 326 that bends away from the central axis 313 of the attachment structure 308 so that the hook 334 can grip onto a lip 336 of the external structure 304 that protrudes into the acoustic opening 311 of the external structure 304. In some embodiments, the lip 336 extends into the acoustic opening 311 and includes an attachment surface 335 to which the hook 334 can attach. The arm 332 can be a cantilever structure that applies an outward force to secure the EarTip 302 to the external structure 304 of the housing when the hook 334 engages the lip 336. In some embodiments, the lip 336 can extend a short distance away from the external structure 304 and provide an inclined surface on which the base portion 320 of the EarTip 302 can rest (e.g., Figure 3C as shown) to further ensure a strong attachment.

[0104] In some embodiments, the plurality of attachment features 326 can secure the EarTip 302 to the outer structure 304 with a force that is strong enough to resist unintentional detachment (e.g., when the listening device is repositioned in the ear canal or held in the user's hand), but weak enough to allow intentional detachment by the user (e.g., when the user wants to change the EarTip type or when the user wants to clean the EarTip 302). When the hook 334 engages the lip 336, the plurality of attachment features 326 can also provide tactile feedback, such as a snap, when engaged. Furthermore, as will be understood herein, the attachment structure 308 allows the EarTip 302 to be attached to the outer structure 304 by inserting into an opening in the outer structure 304, rather than wrapping around a rigid protrusion of the outer structure 304, as is conventionally done. Thus, when attached, a portion of the EarTip 302 can be positioned within the outer structure 304 of the housing. In such an embodiment, the attachment structure 308 requires less overall space to securely attach the EarTip 302 to the external structure 304, and in the event of a drop / bend / pinch event, moves the failure point to the base area 320 of the EarTip 302 rather than the external structure 304 of the housing. This significantly reduces the replacement / repair costs of wireless hearing devices / in-ear hearing devices.

[0105] The structure has Figure 3B The circular profile of the Ear Tip 302, shown in the top view in FIG, simplifies alignment with the acoustic opening 311 of the external structure 304. However, alignment can be more difficult to achieve when the Ear Tip 302 is oriented in a certain manner when attached to the external structure 304, particularly when the Ear Tip 302 is non-circular. Therefore, in some embodiments, alignment magnets can be implemented in the Ear Tip 302 and the external structure 304 to guide them into proper alignment when placed near each other. For example, a first magnet 338 can be positioned within the bottom region 320 of the Ear Tip 302 adjacent to the surface that contacts the external structure 304, and a second magnet 340 can be positioned within the lip 336 of the external structure 304 adjacent to the surface that contacts the Ear Tip 302, such that the magnet 338 can attract the magnet 340 during attachment to properly orient the Ear Tip 302 with the external structure 304. Implementing magnets 338 and 340 into the EarTip 302 and the outer structure 304 of the housing, respectively, can simplify how the two components are aligned when attached together.

[0106] although Figures 3A to 3CThe attachment structure 308 is shown as having a plurality of discrete attachment features 326, but embodiments are not limited to such a configuration. For example, instead of having multiple attachment features each having a separate arm and hook, some embodiments can have a single annular attachment feature that attaches to the entire perimeter of the acoustic opening 311 of the external structure 304. It should be understood that attachment features having various other types of hooks that extend into the acoustic opening 311 for attachment to the external structure 304 are contemplated herein. For example, various attachment feature designs incorporating a linear attachment mechanism for attaching the eartip to the housing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with respect to Figures 3D to 3Q Further discussion and illustration.

[0107] Figure 3D is an exploded view of an exemplary wireless listening device 350 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the wireless listening device including a linear attachment mechanism 351 for attaching an EarTip 352 to a housing 353. In some cases, the EarTip 352 can be attached to a nozzle 359, and the nozzle 359 can be securely attached to or part of the housing 353. When configured to be securely attached to the housing 353, the nozzle 359 can be a separate structure from the housing 353 that is attached via welding or adhesive such that the nozzle 359 cannot be separated from the housing 353. Alternatively, when configured as part of the housing 353, the nozzle 359 can be a single piece of the housing 353 that protrudes outwardly away from the housing 353. The nozzle 359 may include an opening 361 through which a portion of the linear attachment mechanism 351 may extend to latch the eartip 352 to the housing 353, and the nozzle 359 may include a mesh 303 to cover the opening of the nozzle 359 and prevent dust and debris from entering the housing 353, as will be described herein with respect to Figure 3I The linear attachment mechanism 351 can be a separate and independent structure from the nozzle 359 and the housing 353, which contacts both components. Because the EarTip 352 is attached to the housing 353 via the linear attachment mechanism 351, the EarTip 352 can be configured to complement the design of the linear attachment mechanism 351, as will be discussed further herein.

[0108] Figure 3E is a cross-sectional view of an EarTip 352 configured to be attached to a housing via a wire attachment mechanism according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3ACompared to the EarTip 302 shown, the EarTip 352 can include an EarTip body formed from an inner EarTip body 325 and an outer EarTip body 327 that are formed together as a single piece. The outer EarTip body 327 can extend around the perimeter / circumference of the inner EarTip body 325 and, during manufacturing, can initially be formed together as a deformable tube that is then folded so that the outer EarTip body 327 is located outside of the inner EarTip body 325, as shown. Figure 3E The inner Ear Tip body 325 can be centered along a central axis 329 and define a sound channel 331 extending through the inner Ear Tip body 325 between an interface end 333 and an attachment end 337 of the Ear Tip body. In some embodiments, the attachment end 337 can be the end of the Ear Tip body configured to be attached to the housing via a nozzle and a linear attachment feature, such that sound generated by the housing can enter the sound channel 331 through an acoustic opening of the housing; and the interface end 333 can be the end of the Ear Tip 352 opposite the attachment end 337, where the outer Ear Tip body 327 begins extending from the inner Ear Tip body 325, such as at the top end of the Ear Tip body.

[0109] In some embodiments, the inner EarTip body 325 can be substantially oval and can define the sound channel 331; thus, in some cases, the top view outer profile of the EarTip 352 can also be substantially oval or elliptical. However, embodiments are not limited to such configurations and can have other profiles (such as circular, triangular, rectangular, etc.) without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0110] and Figure 3A Similar to the EarTip 302 in FIG. 1 , the EarTip 352 can also include a tip region 339 and a base region 341. The tip region 339 can be the portion of the EarTip 352 that is inserted into the user's ear canal, while the base region 341 can be the portion of the EarTip 352 that extends toward and is attached to the housing. The base region 341 can be configured such that the EarTip 352 minimally protrudes from the exterior structure of the housing (e.g., Figure 3A The EarTip 352 may be provided with a distance D in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm, thereby enabling the EarTip 352 to better resist unintentional separation forces to minimize accidental detachment, and to minimally protrude from the user's ear when worn for a pleasing appearance.

[0111] In some embodiments, the EarTip 352 can include an attachment structure 343 formed from a different and more rigid material than the material used to construct the EarTip body. The attachment structure 343 can be formed from a more rigid material so that its rigidity can be more suitable for attachment to the housing. The attachment structure 343 can include an upper region 378 and a lower region 399 extending from the upper region 373. The upper region 378 can have a more horizontal arrangement than the lower region 399, which can be more vertical than the upper region 378, thereby being an inverted U-shaped profile as shown. Figure 3A 399 for providing latching points for the wire attachment mechanism 351 to attach. The recesses 345a-b can be cavities defined by the inner surface 344 of the lower region 399 of the attachment structure 343 that passively allow the wire attachment mechanism to secure the EarTip 352 to the housing. For example, the portion of the lower region below the recesses 345a-b can form an inverted overhang structure that hooks onto an external structure, such as an end cap of the wire attachment structure, as will be discussed herein with respect to Figures 3J to 3L Further discussion. The inner EarTip body 325 can engage with the attachment structure 343 at a boundary 376, where the inner EarTip body 325 initially contacts the attachment structure 343, as shown by the dashed and dotted lines. The boundary 376 can be defined by an imaginary horizontal line located between the interface end 333 and the connection end 337, as shown by the dashed and dotted lines. Figure 3E shown.

[0112] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the thickness of the sidewall of the inner Ear Tip body 325 can gradually change from one end to the other. The sidewall of the inner Ear Tip body 325 can be defined by a portion of the inner Ear Tip body 325 disposed between the boundary 376 and the interface end 333. As an example, the inner Ear Tip body 325 can have a first sidewall thickness T1 closest to the boundary 376 and a second sidewall thickness T2 closest to the interface end 333, the second sidewall thickness being less than the first sidewall thickness T1. In some cases, the sidewall thickness gradually decreases from the first sidewall thickness T1 to the second sidewall thickness T2, such as Figure 3EAs shown. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the inner surface of the inner Ear Tip body 325 can be substantially vertical, while the outer surface of the inner Ear Tip body 325 can be sloped, such that a gradual change in thickness is created by the sloped surface of the outer surface of the inner Ear Tip body 325. Having a thinner sidewall thickness at the interface end 333 makes the Ear Tip body more flexible at the interface end 333, making the Ear Tip 352 more comfortable for the user when worn. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the outer Ear Tip body 327 can be the same as the second sidewall thickness T2 of the inner Ear Tip body 325.

[0113] Although Figure 3E The Ear Tip body is shown as including an inner Ear Tip body 325 separated from an outer Ear Tip body 327 by a deflection zone, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the inner Ear Tip body 325 and the outer Ear Tip body 327 can be a single, solid, compressible structure formed from silicone. Therefore, a deflection zone may not be defined between the inner Ear Tip body 325 and the outer Ear Tip body 327. Any other configuration is contemplated without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0114] The EarTip 352 can also include a mesh 303 to prevent debris and other unwanted particles from falling completely through the sound channel 331. The mesh 303 can be a soft, porous fabric that allows sound to pass through but prevents debris from passing through. For example, the mesh 303 can be formed from a polyester fabric. In some embodiments, the mesh 303 extends into the upper region 378 of the attachment structure 343, allowing the mesh 303 to be securely fixed within the EarTip 352 by the rigid structure of the attachment structure 343.

[0115] from Figure 3EAs can be appreciated from the illustration of FIG, the structure of the Ear Tip body (i.e., the inner Ear Tip body 325 and the outer Ear Tip body 327) can be formed from a more flexible material than the material used to form the attachment structure 343. For example, the inner Ear Tip body 325 and the outer Ear Tip body 327 can be formed from silicone, while the attachment structure 343 is formed from a hard polymer, such as polycarbonate. Thus, to form the Ear Tip 352, the soft, flexible structure of the inner Ear Tip body 325 can be securely attached to the attachment structure 343. In some embodiments, the inner Ear Tip body 325 and the outer Ear Tip body 327 are molded onto the attachment structure 343, such that a degree of chemical bonding is achieved at the interface between the two structures during the manufacturing process. However, in some additional embodiments, several through-holes 349 can be positioned around the upper region of the attachment structure 343 to allow the soft material forming the inner Ear Tip body 325 to pass from the outer surface 342 of the attachment structure 343 to the inner surface 344 of the attachment structure 343. In some cases, the amount of material that passes through the through-holes 349 can result in the formation of a thin annular structure 346 that extends across a portion of the inner surface 344 of the attachment feature 343 near the through-holes 349. The combination of the annular structure 346 and the structural penetration between the inner Ear Tip body 325 and the attachment structure 343 creates a mechanical interlocking feature that further strengthens the bond between the inner Ear Tip body 325 and the attachment structure 343. In some cases, the annular structure 346 can be an extension of the inner Ear Tip body 325 that covers at least a portion of the inner surface 344 of the attachment structure 343. Thus, the annular structure 346, the material within the through-portion 349, the inner EarTip body 325, and the outer EarTip body 327 can all be part of the same monolithic structure.

[0116] In some embodiments, the attachment structure 343 further includes a control leak 348 disposed in the cavity region 307, as will be described herein with respect to Figure 6D Further discussed. The controlled leak 348 can provide atmospheric flow between the external environment and the sound channel 331 so that the EarTip 352 does not completely seal the ear canal and trap pressure within the ear canal. This can allow for a more comfortable user experience and can also improve the acoustic performance of the listening device. The cavity area 307 can be a shallow cavity defined by the inner surface 344 of the attachment structure 343 to reduce the possibility of the controlled leak 348 being obscured from the interior of the inner EarTip body 325, as will be discussed herein with respect to Figure 6E In some embodiments, the outer EarTip body 327 can be modified to mitigate the possibility of the controlled leakage 348 being obscured from the exterior of the inner EarTip body 325, as will be discussed herein with respect to Figures 6F to 6H Further discussion.

[0117] In some cases, the inner EarTip body 325 can also include an annular attachment flange 360 that extends around the perimeter of the attachment structure 343 at the attachment end 337. The attachment flange 360 can be attached to the inner EarTip body 325 by pressing against the outer shell (e.g., Figure 3D The attachment flange 360 can extend away from the centerline 329 of the inner ear tip body 325 and in an upward and lateral direction, such as Figure 3E As shown. By configuring the attachment flange 360 to extend upward and laterally, the directionality of the attachment flange 360's collapse when it contacts the housing can be controlled. Because the attachment flange 360 is part of the inner Ear Tip body 325, it can be formed from the same material as the inner Ear Tip body 325, such as silicone. In some cases, the attachment flange 360 can be an extension of the inner Ear Tip body 325 that covers at least a portion of the outer surface 342 of the attachment structure 343. Thus, the attachment flange 360, the inner Ear Tip body 325, and the outer Ear Tip body 327 can all be part of the same monolithic structure.

[0118] Return Reference Figure 3D According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the wire attachment mechanism 351 can attach the EarTip 352 to the nozzle 359, and therefore to the housing 353. The wire attachment mechanism 351 can be configured to enable the EarTip 352 to be mechanically attached to and detached from the housing 353. In some embodiments, once the EarTip 352 is locked to the nozzle 359, the wire attachment mechanism 351 can enable the EarTip 352 to latch onto the nozzle 359 by applying a low insertion force and resist separation from the housing 353. Once the EarTip 352 is attached to the nozzle 359, the wire attachment mechanism 351 does not have to apply a significant force to maintain the attachment. Instead, the physical structure of the wire attachment mechanism 351 can allow the EarTip 352 to remain attached to the nozzle 359. In this way, the wire attachment mechanism 351 does not have to apply a large amount of significant force to keep the EarTip 352 attached to the nozzle 359 and allows for attachment by applying a low insertion force, as will be discussed herein with respect to Figure 3I Further discussion.

[0119] The wire attachment mechanism 351 can include a body formed from a single continuous strip of wire that is bent in various directions to create a compressible spring that can apply pressure in a lateral direction to attach the EarTip 352 to the nozzle 359 . Figures 3F to 3H is an illustration of a wire attachment mechanism 351 having an S-shaped profile configured to compress toward its center when engaged with an EarTip, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3F is a top view of the linear attachment mechanism 351 in its uncompressed state, Figure 3Gis a top view of the superimposed uncompressed linear attachment mechanism 351 in its compressed state, and Figure 3H is a side view of a linear attachment mechanism 351 superimposed in its released state, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0120] like Figure 3F As shown, the wire strip forming the linear attachment mechanism 351 can have an S-shaped profile including a center segment 354 having opposite ends from which two linear features extend. The two linear features can be a first linear feature 355a and a second linear feature 355b, each including a corresponding intermediate segment 356a-b, a U-shaped segment 357a-b, and an end segment 358a-b. The U-shaped segment 357a-b can be positioned between the intermediate segment 356a-b and the end segment 358a-b, as shown in FIG. Figure 3F As shown. Figure 3F From the top view in FIG, the U-shaped segments 357a-b may not appear to have a U-shaped profile because the U-shaped profile of the bent wire extends into / out of the page, but its U-shaped profile is Figure 3D This is more apparent in FIG, which shows a perspective view of the linear attachment mechanism 351. Return to Reference Figure 3F In some embodiments, the center segment 354 can have a substantially straight profile / configuration, and the intermediate segments 356a-b extending from the center segment 354 can have a curved profile / configuration. The curvature of the intermediate segments 356a-b can conform to a section of a corresponding outer profile of the nozzle 359, so that the intermediate segments 356a-b can achieve a better fit with the nozzle 359. The linear attachment mechanism 351 can also include end caps 366a-b that cover the corresponding lateral curved portions 375a-b of the U-shaped segments 357a-b. Figure 3H As shown in the side view in FIG, the end caps 366a-b can have beveled top corners 377a-b and a flat bottom surface 379b. The beveled top corners 377a-b can convert vertical insertion forces into lateral forces to bend the linear attachment mechanism 380 during attachment, and the flat bottom surface 379b can resist separation of the EarTip once attached and lock onto the corresponding portion of the attachment structure (e.g., in this context relative to FIG). Figure 3E The portion of the lower region of the attachment structure below the recessed portions 345a-b in question).

[0121] In some embodiments, the center segment 354, the middle segments 356a-b, and the end segments 358a-b can be positioned substantially in the same first plane, while the U-shaped segments 357a-b can be positioned substantially in different, but parallel, second and third planes. The first plane can be positioned at an angle to the second and third planes. For example, the first plane can be substantially perpendicular to the second and third planes, or at any other suitable angle, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the linear features 355a-b can each include a corresponding end cap 366a-b covering the center portion of the U-shaped segments 357a-b to provide a better fit with the nozzle 359 and the EarTip 352 when the EarTip 352 is attached to the housing 353 via the linear connection mechanism 351.

[0122] During attachment, the EarTip can be pressed against the end caps 366a-b until the end caps 366a-b snap into the recess in the nozzle, which will be referred to herein with respect to Figures 3J to 3L Further discussion. When pressed against the end caps 366a-b, the linear attachment mechanism 351 can bend into Figure 3G The compressed state 315 is shown, indicated by the dashed outline of a portion of the linear attachment mechanism 351, to allow the EarTip's attachment structure to slide over the nozzle. In some embodiments, the opposing halves of the linear attachment mechanism 351 can be cantilever beams that bend from a midpoint 317 of a central segment 354. Each half of the linear attachment mechanism 351 can have a long beam length, allowing them to bend with lower insertion force than other configurations with shorter beam lengths. The beam length can be defined by the length of the linear attachment mechanism 351 from the midpoint 317 to one end.

[0123] During removal, the EarTip can be pulled away from the housing to release the end caps 366a-b from the recesses of the EarTip. Figure 3G The bending motion is generated as shown to release the end caps 366a-b from the recesses, and the pulling out can result in Figure 3H During the twisting motion, the linear attachment mechanism 351 is able to rotate the U-shaped segments 357a-b about an axis defined by a line perpendicular to the page that intersects the two points where the end segments 358a-b and the middle segments 356a-b intersect the U-shaped segments 357a-b, as shown. Figure 3H As shown by the axes 319a-b in FIG. 1 . Thus, when the U-shaped segments 357a-b rotate about the axes 319a-b along the curves 321a-b, the end caps 366a-b can move inward to allow the ear tips to be released and separated from the housing. The directions of the curves 321a-b along which the U-shaped segments 357a-b rotate can be opposite to each other. For example, the curve 321a can be in a clockwise direction, while the curve 321b can be in a counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 3H shown.

[0124] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the linear attachment mechanism 351 can bend more easily than it moves in twisting, and therefore has a high torsional force to bending force ratio. This characteristic can be attributed in part to the long beam length created by the S-shaped profile, as well as the properties of the wire itself, which, due to the nature of the long and thin wire, has a higher torsional stiffness than its bending stiffness. This high ratio can allow the linear attachment mechanism 351 to attach the EarTip to the housing with a low insertion force, while requiring a higher removal force to release the EarTip from the housing. This force distribution enhances the user experience by enabling the EarTip to be easily and securely connected to the housing. In some embodiments, the force of placing the end caps 366a-b into the recessed portion of the EarTip can generate an audible noise, which can provide the user with another level of feedback confirming that the EarTip has been attached.

[0125] To attach the EarTip 352 and nozzle 359 to the housing 353, the linear attachment mechanism 351 can apply a lateral force at the end caps 366a-b in a horizontal direction away from the center section 354. The end caps 366a-b can pass through the opening 361 of the nozzle 359 and fit within corresponding recesses in the EarTip 352 to attach the EarTip 352 to the housing 353. Figure 3I Better shown in .

[0126] Figure 3I is a cross-sectional view illustration of an EarTip 352 attached to a housing 353 via a linear attachment mechanism 351 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The EarTip 352 can be directly attached to a nozzle 359, which can be (1) as shown. Figure 3I 353, or (2) a protruding single-piece portion of the housing 353 (not shown). The nozzle 359 can include a mesh 303 covering the opening of the nozzle 359 to prevent dust and debris from entering the housing 353. The mesh 303 can be formed as a multi-layer structure including a decorative mesh 305a and an acoustic mesh 305b adhered to the decorative mesh, wherein the decorative mesh 305a forms the outer surface of the nozzle 359 and is formed of an interlaced mesh of hard wire, and the acoustic mesh 305b is adhered to the inner surface of the decorative mesh 305a and is formed of a porous fabric. For example, the decorative mesh 305a can be formed of interlaced stainless steel and the acoustic mesh 305b can be formed of polyester. In order to securely attach the nozzle 359 to the housing 353, a welding ring 363 can be used to securely attach the housing 353 to the nozzle 359. The welding ring 363 can be a rigid structure in the shape of a flat ring having a top surface 364 and a bottom surface 365 opposite the top surface 364. In some embodiments, the housing 353 and the nozzle 359 can be welded to the top surface 364 of the weld ring 363 so that the housing 353 and the nozzle 359 are securely attached to each other. The weld ring 363 can be formed of any suitable material, such as metal. It should be understood that Figure 3I 35 is a close up view of how the wire attachment mechanism 351 attaches the EarTip 352, the housing 353 and the nozzle 359, so only portions of the EarTip 352 and the housing 353 are shown.

[0127] like Figure 3I As shown, the linear attachment mechanism 351 can include U-shaped segments 357a-b, the central portion of which is covered by end caps 366a-b. The end caps 366a-b can extend through the opening 361 in the nozzle 359 and into the Ear Tip 352. In some embodiments, the end caps 366a-b can extend into corresponding recesses 368a-b in the Ear Tip 352. The recesses 368a-b can be formed in the frame portion 362 of the Ear Tip 352. As described herein, the Ear Tip 352 can be formed from a compliant material such as silicone, which may not be easily attached to a rigid structure (e.g., the end caps 366a-b) alone. Therefore, the frame portion 362 can be implemented in the Ear Tip 352 to provide some rigidity for securely attaching the Ear Tip 352 to the nozzle 359 via the linear attachment mechanism 351. The frame portion 362 can be formed of a hard, rigid material, such as plastic or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), that is strong enough to achieve the desired attachment characteristics suitable for attaching the EarTip 352 to the nozzle 359. In some embodiments, the frame portion 362 is formed to be thicker than the inner EarTip body and the outer EarTip body (e.g., Figure 3A The inner Ear Tip body 316 and the outer Ear Tip body 322 of the Ear Tip 352 in FIG. 3 are more rigid.

[0128] Figures 3J to 3L is a series of illustrations at different points along the process of attaching the EarTip 352 to the Nozzle 359 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. To attach the EarTip 352 to the Nozzle 359 (and therefore to the Housing 353), as shown Figure 3J As shown, the EarTip 352 can be pressed into the housing 353 in a downward direction 369. Pressing the EarTip 352 downward causes the frame portion 362 of the EarTip 352 to press against the end caps 366a-b of the linear attachment mechanism 351, as shown in FIG. Figure 3K In some cases, the frame portion 362 of the EarTip 352 presses against the end caps 366a-b with a force in a lateral inward direction 370 toward the center segment 354, causing the end caps 366a-b to deflect inward as they slide along the frame portion 362. The center segment 354 of the linear attachment mechanism 351 can allow each linear feature to be displaced laterally toward the center segment 354. In some embodiments, the U-shaped segments 357a-b can be moved horizontally toward the center segment 354 as a whole, as shown. Figure 3KThe end caps 366a-b can include corresponding beveled corners 373a-b so that when a force is applied in the downward direction 369 to attach the eartip 352 to the nozzle 359, the end caps 366a-b can convert the vertical downward force into a lateral inward force that presses the end caps 366a-b inward toward the center section 354. Once the end caps 366a-b reach the position shown in FIG. Figure 3L 368a-b, the end caps 366a-b can snap into place because the spring force generated by the S-shaped profile of the linear attachment mechanism 351 presses in a lateral outward direction 371 away from the center segment 354. When the end caps 366a-b are snapped into place, the ear tip 352 can be successfully attached to the nozzle 359 and the housing 353, and an acoustic seal can be formed by the attachment flange 360 at the interface 374. The attachment flange 360 can press against the inner surface of the housing 353 in a lateral direction; thus, the attachment flange 360 can form a radial seal with the housing 353. In some embodiments, snapping the end caps 366a-b into the recess 368a provides a tactile feel that provides feedback to the user to indicate when successful attachment has occurred, thereby resulting in an enhanced user experience.

[0129] Return Reference Figure 3I When the EarTip 352 is attached to the nozzle 359 and housing 353, the linear attachment mechanism 351 is able to resist separation forces in the upward direction 372 by blocking upward movement of the EarTip 352 with the end caps 366a-b. In some embodiments, the end caps 366a-b are positioned to interfere with the vertical movement of the frame portion 362, so that their structure passively resists separation of the EarTip 352 from the housing 353. Therefore, the linear attachment mechanism does not require active clamping force to hold the EarTip 352 in place. This design is robust and reliable and does not lose resistance over time. In certain embodiments, the slope of the beveled corners 373a-b allows the end caps 366a-b to easily press inward toward the center segment 354 when a force in the downward direction 369 is applied to attach the EarTip 352 to the nozzle 359. In contrast, the bottom corners of the end caps 366a-b may not include beveled corners, allowing the end caps 366a-b to resist significantly greater separation forces in the upward direction 372. Consequently, the Ear Tip 352 can be attached with a low insertion force applied in the downward direction 367 and detached with a high force applied in the upward direction 372. This force distribution achieved by the linear attachment mechanism 351 can provide an improved user experience and attachment reliability. In some embodiments, the attachment force sufficient to attach the Ear Tip 352 to the nozzle 359 can be applied by a set of magnets (not shown). The magnets can be placed at areas of the Ear Tip 532 and nozzle 359 near the interface 374 or at any other interface where the Ear Tip 532 and nozzle 359 intersect, so that attractive magnetic forces can draw the Ear Tip 532 to the nozzle 359 with sufficient force to achieve attachment.

[0130] In some embodiments, the U-shaped segments 357a-b can include respective transversely curved portions 367a-b to which the end caps 366a-b are attached, such as Figure 3I As shown. The transverse curved portions 367a-b can extend in a horizontal plane parallel to the plane in which the center segment 351 and the intermediate segments 356a-b are positioned in a non-overlapping manner. Thus, the transverse curved portions 367a-b can be positioned at an angle, such as a 90-degree angle, relative to the remainder of the U-shaped segments 357a-b. The transverse curved portions can improve the structural strength of the end caps 366a-b and provide a rigid frame to which they can be attached.

[0131] although Figures 3D to 3L A wire attachment mechanism configured with an S-shaped profile is discussed, but embodiments are not limited to such configurations. It should be understood that any wire shape can be used to attach the EarTip to the housing without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Figures 3M to 3O and Figure 3P to Figure 3Q Examples of some suitable variations of linear attachment mechanisms are discussed.

[0132] Figures 3M to 3O An exemplary wire attachment mechanism 380 is shown having a U-shaped profile configured to compress toward its center when engaged with an EarTip in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3M is a top view of the linear attachment mechanism 380 in its uncompressed state, Figure 3N is a top view of the uncompressed linear attachment mechanism 380 superimposed in its compressed state, and Figure 3O is a bottom perspective view of a linear attachment mechanism 380 positioned in a nozzle, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0133] like Figure 3M As shown, the linear attachment mechanism 380 can be constructed from a single continuous strip of wire bent into a U-shaped profile that includes U-shaped segments (not visible from this view) having respective transversely curved portions 381a-b coupled to respective end segments 382a-b. Each end segment 382a-b can have a first end coupled to the respective U-shaped segment and an opposite second end that is dependent, e.g., not connected to any other portion of the linear attachment mechanism 380. Figure 3DUnlike the linear attachment mechanism 351 in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the linear attachment mechanism 380 may not include a center segment, but instead may have only a connecting segment 383 formed by a single bend of wire having an arcuate profile. Thus, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the linear attachment mechanism 380 can include two linear features that are demarcated by a center line 386 and are configured as mirror images of each other, wherein each linear feature includes an intermediate segment formed by a respective half of the connecting segment 383. The connecting segment 383 can be coupled to an end of the transverse bend 381a-b opposite the end to which the transverse bend 381a-b is attached. In some embodiments, the end caps 384a-b can be attached over the transverse bend 381a-b, similar to the end caps described herein with respect to the Figure 3I The end caps 366a-b and lateral curved portions 375a-b are discussed for insertion into corresponding openings in the nozzle to attach the EarTip to the nozzle.

[0134] During attachment, as herein with respect to Figures 3J to 3L As discussed, the ear tip can be pressed against the end caps 384a-b until the end caps 384a-b snap into a certain point in the recess in the nozzle. When pressed against the end caps 384a-b, the linear attachment mechanism 380 can bend into a compressed state 385, as shown in FIG. Figure 3N 386 to allow the frame portion of the EarTip to slide over the nozzle. In some embodiments, the opposing halves of the linear attachment mechanism 380 (when separated by the centerline 386) can be cantilever beams fixed at the joint region 387 of the connecting segment 383. During compression, in some cases, each integral half can move horizontally toward the centerline 386 while bending at the joint region 387. In the compressed state, the opposing halves of the linear attachment mechanism 380 divided by the centerline 381 can be positioned closer to the centerline 381 than when the linear attachment mechanism 380 is in an uncompressed state. Furthermore, during compression, the portion of the linear attachment mechanism 380 positioned farther from the joint region 387 can move more than the portion of the linear attachment mechanism 380 positioned closer to the joint region 387.

[0135] like Figure 3O As shown, the nozzle 359 can have an inner surface 388 that matches the curvature of the linear attachment mechanism 380. The inner surface 388 can include a recessed portion 389 that provides space for the end segments 382a-b to be positioned, as well as a clearance space for allowing the end segments 382a-b to move when the linear attachment mechanism 380 transitions from an uncompressed state to a compressed state, as described herein with respect to the linear attachment mechanism 380. Figure 3NIn some embodiments, the joint area 387 of the linear attachment mechanism 380 can rest freely on the inner surface 388, or the joint area 387 can be securely attached to the inner surface 388 via adhesive, welding, or any other suitable attachment method. The joint area 387 can be relatively small to allow most of the linear attachment mechanism 380 to move during compression, such as Figure 3N However, in some embodiments, the joint area 387 can be relatively large to allow only a small portion of the linear attachment mechanism 380 to move during compression, as described herein with respect to Figure 3P to Figure 3Q discussed.

[0136] Figure 3P to Figure 3Q is a diagram of an exemplary wire attachment mechanism 390 having a U-shaped profile configured to rotate its end cap about an axis when engaged with an EarTip, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3P is a side view of the uncompressed linear attachment mechanism 390 superimposed in its compressed state, and Figure 3Q is a bottom perspective view of a linear attachment mechanism 390 positioned in a nozzle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0137] Similar to the linear attachment mechanism 380, Figure 3P The illustrated linear attachment mechanism 390 can be constructed from a single continuous strip of wire that is bent to have the same Figure 3M The U-shaped profile shown is substantially similar to the U-shaped profile shown. Thus, the linear attachment mechanism 390 can include a pair of transverse curved portions 391a-b coupled to corresponding U-shaped segments 392a-b, which are coupled together via a connecting segment 393 formed by a single curved line. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the linear attachment mechanism 390 can include two linear features, which are demarcated by a centerline 396 and configured as mirror images of each other. Each linear feature can include end segments, including a U-shaped segment of a transverse curved portion, and a middle segment formed by corresponding halves of the connecting segment 393. The connecting segment 393 can be coupled to the end of the transverse curved portions 391a-b opposite the end to which the transverse curved portions 391a-b are attached. End caps 394a-b can be attached to the transverse curved portions 391a-b for insertion into corresponding openings in the nozzle to attach the eartip to the nozzle.

[0138] When the EarTip is pressed against the end caps 394a-b during attachment, the wire attachment mechanism 390 can bend into a compressed state 395, such as Figure 3P390 to allow the frame portion of the eartip to slide over the nozzle. Unlike the linear attachment mechanism 380, in which the entire halves are laterally compressed during attachment, the linear attachment mechanism 390 can instead rotate only the U-shaped segments 392a-b about an axis. The axis can be defined by a line that intersects the two points where the end segments and the middle segment intersect the U-shaped segments 392a-b, as shown. Figure 3M Thus, when the U-shaped segments 392a-b are rotated about the axes 396a-b along the curves 397a-b, the end caps 394a-b can move inward to allow the EarTip to move toward the nozzle until the end caps 394a-b snap into the recessed portion of the EarTip, as described herein with respect to FIG. Figure 3L The directions of the curves 397a-b along which the U-shaped segments 392a-b rotate can be opposite to each other. For example, the curve 397a can be in a clockwise direction, while the curve 397b can be in a counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 3P shown.

[0139] like Figure 3Q 388 of the nozzle 359. In some embodiments, the connecting segment 393 can rest freely on the inner surface 388, or the connecting segment 393 can be securely attached to the inner surface 388 via adhesive, welding, or any other suitable attachment method. In certain embodiments, a substantial portion of the connecting segment 393 (such as the entire length of the connecting segment 393) can be securely attached to the inner surface 388. In addition, the end segments 398a-b can also be securely attached to the inner surface 388 of the nozzle 359. In this way, during compression, only the U-shaped segments 392a-b can rotate about the axes 396a-b, as described herein with respect to the inner surface 388. Figures 3P to 3N discussed.

[0140] B. Capacitive earplugs

[0141] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an EarTip can be configured as a sensor for detecting when a user is wearing a wireless listening device. For example, the EarTip can be configured as a capacitive sensor whose capacitance changes when the EarTip is inserted into the ear canal.

[0142] Figure 4AFIG4 is an exemplary Ear Tip 400 configured as a capacitive sensor according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As a capacitive sensor, the Ear Tip 400 can include a first conductive structure 402 and a second conductive structure 404 positioned within the tip region 318 of the Ear Tip 400 and separated by a deflection region 323. In some embodiments, the first conductive structure 402 can be a metal plate bent into an inner Ear Tip body-like shape, which can be positioned on an outer surface of the inner Ear Tip body 316, or a conductive inner Ear Tip body 316 formed by doping the inner Ear Tip body 316 with a conductive material to convert the inner Ear Tip body 316 into a conductive structure. Similarly, the second conductive structure 404 can be a metal plate bent and curved to conform to the inner surface of the outer Ear Tip body 322, or a conductive outer Ear Tip body 322 formed by doping the outer Ear Tip body 322 with a conductive material to convert the outer Ear Tip body 322 into a conductive structure. With this configuration, the two conductive structures 402 and 404 and the deflection region 323 can define a first capacitance when the Ear Tip 300 is not inserted into the ear canal, but a capacitance change (e.g., an increase in capacitance) occurs when the Ear Tip 300 is inserted into the ear canal due to the deflection of the outer Ear Tip body 322 toward the inner Ear Tip body 316 when the Ear Tip 300 is inserted into the ear canal, as shown in FIG. Figure 4B and Figure 4C In some embodiments, each conductive structure 402 and 404 extends around the entire circumference of the Ear Tip 400. However, in some other embodiments, each conductive structure 402 and 404 can extend around only a portion of the entire circumference of the Ear Tip 400. In such cases, each conductive structure 402 and 404 can be configured as a conductive plating strip that is located directly opposite each other to form a capacitor.

[0143] Figure 4B and Figure 4C FIG is a cross-sectional view of an EarTip 400 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure when inserted into an ear canal. Figure 4B As shown, when the ear tip 400 is inserted into the ear canal 406, the ear tip 400 can bend and conform to the inner surface of the ear canal 406. When the user wears the wireless hearing device (e.g., an in-ear hearing device), the housing 202 may not bend or conform. Figure 4C As shown, when the wireless listening device is worn, the outer Ear Tip body 322 can bend into the deflection region 323, thereby causing portions of the first conductive structure 402 and the second conductive structure 404 to be positioned closer to each other. In this way, the capacitance generated by the conductive structures 402 and 404 and the smaller separation distance therebetween can be different (e.g., greater) than the capacitance when the Ear Tip 400 is not inserted into the ear canal, for example, as shown in FIG. Figure 4AAs shown. Thus, the EarTip 400 can be configured to have a first capacitance when not inserted into the ear canal, and a second capacitance when inserted into the ear canal. By modifying the EarTip 400 into a capacitive sensor, an additional, bulkier sensor is not required in the housing, thereby facilitating a smaller form factor for the housing.

[0144] The wireless listening device can be configured to measure the difference in capacitance and determine that the user is wearing the wireless listening device. This determination can be made when the capacitance change of the ear tip 400 exceeds a threshold. By being able to determine when the device is being worn, the wireless listening device can enhance the user experience by automatically activating specific, targeted UI controls related to the wireless listening device when it detects that it is being worn, such as automatically providing options to play / pause music, answer / end phone calls, etc.

[0145] C. Patterned ear tips

[0146] As an alternative or in addition to configuring the EarTip as a capacitive sensor, some embodiments can configure the EarTip as an optical indicator that changes when the EarTip is inserted into the ear canal. For example, the EarTip can include a pattern of lines and spaces on the inner surface of the outer EarTip body that can be observed by an optical sensor in the housing to determine whether the user is wearing a wireless listening device, as described herein with respect to Figures 5A to 5C Further discussion. Specifically, Figure 5A is a bottom view of an exemplary EarTip 500 having patterned lines 502 separated by spaces 504 configured on the inner surface of an outer EarTip body 506 . Figure 5B is a side view of an exemplary wireless listening device 501 having an EarTip 500 and a housing 510 having an optical sensor 508 for viewing the inner surface of an outer EarTip body 506, and Figure 5C is a bottom view of the EarTip 500 after being deflected due to insertion into the ear canal, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0147] like Figure 5A As shown, the inner surface of the outer Ear Tip body 506 can have a series of patterned lines 502 separated by gaps 504. The lines 502 can extend along the entire circumference of the outer Ear Tip body 506 and thus can have a substantially circular shape. The thickness of each line can be the same or different than the other patterned lines, and the size of each gap can similarly be the same or different than the size of the other gaps. The series of patterned lines 502 can be observed by an optical sensor 508 facing the Ear Tip 500. In some embodiments, the optical sensor 508 can detect changes in the patterned lines 502 when the Ear Tip 500 is inserted into the ear canal. For example, Figure 5CAs shown, as the outer EarTip body 506 deflects and conforms to the inner surface of the ear canal, the patterned lines 502 and gaps 504 can change shape. In some embodiments, the optical sensor 508 can view the patterned lines 502 and gaps 504 in their entirety, or a portion 510 of the patterned lines 502 and gaps 504. In some embodiments, the optical sensor 508 can only view the portion of the patterned lines 502 and gaps 504 in front of the optical sensor 508. Furthermore, in some embodiments, more than one optical sensor can be implemented to view the entire patterned lines 502 and gaps 504 around the circumference of the EarTip 500. When more than one optical sensor is used, they can be positioned axially symmetrically around the opening in the housing to which the EarTip 500 is attached.

[0148] When the patterned lines 502 and spaces 504 are formed from, for example, Figure 5A When its initial position (when the wireless listening device is not inserted into the ear canal) deviates from a threshold distance, the wireless listening device 501 can determine that it is being worn by the user. Therefore, the EarTip 500 can be configured to have a first line pattern when not inserted into the ear canal, and a second line pattern different from the first line pattern when inserted into the ear canal. Each line pattern can be substantially circular and extend around the circumference of the EarTip 500. By modifying the EarTip 500 to have patterned lines 502 and gaps 504 and configuring the housing 510 with an optical sensor for observing the patterned lines 502 and gaps 504, the EarTip 500 can be free of conductive structures, thereby making manufacturing simpler and having fewer failure paths.

[0149] By being able to determine when the device is being worn by measuring the deflection of patterned lines and gaps, the wireless listening device can enhance the user experience by automatically activating specific, targeted UI controls associated with the wireless listening device when it detects it is being worn, such as automatically providing play / pause options for music, answering / ending phone calls, and more. Furthermore, the wireless listening device can be configured to detect unique deflection patterns and associate these unique deflection patterns with individual users. By doing so, the wireless listening device can automatically set its operating settings to reflect the user's specific predefined preferences. Furthermore, being able to detect unique patterns can allow the wireless listening device to identify which EarTip type is attached to the housing. For example, different sized EarTip sizes can have different, unique patterns of lines and gaps. The housing can be configured to observe the unique pattern of lines and gaps when the EarTip is not inserted in the ear canal and automatically determine which EarTip is attached to the housing by matching the observed pattern with a list of known patterns for different types of EarTip types. In some embodiments, the optical sensor 508 can measure the observed color of the inner surface of the EarTip 500 as a whole, rather than observing individual lines and gap patterns. In this way, a relatively inexpensive optical sensor can still be used to detect the identity of the EarTip 500 .

[0150] D. Controlled leakage of ear tips

[0151] As will be understood herein, the outer EarTip body of an EarTip according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can be pressed against the inner surface of the ear canal to form an acoustic seal. This acoustic seal can enhance the quality of the user's sound experience, but it can also sometimes trap pressure in the ear canal, potentially causing an unpleasant sensation for the user. Therefore, in some embodiments, the EarTip can include a controlled leak to prevent pressure from being trapped in the ear canal while still enabling the outer EarTip body to form an acoustic seal.

[0152] Figure 6A is a perspective view of an exemplary wireless listening device 600 having a control leak 602 in an EarTip 604, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The control leak 602 can be positioned within the inner EarTip body of the EarTip 604. In some embodiments, the control leak 602 is an opening that provides a pathway through which pressure built up in the ear canal can be released to the atmosphere, thereby relieving any trapped pressure in the ear canal and preventing the user from experiencing any unpleasant sensations due to the trapped pressure. The control leak 602 can be a circular hole or can be configured with any other shape, such as oval, elliptical, rectangular, square, triangular, octagonal, etc., without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0153] like Figure 6AAs shown, a control leak positioned in the EarTip 604 can be positioned closer to the eardrum than a control leak implemented in the housing 606. Positioning the control leak 602 near the eardrum improves its effectiveness simply by its close proximity to the eardrum. Furthermore, implementing the control leak in the EarTip avoids the need for additional openings in the exterior structure of the housing 606, resulting in a housing with fewer debris entry points for better product reliability. Furthermore, implementing the control leak in the internal EarTip body of the EarTip 604 reduces the likelihood of the control leak being blocked by the physical contours and protrusions of the user's ear, as the external EarTip body can shield it from those surfaces. Furthermore, moving the control leak into the EarTip 604 allows the user to easily access the control leak by simply removing the EarTip 604 from the housing 606. As a result, the control leak can be regularly cleaned and easily replaced.

[0154] Control leaks of different shapes and sizes can have more or less resistance to clogging. For example, an elongated control leak with an oval, rectangular, or elliptical opening shape can be more resistant to clogging from debris than a circular or square shaped control leak because an elongated control leak has a larger opening area than a non-elongated control leak. In some embodiments, the EarTip 604 includes a single control leak 602, while other embodiments can have more than one control leak, such as Figure 6B and Figure 6C shown.

[0155] Figure 6B and Figure 6C Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of different ear tips with different leakage control configurations. Figure 6B As shown, the EarTip 601 can have a controlled leak configuration that includes at least two controlled leaks: a first controlled leak 608a and a second controlled leak 608b. The first control leak 608a and the second control leak 608b can be positioned in the same plane but in opposite hemispheres of the inner EarTip body such that pressure can be released from the ear canal through the opening 612 and through the pressure relief passages 609a and 609b. Having a greater number of controlled leaks reduces the likelihood of complete occlusion because more controlled leaks means greater redundancy, wherein even if one control leak is blocked, the other control leaks may not be blocked and still allow trapped pressure to be released. In some embodiments, both the control leaks 608a and 608b can be configured to have the same size and shape. However, in some embodiments, the control leaks 608a and 608b can be configured to have different sizes and shapes, such as Figure 6C That is, Figure 6CThe EarTip 603 in the embodiment can have an elongated first control leak 610a and a non-elongated second control leak 610b, or the first control leak 610 has the same shape as the second control leak 610b but is larger in size. It should be understood that any number, shape, and size of control leaks implemented in the inner EarTip body of the EarTip are contemplated herein without departing from the scope and ambit of the present disclosure.

[0156] although Figures 6A to 6C The control leaks are shown to be formed by the inner EarTip body of the EarTip, but the embodiments are not limited to these embodiments. Rather, one or more control leaks can be formed in the attachment structure of the EarTip, as described herein with respect to Figures 6D to 6E Further discussion.

[0157] Figures 6D to 6E is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary EarTip 612 having a controlled leak 614a-b formed in its attachment mechanism according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6D is a cross-sectional view of the vertical cutting plane of the EarTip 612, and Figure 6E is a cross-sectional view of a horizontal cutting plane of the EarTip 612. The EarTip 612 is shown configured as Figure 3E Therefore, similar features discussed herein with respect to the EarTip 352 apply to the EarTip 612 and are not discussed again here for the sake of brevity.

[0158] Similar to Figures 6A to 6CReferring to the control leaks 602, 608a-b, and 610a-b, each control leak 614a-b is an opening that opens the sound passage 632 to the atmosphere. Thus, the control leaks 614a-b provide a pathway through which pressure built up in the ear canal / sound passage 632 can be passively released to the atmosphere, thereby alleviating any trapped pressure in the ear canal and preventing the user from experiencing any unpleasant sensations due to the trapped pressure. Each control leak 614a-b can extend from the inner surface 620 of the sidewall of the attachment structure 618 to the outer surface 622. The sidewall of the attachment structure 618 can extend around the perimeter of the attachment structure 618. Areas of the outer surface 622 proximate the control leaks 614a-b can protrude outward to form corresponding lips 624a-b, such that those areas of the outer surface 622 are coplanar / flush with the outer surface 626 of the inner EarTip body 628 of the EarTip 612. The lips 624a-b can provide structural rigidity and integrity to the control leaks 614a-b. In some embodiments, the control leaks 614a-b can be oval holes or can be configured with any other shape, such as circular, oval, rectangular, square, triangular, octagonal, etc., without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In a particular embodiment, the control leaks 614a-b are horizontally arranged oval openings, for example, arranged such that their major axes extend along the perimeter of the attachment structure 618 around the centerline 630.

[0159] like Figure 6E As shown, the EarTip 312 can include two control leaks 614a-b and two recesses 632a-b. The control leaks 614a-b can be positioned on opposite sides of the attachment structure 618 along a first axis 634, while the recesses 632a-b can be positioned on opposite sides of the attachment structure 618 along a second axis 636. In some cases where the EarTip 312 has an oval cross-sectional shape, such as Figure 6E As shown, the first axis 634 can be the long axis of the oval-shaped EarTip, while the second axis 636 can be the short axis of the oval-shaped EarTip. Positioning the recesses 632a-b on the long axis of the EarTip allows the end caps of the wire attachment mechanism to form a larger surface area contact with the EarTip 312, resulting in a more secure attachment and a louder snap when the end caps snap into the recesses 632a-b. Although Figure 6E Two control leaks 614a-b and two recesses 632a-b are shown positioned along axes perpendicular to one another, but it should be understood that any number of control leaks and recesses can be positioned anywhere along the perimeter of the attachment structure 618 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0160] In some embodiments, cavity regions 638a-b can be formed around respective control leaks 614a-b. The cavity regions 638a-b can be shallow cavities formed by the inner surface 620 of the attachment structure 618 to mitigate the possibility of obstructing the control leaks 614a-b from within the Ear Tip 612. For example, if an object presses against the inner surface 620 of the Ear Tip 612, the cavity regions 638a-b can still provide an opening through which pressure can be released from the sound channel 632.

[0161] In some embodiments, as Figure 6D and 6E As shown, meshes 616a-b can be positioned within respective control leaks 614a-b to prevent the ingress of debris. The meshes 616a-b can be an interlaced structure formed from a network of wires that allows air to pass through but blocks debris. In some embodiments, the meshes 616a-b are each attached to an inner surface 620 of the attachment structure 618 or extend into the attachment structure 618, enabling the meshes 616a-b to be securely secured within the EarTip 612.

[0162] As can be understood herein, when the EarTip 612 is inserted into the ear canal, the outer EarTip body 640 can bend and deform as it presses against the ear canal. The bending and deformation of the outer EarTip body 640 can potentially cause it to obstruct one or more control leaks 614a-b. Therefore, to mitigate such obstruction, the outer EarTip body 640 can be modified so that an air path for the control leaks 614a-b is maintained even when the outer EarTip body 640 bends and deforms when the EarTip 612 is inserted into the ear canal, which will be discussed herein with respect to Figure 6F To H for further discussion.

[0163] Figures 6F to 6H is a perspective view of an exemplary EarTip with various modifications for mitigating occlusion of leakage control when the outer EarTip body bends and deforms when inserted into an ear canal according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6F As shown, the EarTip 650 can have an outer EarTip body 652 that is modified to include a slit 654 at the end of the outer EarTip body 652 closest to the attachment end of the EarTip 650. The slit 654 can extend all the way through the end of the outer EarTip body 652 and can be positioned above the control leak 656 so that when the outer EarTip body 652 is bent and pressed against the attachment structure 658, the slit 654 can provide an opening through which air can pass to achieve the desired effect as described herein with respect to the control leak 656. Figures 6A to 6E Functionality of the discussed controlled leakage 656. As can be appreciated herein, many other types of modifications are contemplated herein to achieve openings through which air can pass for controlled leakage.

[0164] As Figure 6G In the example shown, the EarTip 660 can have an outer EarTip body 662 that is modified to include a hole 664 positioned near the attachment end of the EarTip 660 and positioned above the control leak 666. While the hole 664 is shown as a circular hole, any other shape can be used to form the hole 664, such as oval, elliptical, rectangular, square, triangular, etc.

[0165] As Figure 6H As another example shown, the EarTip 670 can have an outer EarTip body 672 that is modified to include one or more bumps 674a-b positioned at the end of the outer EarTip body 672 closest to the attachment end of the EarTip 670 and positioned above the control leak 676. The bumps 674a-b can be protrusions that extend from the inner surface of the outer EarTip body 672 toward the control leak 676. Thus, when the outer EarTip body 672 is bent and pressed against the attachment structure 678, the bumps 674a-b can prevent the seal 672 from fully sealing the control leak 676, allowing air to pass through to enable the control leak 676 described herein to be achieved. Figures 6A to 6E The function of controlling leakage 656 is discussed as the opening.

[0166] III. Housing

[0167] As can be understood from the disclosure herein, the wireless listening device also includes a housing to which the earplugs are coupled. The housing can be an electronic device that can be configured to communicate with a host device (such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.). As an example, the housing can receive digitized sound data / commands for outputting sound to a user. In addition, the housing can also send digitized sound data received from a microphone and / or send commands from a user input to the host device. Thus, the housing can include one or more processors, memories, communication systems, sensor systems, user interface systems, power supplies, and power receiving circuits, as described herein with respect to Figure 1A As will be appreciated herein, various additional features and configurations of the housing can be implemented to enhance the user experience of the wireless listening device. For example, one or more sound ports, leakage control, and microphones can be implemented in the housing to improve the output sound quality, comfort, and user interface methods of the wireless listening device, as will be further discussed herein.

[0168] Figure 77 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary wireless listening device 700 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, showing further details of the housing 702. As shown, the housing 702 can include multiple internal components and an external structure 704 formed of a rigid material (e.g., plastic), which defines an internal cavity within which the internal components can be housed and protected from the environment and physical damage during a drop event. The external structure 704 can also include an acoustic opening 719 through which sound can exit the external structure 704 and enter the sound channel 717 of the earplug 703. The internal components can include a battery 706, an interconnection structure 708, an electronic device 710, and a driver 715. The battery 706 can be any suitable energy storage device capable of storing and releasing stored energy, such as a lithium-ion battery. The battery 706 can be electrically coupled to the electronic device 710 and the driver 715 via the interconnection structure 708, so that when discharged, the released energy can be used to power the electronic device 710 and the driver 715. The interconnect structure 708 can be any suitable component (such as a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible PCB) that can route signals and power between electronic devices. The electronic device 710 can be any suitable semiconductor device for operating the wireless listening device 700, such as a microcontroller, a processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc. The electronic devices 710 can be configured to interact with each other and with various other internal components to perform various functions that improve the user experience and the sound quality of the wireless listening device 700, as will be discussed in further detail herein. The driver 715 can be an electronic device (such as a speaker and / or a subwoofer) that generates sound waves. The driver 715 can be coupled to and operated by one or more electronic devices 710. When the user wears the wireless listening device 700, the wireless listening device 700 can provide sound to the ear canal through the ear plug 703, which is Figure 8 Better shown in .

[0169] Figure 8 Figure 800 is a cross-sectional view of a wireless listening device 700, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, when worn by a user, illustrating the positioning of the wireless listening device 700 relative to an ear canal 804 and the pinna of an ear 801. The wireless listening device 700 is shown as an in-ear hearing device. When the wireless listening device 700 is worn, the outer EarTip body 705 of the EarTip 703 can be pressed into the inner surface of the ear canal 804 to form an acoustic seal. This allows the user to hear the sound output by the wireless listening device 700 in a sealed environment, improving the sound quality of the wireless listening device 700.

[0170] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the wireless listening device 700 can also include one or more sound ports, control leakage, and microphones for improving the functionality and usability of the wireless listening device 700 while still enabling the wireless listening device 700 to achieve a small form factor.

[0171] A. Control leaks and sound ports

[0172] For example, Figure 7 As further shown in FIG, in some embodiments, the outer structure 704 of the housing 702 can include a tuned bass port 711 and a tuned control leak 713. The tuned bass port 711 and the tuned control leak 713 can be openings specifically designed and positioned within the outer structure 704 to enable certain functions of the wireless listening device 700. For example, the tuned bass port 711 can be an opening located adjacent to the acoustic opening 719 and coupled from the driver 715 to the acoustic passage 723 via a port passage 724, allowing air to flow more easily within the acoustic passage for low-frequency sounds (e.g., bass sound waves below 20 Hz). For low-frequency sounds, the driver may move a large amount of air when generating sound waves. When the driver can move air more easily, the driver can achieve better sound quality. Therefore, the tuned bass port 711 can provide an opening for air to be removed from the atmosphere and air to be drawn in from the atmosphere, thereby allowing the wireless listening device 700 to provide higher-quality bass notes. The tuned bass port 711 can be configured to achieve a specific airflow rate when the driver 715 is in operation. This airflow rate can be varied by tuning the shape and size of the bass port 711, which can be tuned in various ways depending on the design.

[0173] Similar to the tuned bass port 711, the tuned control leak 713 can be an opening in the outer structure 704 for allowing air to flow out of the housing 702. However, the results obtained by releasing air out of the housing 702 may be different than the results achieved by the tuned bass port 711. For example, instead of improving bass sound quality, the tuned control leak 713 can be configured to release pressure trapped in the ear canal when a seal is formed between the outer ear tip body 705 and the ear canal 804, such as when the wireless listening device 700 is worn by a user. In some embodiments, pressure from the ear canal can flow through the pressure relief passage 726, which flows from the opening 717 into the outer structure 704 and then out to the atmosphere through the tuned control leak 713. Thus, the tuned control leak 713 can be functionally similar to the control leak described herein with respect to Figure 6AThe control leak 602 in the ear tip 604 discussed. By reducing trapped pressure in the ear canal 804, the wireless listening device 700 can be worn comfortably. In some embodiments, a tuned control leak 713 extends from the opening 717 of the inner ear tip body 707 through the acoustic pathway, allowing pressure trapped in the ear canal to vent to the atmosphere. As with the tuned bass port 711, the tuned control leak 713 can be configured to achieve a specific airflow rate when pressure builds up in the ear canal. This airflow rate can be varied by tuning the shape and size of the control leak 713, which can be tuned in various ways depending on the design. For example, the tuned control leak 713 can be an opening with a substantially circular outline or any other shape and size (such as oval, elliptical, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.) without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0174] It will be appreciated that the particular locations of the tuned bass port 711 and the tuned control leakage 713 may be specifically selected to minimize occlusion and acoustic coupling with respect to other internal components, as will be discussed further below with respect to Section III, Subsection C below.

[0175] B. Outward-facing and inward-facing microphones

[0176] Continue to refer Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the multiple internal components in the housing 702 can also include one or more outward-facing microphones 712 and 714 and one or more inward-facing microphones 716. The outward-facing microphones 712 and 714 can be configured to receive sounds from the environment outside the housing 702 that propagate toward the user from an area outside the user's ear canal, while the inward-facing microphone 716 can be configured to receive sounds from the environment outside the housing 702 that propagate away from the user from an area in or around the user's ear canal.

[0177] Positioning outward-facing microphones 712 and 714 and inward-facing microphone 716 on opposite sides of housing 702 allows each microphone to receive sound from two different environments for different functions. For example, by receiving sound from outside the ear canal with outward-facing microphones 712 and 714, wireless listening device 700 can operate in a transparent mode, where sound received from outside the ear canal can be reproduced by wireless listening device 700 with or without enhancement, allowing the user to hear sounds from the external environment. This allows the user to still hear sounds from their environment, such as spoken words from someone they are conversing with, even though the user's ear canal may be sealed by the outer ear tip body 705 of ear tip 703. Furthermore, receiving sound outside the ear canal also enables wireless listening device 700 to perform active noise cancellation to selectively minimize interfering noise from the environment. That is, wireless listening device 700 can output sound that specifically negates the sounds from the external environment received from outward-facing microphones 712 and / or 714.

[0178] By receiving sound 904 from inside the ear canal with the inward-facing microphone 716, the wireless listening device 700 can measure the sound inside the ear canal 804 to determine whether sound is leaking across the external ear tip body 705. A complete in-ear seal between the external ear tip body 705 and the ear canal 804 results in better acoustic performance for products designed based on this seal assumption. In such products, a loss of a complete seal can reduce the volume of low-frequency sounds experienced by the user and can increase the amount of ambient noise. A loss of a complete seal can sometimes be attributed to a mismatch between the user's ear anatomy and the size of the ear tip being used. Therefore, by being able to determine whether an inadequate seal has been formed between the external ear tip body 705 and the ear canal 804, the wireless listening device 700 can be configured to send an alert to the user indicating this and possibly instruct the user to make certain adjustments to the fit of the wireless listening device 700.

[0179] In some embodiments, an outward-facing speaker 723 can also be implemented within the outer structure 704 of the housing 702. The outward-facing speaker 723 can be an electronic device that generates sound. The outward-facing speaker 723 can be positioned adjacent to the outward-facing microphones 712 and 714 so that the outward-facing speaker 723 can output sound to the environment outside the wireless listening device through an opening 725 in the outer structure 704. The sound can be output away from the user's ear canal so that people next to the user can hear the sound generated by the outward-facing speaker 723. The sound can be music or a conversation that the user intends to share with the person next to him or her.

[0180] Figure 9A and Figure 9Bis a cross-sectional view of a wireless listening device 700 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the wireless listening device being configured to detect an improper seal with the ear canal when the wireless listening device is worn by a user. Specifically, Figure 9A is a cross-sectional view 900 of the wireless listening device 700 when no leakage is present, and Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view 901 of the wireless listening device 700 when a leak is present.

[0181] like Figure 9A As shown, the wireless listening device 700 can be an in-ear hearing device that is configured to detect a loss of a complete seal using an inward-facing microphone 716. For example, the wireless listening device 700 can generate a test sound 902 that enters the ear canal 804 and can activate the inward-facing microphone 716 to receive sound from outside the seal with the ear canal 804. When there is no leak and a complete seal is made with the ear canal 804, the inward-facing microphone 716 may not detect the test sound 902. However, as Figure 9B As shown, when there is a leak and an improper leak seal is made with the ear canal 804, the inward-facing microphone 716 can detect a test sound 902 up to a certain level and determine whether the detected sound is caused by a leak in the seal. For example, the wireless listening device 700 can be configured to measure the decibel level of the sound resonating in the ear canal 804 caused by the tone or pulse of the control sound and compare the measured decibel level with the expected decibel level. If the measured decibel level is greater than the expected decibel level, the wireless listening device 700 can determine that there is an improper seal and can send an alert to the user to correct the positioning of the listening device 700. Having a proper seal can improve the attenuation of external noise, allowing the operation of active noise cancellation to use less power. In addition, having a proper seal can mean that the ear tip has firm contact with the ear canal, which can lead to improved in-ear stability.

[0182] As will be understood herein, such proximity to the user's ear often creates an opportunity for occlusion of one or more ports, control leaks, and / or microphones. An occluded bass port typically exhibits an overall reduction in bass / low-frequency response; and an occluded controlled leak typically exhibits an abnormal increase in bass / low-frequency response and a reduction in measurable ambient noise within the ear canal. Thus, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the inward-facing microphone 716 can also enable the wireless listening device 700 to perform an acoustic self-test to determine the presence of an occluded port, control leak, and / or external microphone, and, when occlusion is detected, notify the user of an improper fit or how to change the positioning / usage of the wireless listening device 700 to ensure the best possible acoustic performance.

[0183] Figure 101000 is an exemplary side view of a wireless listening device 1001 worn by a user, wherein one or more ports, control leaks, and / or microphones are obscured. When worn, the ear tip 1006 can be positioned inside the ear canal, and the housing 1008 can be positioned within the cavity 1002 defined by the pinna of the user's ear 1004. In some cases, the wireless listening device 1001 can be improperly positioned in the ear 1004, wherein the contours of the ear 1004 obstruct (i.e., mask) one or more ports, control leaks, and / or microphones (e.g., outward-facing microphone 1012), such as Figure 10 The outward-facing microphone 1012 may not function properly when blocked by the ear 1004. Therefore, the wireless listening device 1001 can be configured to determine that the outward-facing microphone 1012 is blocked and change the user and / or instruct the user to move the wireless listening device 1001 to a correct position where the microphone 1012 is not blocked.

[0184] In some embodiments, the wireless listening device 1001 can determine whether one or more ports, control leaks, and / or microphones are obstructed by comparing the current operation of the ports, control leaks, and / or microphones to their expected operation. As an example, the wireless listening device 1001 can be configured to define the expected operation of the outward-facing microphone 1012 by measuring the operation of the outward-facing microphone 1012 while the outward-facing microphone 1012 is stored in the housing. The wireless listening device 1001 can emit sound in the housing and measure the sound received by the outward-facing microphone 1012. In some embodiments, the housing can be configured with one or more cavities that ensure that the outward-facing microphone 1012 is unobstructed and provide a controlled and sealed environment through which the wireless listening device 1001 can perform its measurements of the operation of the outward-facing microphone 1012. The measured operation of the outward-facing microphone 1012 can be stored in the memory of the wireless listening device 1001 or a host device (e.g., a smartphone to which the wireless listening device 1001 is wirelessly coupled).

[0185] Thus, when the user wears the wireless listening device 1001, the wireless listening device 1001 can measure the operation of the outward-facing microphone 1012 and compare the measured operation of the outward-facing microphone 1012 with the expected operation of the outward-facing microphone 1012. If the measured operation differs from the expected operation by more than a threshold amount, the wireless listening device 1001 and / or the host device can determine that the outward-facing microphone 1012 is blocked and send the necessary alerts / instructions to the user to correct the position of the wireless listening device 1001. However, if the only difference between the measured operation and the expected operation is less than the threshold amount, the wireless listening device 1001 and / or the host device can combine other factors (such as capacitive sensing or patterned lines in the ear tip, as described herein with respect to the ear tip) to determine that the outward-facing microphone 1012 is blocked. Figures 4A to 4C and Figures 5A to 5CThis information can be used as another factor in determining that the user is wearing the wireless listening device 1001. The same process can be performed for each port, control leakage, and microphone to enable the wireless listening device 1001 to determine blockage. By being able to determine blockage of one or more ports, control leakage, and / or microphones, the wireless listening device 1001 can better ensure that the user experiences the full potential of the sound quality and usability of the wireless listening device 1001.

[0186] C. Positioning of microphones, ports, and control leaks

[0187] Return Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the positioning of the microphones, ports, and control leakage is important because they are each designed to receive sound from and / or output sound to specific areas around the ear and ear canal. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the outward-facing microphones 712 and 714 can be positioned in the housing 702 so that when the wireless listening device 700 is worn configured as an in-ear hearing device, the outward-facing microphones 712 and 714 face away from the ear canal and the inward-facing microphone 716 faces the ear canal, an example of which is shown in FIG. Figure 8 Shown in.

[0188] Figure 8 804. The positioning of outward-facing and inward-facing microphones 712, 714, and 716, a tuned bass port 711, and a tuned control leakage 713 of a wireless listening device 700 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, outward-facing microphones 712 and 714 are positioned inside ear cavity 802 and away from ear canal 804, while inward-facing microphone 716 is positioned inside ear cavity 802 and facing ear canal 804. Ear cavity 802 can be a cavity defined by the pinna of ear 801 and can be adjacent to ear canal 804.

[0189] In some embodiments, the outward-facing microphones 712 and 714 and the inward-facing microphone 716 are positioned on opposite halves of the housing 702 when divided in half by the dividing line 806. The dividing line 806 can be a line that divides the housing 702 into two halves, with one half being closer to the ear canal 804 than the other half. In some embodiments, return to reference Figure 7 , the dividing line 806 can be perpendicular to the acoustic opening 719 and the axis 709 of the inner ear tip body 707. Also, the dividing line 806 can be positioned such that the housing 702 is divided into two halves. Figure 7As shown, when the housing 702 is placed on its side, the dividing line 806 can be diagonally oriented, with the outward-facing microphones 712 and 714 positioned on one half of the housing 702, and the inward-facing microphone 716 positioned on the other half of the housing 702. In some embodiments, the inward-facing microphone 716 and the eartip 703 are positioned in the same half of the housing 702 when divided in half by the dividing line 806.

[0190] As can be understood from the disclosure herein, the tuned bass port 711 and the tuned control leak 713 are openings through which the passageways within the housing 702 are coupled to the atmosphere. Therefore, in order for the tuned bass port 711 and the tuned control leak 713 to operate properly, the port 711 and the control leak 713 should be unobstructed. Thus, the tuned bass port 711 and the tuned control leak 713 can be positioned in a location least likely to be obstructed by surface features of a user's ear. As an example, Figure 7 As shown, the tuning bass port 711 and the tuning control leak 713 can be positioned in the outer structure 704 at an area directly below the umbrella-shaped cover of the outer ear tip body 705. In this way, the outer ear tip body 705 can provide clearance for the space around the tuning bass port 711 and the tuning control leak 713.

[0191] The tuned bass port 711 and the tuned control leak 713 can cause echo and feedback distortion when placed near the outward-facing microphones 712 and 714. Therefore, in some embodiments, the tuned bass port 711 and the tuned control leak 713 can be positioned away from the outward-facing microphones 712 and 714. For example, where the dividing line 806 divides the housing 702 in half and the outward-facing microphones 712 and 714 are positioned on one half of the housing 702, the tuned bass port 711 and the tuned control leak 713 can be positioned on the other half of the housing 702 near the eartip 703.

[0192] D. Microphone acoustic shielding components

[0193] In order to enable the microphones 712, 714, and 716 to accurately measure sound, the microphones 712, 714, and 716 can be positioned adjacent to the external structure 704, and the external structure 704 can include openings 718, 720, and 722 for providing pathways through which sound can propagate from the exterior of the external structure 704 to the microphones 712, 714, and 716, respectively. The open cavity defined by the openings 718, 720, and 722 forms a step difference between the outer surface of the housing 704 and the outermost surface of the corresponding microphones 712, 714, and 716. When air blows over each of these step differences (such as when the wireless listening device is used outdoors), wind noise may be generated and cause audible interference. Therefore, each opening can include an acoustic shielding component that is configured to be flush with the outer surface of the housing 704 to remove the above-mentioned step differences and reduce wind noise, as described herein with respect to Figures 11A to 11B discussed.

[0194] Figure 11A and Figure 11B is an exemplary cross-sectional view across the cut line in side image 1103 of these listening device configurations having different acoustic shielding components for the microphone in the housing, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 11A is a cross-sectional view of a first configuration 1100 of an acoustic shield 1102 including a microphone 1104 protecting a housing 1106, and Figure 11B is a cross-sectional view of a second configuration 1101 including multiple layers of mesh 1122 for protecting a microphone 1124 of a housing 1126 .

[0195] like Figure 11AAs shown, acoustic shield 1102 can be formed from a porous plastic material comprised of a solid matrix defining a plurality of pores, which allows the microphone to be exposed to the atmosphere but prevents liquids and debris from entering housing 1106. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, acoustic shield 1102 can be a three-dimensional porous structure that extends at least partially between outward-facing microphone 1104 and an outer surface 1108 of housing 1106. In some cases, acoustic shield 1102 can completely fill opening 1110, such that acoustic shield 1102 extends from an inner surface 1112 of housing 1106 to an outer surface 1108 of housing 1106. An outer surface 1114 of acoustic shield 1102 can face the exterior of housing 1106 and be substantially planar in the immediate vicinity of outer surface 1108 of housing 1106. In some embodiments, the outer surface 1114 of the acoustic shield 1102 is curved to seamlessly integrate with the curvature / contour of the outer surface 1108 of the housing 1106. The substantial planarity and seamless integration between the outer surface 1114 and the outer surface 1108 can avoid any structural steps and depressions at their interface, thereby substantially reducing the formation of acoustic turbulence when air 1116 moves rapidly through the opening 1110, while still allowing external noise to be filtered through to the microphone 1104. Reducing acoustic turbulence can improve microphone performance in outdoor environments.

[0196] It will be appreciated that the use of an acoustic shield to protect the microphone within the housing can provide additional benefits. For example, the acoustic shield can improve the aesthetic consistency of the housing by blending in with the exterior of the housing 1106, particularly when the acoustic shield is formed from a similar material as that used to form the housing 1106. Furthermore, the use of porous plastic can provide better protection from liquid and debris ingress due to its array of small openings arranged in a three-dimensional structure.

[0197] Alternative Figure 11A The porous plastic embodiment shown, in some embodiments, the acoustic shield can be configured as a multi-layer mesh structure for reducing wind noise and improving sound capture, such as Figure 11B The acoustic shield 1122 can be constructed as a multi-layer mesh structure that extends at least partially between the outward-facing microphone 1104 and the outer surface 1128 of the housing 1126. For example, similar to Figure 11A1126 and is substantially planar in the immediate vicinity of the outer surface 1128 of the housing 1126. The outer surface 1130 of the acoustic shield 1112 can be curved so as to seamlessly integrate with (i.e., be flush with) the curvature / contour of the outer surface 1128 of the housing 1126, thereby avoiding structural steps and recesses at their interface, thereby substantially reducing the formation of acoustic turbulence when the air 1132 moves rapidly through the opening 1134, while still allowing external noise to be filtered through to the microphone 1124.

[0198] However, with Figure 11A Unlike the acoustic shielding member 1102 in FIG. 1 , the acoustic shielding member 1122 can be formed from more than one different layer. For example, the acoustic shielding member 1122 can include a decorative mesh and an acoustic mesh, as will be described herein with respect to FIG. Figure 12 As discussed in further detail, in some cases, the multi-layer mesh structure of acoustic shield 1122 is relatively thin compared to the depth of opening 1134. Consequently, because exterior surface 1130 of acoustic shield 1122 is positioned planarly with exterior surface 1128 of housing 1126, a cavity 1136 within opening 1134 and beneath exterior surface 1130 of acoustic shield 1122 can be defined by the structure of acoustic shield 1122. Due to the relatively large surface area of exterior surface 1130 of acoustic shield 1122, its thin construction, and its position relative to cavity 1136, acoustic shield 1122 can be particularly susceptible to deformation during a drop event. Therefore, to resist such deformation, support posts 1138 can abut against interior surface 1140 of acoustic shield 1122, opposite exterior surface 1130. Support posts 1138 can be extensions of housing 1126 that extend toward, and in some cases, contact, acoustic shield 1122. The support posts 1138 can be positioned so that they contact the center region of the acoustic shield 1122. In addition to the support posts 1138, reinforcements can be implemented to provide structural rigidity to the acoustic shield 1122, and grounding tabs 1142 can couple the acoustic shield 1122 to ground, as will be discussed herein with respect to FIG. Figure 12 Further discussion.

[0199] Figure 12is an exploded view of an exemplary acoustic shielding component 1200 constructed as a multi-layer mesh according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The acoustic shielding component 1200 can include an acoustic mesh 1202 positioned between a decorative mesh 1204 and a reinforcement 1206. The acoustic mesh 1202 can be constructed as a single layer that contours to the topography of the exterior surface of the housing. In some cases, the acoustic mesh 1202 can be a porous layer that is tuned to a specific acoustic impedance to enable proper operation of the underlying microphone. In some embodiments, the acoustic mesh 1202 is formed of a flexible porous material, such as a porous polyester. The acoustic mesh 1202 can be covered with a hydrophobic coating that enables the acoustic mesh 1202 to resist the ingress of water into the housing of the wireless listening device.

[0200] The decorative mesh 1204 can be a staggered structure formed of a network of rigid wires for providing a visible mesh texture to the acoustic shield 1200 when the wireless listening device is viewed from the outside. The mesh cover 1208 of the decorative mesh 1204 can be positioned outside the housing of the wireless listening device. Thus, the outer surface of the mesh cover 1208 can form the outer surface of the acoustic shield 1200, such as Figure 11B 1. The mesh 1208 is formed of a stainless steel mesh. The mesh 1202 is formed of a stainless steel mesh. The acoustic mesh 1202 is formed of a stainless steel mesh. The acoustic mesh 1202 is adhered to the decorative mesh 1204 via any suitable adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0201] In some embodiments, the perimeter of the inner surface of the mesh cover 1208 can extend upward to form a mesh wall 1210 that can contact the housing to improve stability when installed in the housing. The mesh wall 1210 can be substantially perpendicular to the mesh cover 1208. In certain embodiments, the mesh wall 1210 can define a tab 1212 extending from a portion of the mesh wall 1210. The tab 1212 can extend away from the mesh cover 1208 so that when installed, the tab 1212 can be coupled to an internal ground feature (such as a ground plane for an antenna). This can be briefly referenced by Figure 11B As best shown, tabs 1142 of acoustic shield 1122 extend away from exterior surface 1130 and past microphone 1124 to couple to an internal grounded component. By grounding decorative mesh 1204, damage to the device due to electrostatic discharge can be avoided. In some embodiments, mesh cover 1208, mesh wall 1210, and tabs 1212 can be a single piece that forms decorative mesh 1204.

[0202] The reinforcement 1206 can be a solid, rather than porous, structure having high rigidity for providing structural integrity to the acoustic shield 1200 to resist deformation during drop times. The reinforcement 1206 can include a plurality of ribs 1214 positioned between reinforcement walls 1216a and 1216b. The ribs 1214 can follow the contour of the decorative mesh 1204; thus, the ribs 1214 can also include a contour that conforms to the topography of the exterior surface of the housing. The ribs 1214 can be evenly spaced from one another and distributed over the length of the acoustic shield 1200 to provide structural rigidity over the entire length of the acoustic shield 1200. In some embodiments, the distance between the ribs 1214 near the center of the reinforcement 1206 can be greater than the distance between other pairs of ribs, so that a gap 1220 can be formed to allow room for support columns (e.g., Figure 11B 1204. The acoustic shield 1200 is provided with support posts 1138 in the top and bottom sections of the reinforcement 1206. The support posts 1138 in the top and bottom sections of the reinforcement 1206 are positioned to provide additional support to the acoustic shield 1200. Although the gap 1220 is shown as being formed by the reinforcement 1206, other reinforcements may not have a gap and may instead have ribs configured at equal intervals in the location of the gap 1220. The reinforcement 1206 can be formed of any suitable rigid material, such as stainless steel, and can be attached to the decorative mesh 1204 via a plurality of laser welds 1218 on the reinforcement walls 1216a-b. The reinforcement walls 1216a-b can be upwardly curved portions of the reinforcement 1206 that are used to increase the surface area contact with the decorative mesh 1204 of the housing to improve the mechanical coupling with the decorative mesh 1204. When attached, the reinforcement 1206 can be surrounded by the mesh wall 1210.

[0203] E. Positioning of batteries and drivers to define the acoustic path

[0204] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery and driver for a wireless listening device can be specifically positioned to reduce the size of its housing. Figure 13 13 is a side view of a wireless listening device 1300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the battery 1302 and driver 1304 of the wireless listening device are uniquely positioned to reduce the size of the housing 1306. When the user wears the wireless listening device 1300, the EarTip 1310 can be inserted into the ear canal. This allows the housing 1306 to extend further into the ear opening, thereby creating more space for the housing 1306 to occupy the concha of the ear. To take advantage of this expanded space, larger components can be positioned next to the EarTip 1310. As an example, the battery 1302 can be positioned near the EarTip 1310 so that its longest dimension (e.g., its width) is oriented along the axis 1311 of the EarTip 1310.

[0205] Additionally, other larger internal devices can be positioned proximate to the battery 1302, allowing larger components to be concentrated in one area of the housing 1306 to maximize the larger space immediately outside the ear canal. For example, the driver 1304 can be positioned directly next to the battery 1302 and oriented so that its longest dimension (e.g., its width) can take full advantage of the additional space provided by the concha, as shown in FIG. Figure 13 When oriented in this manner, the acoustic path 1316 of the driver 1304 can be initially directed toward the flat side surface of the battery 1302, but then redirected by the side surface toward the opening 1312 of the housing 1306 and ultimately out of the opening 1312 and into the ear canal through the Ear Tip 1310. Thus, even if the battery 1302 is located near the opening 1312, the battery 1302 can be positioned so that an acoustic path can still be provided into the opening 1312 next to the battery 1302.

[0206] By placing the battery 1302 in the largest open area of the ear (e.g., the concha), the size of the battery 1302 and, therefore, the product battery life of the wireless listening device 1300 can be maximized. Furthermore, by arranging the battery 1302 and driver 1304 in this configuration, the antenna 1314 of the wireless listening device 1300 can be positioned as far away from the user's body as possible, which can optimize antenna performance. Furthermore, smaller components can be arranged more compactly in other areas of the housing 1306, thereby allowing those areas of the housing 1306 to be smaller, which in turn reduces the overall size of the housing 1306. Having a smaller size can improve the comfort and appearance of the wireless listening device 1300 when worn.

[0207] IV. User Interface for Wireless Listening Devices

[0208] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more processors of a wireless listening device can be configured to display a user's listening status and interact with one or more sensors of the wireless listening device, and execute commands stored in its memory to provide various unique user interface methods for allowing the user to operate the wireless listening device, as will be discussed further herein.

[0209] A. Noise cancellation status indicator

[0210] Figure 141400 is a side view illustration of a wireless listening device 1402 configured to display a user's listening status, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As can be understood herein, the wireless listening device 1402 can perform an active noise cancellation function, which can cancel out external sounds, and can perform a transparency function, which can amplify external noise to the user. Therefore, it may be useful to enable the wireless listening device 1402 to indicate whether the wireless listening device 1402 is in an active noise cancellation mode, in which the user cannot hear external sounds, or in a transparency mode, in which the user can hear external sounds.

[0211] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a dynamic visual indicator 1404 can be implemented by the wireless listening device 1402 to display the user's listening status. For example, the visual indicator 1404 can be a light-emitting diode (LED) capable of displaying different colors of light and positioned within the housing 1406 so that it is visible when the user is wearing the wireless listening device 1402. In some embodiments, the visual indicator 1404 can display different colors of light depending on the specific operating mode of the wireless listening device 1402. As an example, the wireless listening device 1402 can be configured to display a red light via the visual indicator 1404 when the wireless listening device 1402 is in active noise cancellation mode, a green light when the wireless listening device 1402 is in transparent mode, and / or an orange light when the wireless listening device 1402 is outputting sound (e.g., when the user is on a phone call or listening to music). In this way, people who may want to communicate with the user can be informed of the user's listening status without the user having to personally inform them.

[0212] In addition to changing the color of the visual indicator 1404, the wireless listening device 1402 can be configured to output varying flashing patterns through the visual indicator 1404 to show which mode is active. For example, the visual indicator 1404 can flash at a high frequency when the wireless listening device 1402 is in active noise cancellation mode, can output a steady light when the wireless listening device 1402 is in transparent mode, and can flash at a low frequency when the wireless listening device 1402 is outputting sound when the user is on a call or listening to music. Alternatively, the wireless listening device 1402 can be configured to output light of varying intensities through the visual indicator 1404 to show which mode is active. For example, the visual indicator 1404 can emit a strong light when the wireless listening device 1402 is in active noise cancellation mode, no light when the wireless listening device 1402 is in transparent mode, and a dim light when the user is on a call or listening to music. Although Figure 14An embodiment in which the wireless listening device 1402 has only one visual indicator is shown, but embodiments are not limited thereto. Other embodiments can have more than one visual indicator, where different combinations of visual indicators can output light based on which mode is active, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0213] Furthermore, it should be understood that other types of indicators can be used in place of visual indicator 1404. For example, an audio indicator can be used to indicate the user's listening status. As an example, an outward-facing speaker of a wireless listening device can be used as an audio indicator to output a sound indicating the user's listening status. In other words, the audio indicator can output chirps and / or beeps at specific frequencies and / or intervals to indicate the user's listening status.

[0214] B. User input through interaction with user anatomy

[0215] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the wireless listening device can also be configured to interact with the anatomical structure of the user's ear to receive various user inputs. For example, different parts of the ear can be pulled to achieve user input. Figure 15 15 is a side view 1500 of a wireless listening device 1502 configured to receive user input through inactivity with the anatomy of a user's ear 1501, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some cases, the wireless listening device 1500 can be configured to receive user input when the user pulls on certain portions of the ear 1501.

[0216] For example, the wireless listening device 1502 can associate a downward pull 1504 of the earlobe 1506 as a specific user input. When the earlobe 1506 is pulled downward, the antitragus 1508 of the ear 1501 can also move downward to a lesser extent. This downward movement of the antitragus 1508 can be detected by one or more optical sensors or microphones of the wireless listening device 1502 to identify that the earlobe 1506 has been pulled and, in turn, receive the specific user input associated with the downward pull 1504.

[0217] In another example, the wireless listening device 1502 can associate outward pulling 1510 of the sides of the helix 1512 as a specific user input. When the sides of the helix 1512 are pulled outward, the antihelix 1514 of the ear 1501 can also move outward to a lesser extent. This outward movement of the antihelix 1514 can be detected by one or more optical sensors or microphones of the wireless listening device 1502 to identify that the sides of the helix 1512 have been pulled outward and, in turn, receive the specific user input associated with the outward pulling 1510.

[0218] In yet another example, the wireless listening device 1502 can associate pulling upward 1504 on the top of the ear helix 1512 as a specific user input. When the top of the ear helix 1512 is pulled upward, the anti-helix 1514 of the ear 1501 can also move upward to a lesser extent. This upward movement of the anti-helix 1514 can be detected by one or more optical sensors or microphones of the wireless listening device 1502 to identify that the top of the ear helix 1512 has been pulled upward and, in turn, receive specific user input associated with the pull upward 1516.

[0219] Although Figure 15 While various user inputs involving pulling on the ear have been discussed, embodiments are not limited thereto. By way of example, wireless listening device 1502 can be configured to associate any type of interaction with the ear (such as a flick of the earlobe 1506) as a specific user input. When the earlobe 1506 is flicked, wireless listening device 1502 can detect a vibration force and receive the specific input. In addition to the ear, other parts of the user's anatomy can also be used for user input. For example, when teeth "click" (e.g., bite together to produce a clicking or knocking sound), the user's teeth can be used to indicate a user input. The sound of the teeth clicking can be picked up by one or more microphones, and / or the specific reverberation caused by the teeth clicking through the skull can be picked up by one or more sensors (e.g., accelerometers) in wireless listening device 1502. When a user first pairs wireless listening device 1502 with a host device, the sound of such a flick vibration and / or teeth clicking can be learned or set in advance. Furthermore, the wireless listening device 1502 can be configured to measure vibrations and / or other signals generated by a finger touching and moving along the surface of the wireless listening device 1502. When a finger touches the wireless listening device 1502, the direction and position of the finger's movement can be received as input by the wireless listening device 1502. For example, a user can move his finger along the handle ( Figure 15 16 ) up or down to effectuate input, such as increasing the volume when the finger moves up the handle and decreasing the volume when the finger moves down the handle.

[0220] C. User input via voice control

[0221] In addition to using physical interaction with the user's anatomy, voice control can be used to implement specific user input. For example, a spoken phrase consisting of one or more words, such as a voice command, can be received as user input. Typically, voice control-enabled electronic devices require the use of a trigger phrase in order to receive user input. The trigger phrase can be a default phrase spoken by the user and recognized by the host device. Once the trigger phrase is recognized, the host device can then treat the next spoken phrase as user input. Using a trigger phrase to identify user input is a two-step process that can be cumbersome to use, as the user must speak two phrases instead of one. Furthermore, the electronic device may not be able to recognize when a specific user is speaking a command. Often, during the normal course of a conversation, an electronic device may mistakenly interpret a phrase spoken by a nearby non-user (e.g., someone not authorized to control the device) as a trigger phrase or voice command. As a result, the electronic device may inaccurately interpret portions of the conversation as unintentional voice commands. Alternatively, an unauthorized user may inappropriately operate the electronic device by simply speaking a trigger phrase followed by a voice command.

[0222] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a wireless listening device can enable a host device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) to recognize a spoken phrase as user input without a trigger phrase, and perform authentication of the spoken phrase by verifying that a user (e.g., a user authorized to control the host device) actually spoke the spoken phrase before accepting the spoken phrase as user input. As an example, the host device can receive the spoken phrase and then cross-reference the spoken phrase with a list of predetermined spoken phrases. If the spoken phrase matches any of the spoken phrases in the list of predetermined spoken phrases, the host device can authenticate the spoken phrase by verifying that the user spoke the spoken phrase.

[0223] In some embodiments, the host device can authenticate the spoken phrase by comparing the sound (i.e., frequency) of the spoken phrase to the known sound of the user's voice. If the sound matches, the host device can determine that the spoken phrase is input; otherwise, if the sound does not match, the host device can ignore the spoken phrase as user input. To further authenticate the spoken phrase, in some embodiments, the host device can use the accelerometer of the wireless listening device. For example, when the phrase is spoken, the host device can receive a measurement of the vibration force experienced by the accelerometer in the wireless listening device. If the vibration force is greater than a threshold, the authentication of the spoken phrase can be confirmed or independently determined. Further authentication can even be performed by the host device by utilizing one or more microphones of the wireless listening device. As an example, the host device can determine the directionality of the sound by analyzing the time shift of the sound across two microphones. If the direction of the sound is away from the wireless listening device, the authentication of the spoken phrase can be confirmed or independently determined.

[0224] Sometimes, a phrase spoken by a user during a conversation (i.e., a spoken phrase not intended as user input) may match a spoken phrase in a predetermined list of spoken phrases. To minimize the likelihood that a spoken phrase determined by the host device to be not intended as user input is interpreted as user input, the host device can be configured to measure a time interval before and after the spoken phrase and compare the measured time interval to a delay threshold. If the measured time interval is greater than the delay threshold, the host device can determine that the spoken phrase is user input; otherwise, if the measured time interval is less than the delay threshold, the host device can determine that the spoken phrase is not user input.

[0225] In some embodiments, a list of predetermined spoken phrases and the sound of the user's voice can be set during a one-time initialization protocol. During the initialization protocol, the host device can follow a script to guide the user through various functions that can be activated by voice commands, such as turning on active noise cancellation mode, turning on transparency mode, adjusting the volume, playing / pausing music, and various other functions. The host device can also be configured to allow the user to define what the spoken phrase should be, thereby enhancing the personal connection with the host device.

[0226] V. Rod with Bus Bar and Method of Forming Ear Tip

[0227] Although the embodiments discussed herein show a substantially oval / elliptical shape (see Figures 2A to 2B 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 6A 、 Figure 7 、 Figures 11A to 11B ) and / or amorphous (see Figure 13 ) of the housing, but embodiments are not limited to such configurations. Rather, some embodiments can include a handle that can be an external structure (e.g., Figure 7 The handle is an extension of the housing body (e.g., an external structure 704 in FIG. ). As an extension of the external structure, the handle can also enclose one or more electrical components within it. In some embodiments, the handle can be a tubular structure having electrical contacts at its distal end for interacting with a power source to charge the wireless listening device.

[0228] Figure 16A20 is a perspective view of an exemplary wireless listening device 1600 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the wireless listening device including an eartip 1602 coupled to a housing 1604, the housing including a body 1605 and a stem 1606. The housing 1604 can be formed from a single piece outer structure that forms both the body 1605 and the stem 1606. Thus, the outer structure can include a body portion 1608 and a stem portion 1610 extending from the body portion 1608. The elongated structure of the stem 1606 can be used as an alignment feature for aligning the wireless listening device 1606 with a charging device (such as a housing), which will be discussed further herein with respect to FIG. 20 . The stem 1606 can also accommodate electrical components and allow them to be positioned away from the housing 1604 for coupling with the charging device. The different components within the stem 1606 are referred to herein as Figure 16B Further detailed discussion.

[0229] Figure 16B 16 is a simplified view of the electrical components within handle 1606 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, handle 1606 can include two external contacts 1612 and 1614 located at the bottom-most portion of outer structure 1607 of handle 1606. External contacts 1612 and 1614 can be conductive structures configured to contact leads of an external charging device (such as a housing in which wireless listening device 1600 is stored when not in use by the user). Contacts 1612 can be securely coupled to an insert mold 1616, which holds contacts 1612 and 1614 in place at the bottom of handle 1606 (e.g., attaching contacts 1612 and 1614 to handle 1606 at a point farthest from housing 1604). Insert mold 1616 can be a decorative piece having similar aesthetics to outer structure 1607 of handle 1606 to provide an aesthetically pleasing, seamless transition between insert mold 1616 and outer structure 1607. In some embodiments, the insert mold 1616 and the contact 1614 can define an opening 1618 that extends through the insert mold 1616 and the contact 1614 from the outer surface of the contact 1614 to the inner surface of the insert mold 1616. The opening 1618 can be an acoustic port that can allow sound waves outside the handle 1606 to enter the handle 1606 so that internal components such as a microphone (not shown) can receive the sound waves. Although not shown in FIG. Figure 16B As shown in FIG, a gasket can be implemented between the insert mold 1616 and the outer structure 1607 of the handle 1607. In this way, a quality seal can be formed between them to prevent the intrusion of moisture and / or debris.

[0230] The rod 1606 can also include an interconnecting structure 1620 (e.g., Figure 7708), which can be any suitable interconnect structure for coupling electronic devices to each other, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). In some embodiments, the interconnect structure 1620 is Figure 7 The interconnect structure 1620 can be a portion of the interconnect structure 708 in the handle that extends into the handle external structure 1607, or a completely separate interconnect structure positioned in the handle external structure 1607. The interconnect structure 1620 can have various electronic components (not shown) mounted thereon, such as those described herein with respect to Figure 7 16. In some embodiments, the external contacts 1612 and 1614 are electrically coupled to the interconnect structure 1620. Some ways in which the external contacts 1612 and 1614 can be coupled to the interconnect structure 1620 can include extending the interconnect structure 1620 downward through the handle external structure 1607 so that the interconnect structure 1620 can be directly attached to the external contacts 1612 and 1614 by welding, hot rod processing, or any other means. However, in such cases, the high heat temperatures generated by welding during final assembly, testing, and packaging (FATP) can cause the insert mold 1616 to warp and / or discolor, which can negatively impact the aesthetics of the insert mold 1616 and its seamless aesthetic integration with the external structure 1607.

[0231] Thus, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a bus bar assembly 1622 can be implemented in the handle 1606 to move a high heat process (such as welding or a hot bar process) away from the insert mold 1616 during FATP. The bus bar assembly 1622 can include a bus bar 1624, two leads 1626 and 1628 at the bottom of the bus bar 1624, and a contact 1630 at the top of the bus bar 1624. The bus bar 1624 can be formed from one or more layers of copper traces coated with a protective insulating film, the leads 1626 and 1628 can be exposed ends of one or more layers of copper traces for contacting an external structure, and the contact 1630 can include exposed ends of one or more copper traces coupled to an alignment frame. Further details of the bus bar 1624 and the contact 1630 will be described herein with respect to 17A to 17B and 18A to 18B Further discussion.

[0232] In some embodiments, the bus bar 1624 can be a flexible cable that electrically couples the leads 1626 and 1628 to the contacts 1630, such that structures contacting the leads 1626 and 1628 can be electrically coupled to structures contacting the contacts 1630. As an example, the external contacts 1612 and 1614 can be coupled to the leads 1626 and 1628, and the interconnect structure 1620 can be coupled to the contact head 1630, such that the external contacts 1612 and 1614 can be electrically coupled to the interconnect structure 1620 (or any other electronic components mounted on the interconnect structure 1620) via the bus bar 1624. By using the bus bar 1624, the handle 1606 can be constructed without subjecting the insert mold 1616 to a high temperature process. For example, during manufacturing, when the insert mold 1616 is not present, the leads 1626 and 1628 can first be laser welded to the external contacts 1612 and 1614. Then, the contacts 1612 and 1614 can be overmolded to form the insert mold 1616. Then, at the FATP, the contacts 1630 of the busbar assembly 1622 can be hot-rodded or welded to the interconnect structure 1620. Thus, the hot-rod / welding thermal temperature treatment step is moved away from the insert mold 1616, and the laser welding process can be performed when the insert mold is not present. In this way, the appearance and structural integrity of the insert mold 1616 can be maintained, thereby forming a more aesthetically pleasing and structurally more stable product, and improving manufacturing yields. Using the busbar assembly 1622 also allows the insert mold 1616 to move around with the contacts 1612 and 1614, so that adhesive can be easily applied to the entire interface surface between the insert mold 1616 and the external structure 1607. This simplifies manufacturing and provides a better seal therebetween.

[0233] Figure 17A and Figure 17B is a perspective view illustration of various contacts for a bus bar assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 17A is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary contact 1700 configured with an alignment post, and Figure 17B is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary contact 1700 configured with an alignment frame.

[0234] like Figure 17A As shown, the conductive head 1700 can include contacts 1704 and 1706. The contacts 1704 and 1706 can be exposed ends of copper traces 1703 and 1705 in the bus bar 1624, which are formed to include contact features 1704 and 1706. The contact features 1704 and 1706 can be as shown. Figure 17A The circular shape shown is to increase the surface area of copper traces 1703 and 1705 to enable connection with interconnect structures (e.g., Figure 16B1620 in the interconnect structure). The conductive head 1700 can also include an alignment rod 1702 for aligning the contact features 1704 and 1706 to specific contact locations on the interconnect structure. The alignment rod 1702 can be positioned at ends of the copper traces 1703 and 1705 opposite the bus bar 1624. In some embodiments, the alignment rod 1702 can include alignment features 1708 and 1710 positioned on laterally opposite ends of the alignment rod 1702. The alignment features 1708 and 1710 can be crescent-shaped and configured to align with complementary alignment posts that can be positioned on the interconnect structure. Although the alignment rod 1702 is shown as a single horizontal piece, the alignment rod 1702 can be reinforced to prevent bending during FATP, as shown in FIG. Figure 17B discussed in .

[0235] refer to Figure 17B , the conductive head 1701 can include an alignment frame 1712 positioned around the contact features 1704 and 1706. The alignment frame 1712 can be shaped like a picture frame and include four sections: a top 1714, a bottom 1716, and two side sections 1718 and 1720, which together form a monolithic structure. The side sections 1718 and 1720 can include alignment features 1708 and 1710 to help align the contact features 1704 and 1706 to specific contact locations on the interconnect structure. The four sections of the alignment frame 1712 can better resist bending and / or buckling during FATP for ease of manufacturing.

[0236] Figure 18A and Figure 18B is a cross-sectional view illustration of different bus bars for a bus bar assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 18A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary bus bar 1800 having two conductive traces in a single layer, and Figure 18B is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary bus bar 1801 having two conductive traces in different layers.

[0237] like Figure 18A As shown, bus bar 1800 can include both a first copper trace 1802 and a second copper trace 1804 that are both insulated from each other by an insulating film 1806. The first copper trace 1802 can be coupled to ground and the second copper trace 1804 can be coupled to a power source, or vice versa. The first copper trace 1802 and the second copper trace 1804 can be formed in a single layer such that the copper traces 1802 and 1804 are coplanar. The insulating film 1806 can be formed of any suitable insulating material, such as polyimide (PI) or any other polymer material. Although the first copper trace 1802 and the second copper trace 1804 are insulated from each other by an insulating film 1806, the first copper trace 1802 and the second copper trace 1804 can be coupled to ground and the second copper trace 1804 can be coupled to a power source, or vice versa. Figure 18AIn some embodiments, the copper traces can be arranged in different layers, such as Figure 18B shown.

[0238] refer to Figure 18B , busbar 1801 can include both a first copper trace 1808 and a second copper trace 1810, both disposed within an insulating film 1812. First copper trace 1808 can be coupled to a power source, and second copper trace 1810 can be coupled to a ground, or vice versa. First copper trace 1808 and second copper trace 1810 can be formed in different layers separated by an insulating layer 1814. Insulating film 1812 and insulating layer 1814 can be formed of any suitable insulating material, such as polyimide (PI) or any other non-conductive polymer material. By arranging first copper trace 1808 and second copper trace 1810 in different layers, each trace can utilize the entire width of busbar 1801. Thus, any copper trace (e.g., second copper trace 1810) can have a width that extends across the entire width of busbar 1810. Having a larger width increases the cross-sectional area of second copper trace 1810 , thereby allowing second copper trace 1810 to have less resistance, which improves the conductivity of bus bar 1801 .

[0239] VI. Method of Forming Ear Tips

[0240] Figures 19A to 19G FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of an exemplary method of forming an EarTip according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The EarTip can be the EarTip 300 discussed herein with respect to FIG. Figure 19A As shown, first die 1900 can be patterned on the first side 1901 of wire mesh 1902.Wire mesh 1902 can be the disc that forms wire cloth sheet cutting from wire network, and it is suitable for allowing sound to pass through but prevents dust from passing through, for example, 50 mesh wire cloth.In some embodiments, wire mesh 1902 can have lip 1904, and this lip is bent with 90 degree angle around the whole periphery of wire mesh 1902, as shown by dotted line, and it represents the structure behind cutting line.Lip 1904 can be used as the alignment feature of subsequent process.In certain embodiments, first die 1900 can include flat layer 1905 and protrusion 1906 extending from the center of flat layer 1905.Flat layer 1905 can cover the surface of wire mesh 1902 defined by lip 1904, and protrusion 1906 can be tapered structure, and it narrows when extending away from wire mesh 1902. The protrusion 1906 can serve as an alignment feature that can work alone or in conjunction with the lip 1905 for alignment purposes in subsequent processing.

[0241] In some embodiments, the second mold 1910 can be formed on a second side 1903 of the wire mesh 1902 opposite the first side 1901. The second mold 1910 can be formed as a mirror image of the first mold 1900 and positioned to be vertically aligned with the first mold 1900. Thus, the second mold 1910 can also include a flat layer 1912 and a protrusion 1914 extending from the center of the flat layer 1912. The protrusion 1914 can be a tapered structure that narrows as it extends away from the wire mesh 1902 and the first mold 1900. The protrusion 1914 can be used as an alignment feature for subsequent processing, such as injection molding. In some embodiments, the first mold 1900 and the second mold 1910 can be formed of a material that resists bonding with certain materials and can be used as a mask that will prevent those certain materials from forming on areas of the wire mesh 1902 covered by the first mold 1900 and the second mold 1910, which will be discussed further herein. Although Figure 19A and Figure 19B The order is such that the first mold 1900 is formed before the second mold 1910 , but it should be understood that this is merely exemplary and other embodiments can form the second mold 1910 before the first mold 1900 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0242] Once the second mold 1910 is formed, the resulting structure can be positioned as shown. Figure 19C 1916. Tool fixture 1916 can be a fixture of a processing tool (e.g., a silicon molding tool) having a recessed portion 1918 designed to receive and position the structure including wire mesh 1902 and first and second molds 1900, 1910 in the correct position for processing. In some embodiments, protrusion 1906 of first mold 1900 can properly align the structure to tool fixture 1916 by resting in recess 1918. In addition, lip 1904 can also help align the structure to tool fixture 1916 by wrapping around the outer edge of fixture 1916.

[0243] After the structure is properly aligned, energy can be applied to melt portions of the first mold 1900 and the second mold 1910. For example, ultrasonic energy can be applied to the structure and cause the first mold 1900 and the second mold 1910 to melt on portions of the wire mesh 1902 disposed between the first mold 1900 and the second mold 1910, thereby forming the combined mold 1920. By melting the first mold 1900 and the second mold 1910 to cover portions of the wire mesh 1902, the air gap between the first mold 1900 and the second mold 1910 can be removed and the wire mesh 1902 can therefore be better coated and protected by the molds 1900 and 1910, so that the formation of structures (such as the ear tip attachment mechanism and the inner ear tip body) using injection molding in subsequent processing steps can be prevented from leaking and / or flashing into / diffusing into the portions of the wire mesh 1902 covered by the molds 1900 and 1910, as described herein with respect to Figure 19E and Figure 19F discussed.

[0244] like Figure 19E As shown, the attachment mechanism 1922 can be formed by injection molding. The attachment mechanism 1922 can be substantially similar in structure to the attachment mechanism 1922 described herein with respect to Figure 3A and Figure 3C Attachment structure 308 discussed. In some embodiments, attachment structure 308 can be molded over lip 1904 of wire mesh 1902. Molding over lip 1904 can provide sufficient surface area for attachment mechanism 1922 to securely couple with wire mesh 1902. In some embodiments, attachment structure 308 can be formed from a hard polymer such as polycarbonate. As will be understood herein, molds 1900 and 1910 (and therefore combined mold 1920) can be formed from a material that resists forming chemical bonds with polycarbonate (PC) material, for example, a synthetic polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). By forming molds 1900 and 1910 from PVA, combined mold 1920 can act as a mask to prevent PC material from flashing into interior areas of wire mesh 1902. As will be discussed herein with respect to Figure 19G It is further appreciated that dies 1900 and 1910 can be formed from a soluble material so that it can be cleanly removed leaving wire mesh 1902 intact.

[0245] Then, if Figure 19F As shown, the rest of the Ear Tip can be formed. For example, a single monolithic structure 1924 can be formed that includes an inner Ear Tip body 1926 and an outer Ear Tip body 1928. The structure and purpose of the inner Ear Tip body 1926 and the outer Ear Tip body 1928 can be similar to those described herein with respect to Figures 3A to 4CThe inner EarTip body 316 and the outer EarTip body 322 discussed above are shown. The monolithic structure 1924 can be formed from a soft, compliant material that can be easily bent and deformed to fit within the ear canal. By way of example, the monolithic structure 1924, and therefore the combined inner EarTip body 1926 and outer EarTip body 1928, can be formed from silicone. The structure 1924 can be formed over a portion of the attachment mechanism 1922, such that the attachment mechanism 1922 can provide a hard stop by which the structure 1924 can be attached to the EarTip.

[0246] Once the structure 1924 comprising the inner EarTip body 1926 and the outer EarTip body 1928 is formed, Figure 19G In some embodiments of the present disclosure shown, the assembled mold 1920 can be removed to form a complete Ear Tip. For example, a solvent compatible with removing PVA (such as hot water) can be used to dissolve and wash away the mold 1920. Removing the mold 1920 can expose the once covered portion of the wire mesh 1902 and leave it intact. In this way, the wire mesh 1902 can remain as a barrier to debris and sound (such as that caused by the shell (e.g., Figure 7 The path through which sound generated by the housing 702) can pass.

[0247] VII. Housing for wireless listening devices

[0248] As mentioned herein, the wireless listening device can be one of a pair of wireless listening devices that are designed to fit in a user's ear and fit within a housing when not in use. The housing can protect the wireless listening device from physical damage and provide a power source for charging the wireless listening device.

[0249] 20A to 20C are different views of exemplary housings for a pair of wireless listening devices according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 20A is a front view illustration of the housing 2000, which is transparent to show the configuration of the components inside the housing 2000 from the front, Figure 20B is a rear view of the housing 2000, which is also transparent to show the configuration of the components inside the housing 2000 from the rear, and Figure 20C is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of housing 2000 .

[0250] like Figure 20AAs shown, housing 2000 can include a lid 2002 and a body 2004 that form an interior cavity for accommodating a pair of wireless listening devices 2006a-b. Lid 2002 and body 2004 can intersect at interface 2005. In some embodiments, housing 2000 can include an internal frame 2008 formed from a single piece of structure, including portions 2008a-d designed to provide contours and surface features against which wireless listening devices 2006a-b can rest in strategic locations, as discussed herein, to minimize the size of housing 2000. Portion 2008a can be a portion of the internal frame that contacts body 2004 to seal the area below portion 2008a within housing 2000 from the external environment. Portions 2008b-c can be portions where the stems 2010a-b can rest, and portions 2008d-e can be portions where the ear tips 2012a-b and housings 2014a-b can rest. Figures 21A to 21B and FIG. 22A to FIG. 22B Details of the internal framework 2008 are further shown and discussed.

[0251] To minimize the overall size of the housing 2000, the wireless listening devices 2006a-b can be strategically positioned at angles when placed in the housing 2000. In some embodiments, rather than being substantially perpendicular, each handle 2010a-b of the corresponding wireless listening device 2006a-b is positioned at an angle relative to two axes: the x-axis and the y-axis, wherein the handle is not positioned at any angle relative to the x-axis and the y-axis. For purposes of this description, the x-axis runs between the wireless listening devices 2006a-b, the y-axis runs between the front and rear of the housing, and the z-axis runs between the bottom of the body 2004 and the top of the lid 2002.

[0252] Housing 2000 can be configured to charge wireless listening devices 2006a-b while they are housed within housing 2000. Thus, housing 2000 can include two pairs of contacts 2016a-b and 2018a-b for making electrical contact with corresponding pins on handles 2010a-b, enabling charge to flow from the internal battery of housing 2000 to the internal battery of wireless listening devices 2006a-b. In some embodiments, the contacts in each pair are positioned on axes 2020a-b that are oriented at 90 degrees relative to one another. This allows for a smaller amount of space to be required to implement contacts 2016a-b compared to other contact arrangements (such as some contact arrangements where two contacts are positioned at 180 degrees relative to one another). Utilizing less space provides more room for other components within housing 2000 and / or helps reduce the overall size of housing 2000.

[0253] In some embodiments, the contacts 2016a-b and 2018a-b can be sealed from the external environment to protect them from moisture. For example, sealing rings 2022a, 2022b, and 2022c can be strategically positioned at the interface area that serves as the entry point for the contacts 2016a-b and 2018a-b. As an example, sealing rings 2022a and 2022b can be positioned on opposite ends of each of the contacts 2016a-b and 2018a-b, and sealing ring 2022c can be positioned on a portion of the inner frame surrounding portion 2008b.

[0254] The housing 2000 can also include a visual indicator 2024 configured to emit different colors of light. The visual indicator 2024 can change color depending on the charging status of the housing, for example, emitting green light when the housing is being charged, emitting orange light when the housing battery is charging and / or when the housing battery is less than fully charged, and emitting red light when the battery is depleted. When viewed from the outside of the housing 2000, the visual indicator 2024 can have a circular shape or any other suitable shape, such as a square, rectangle, oval, etc. Brief Reference Figure 20C , the visual indicator 2024 can include a light emitter 2025 and a light pipe 2027. The light emitted from the emitter 2024 can be projected into the light pipe 2027, which can guide the light out of the housing 2000. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the input end of the light pipe 2027 and the output end of the light pipe 2027 can have different shapes, as will be described herein with respect to Figure 25 Further discussion.

[0255] like Figure 20B As shown in the rear view illustration of the housing 2000 in FIG, the housing 2000 can include two sets of retaining magnets 2030a-b positioned below portions of the housing bodies of the respective wireless listening devices 2006a-b. Each set of retaining magnets can be specifically configured to attract and retain the respective wireless listening device 2006a-b in place when the device 2006a-b is placed in place within the housing 2000. For example, each set of retaining magnets 2030a-b can include a plurality of magnets and shunts uniquely designed and arranged to generate a highly concentrated magnetic attraction force on a ferrous retaining plate within the wireless listening device 2006a-b, as described herein with respect to FIG. Figure 23 and FIG. 24A to FIG. 24B discussed.

[0256] The housing 2000 can also include a button 2032 mounted on a button substrate 2034 (such as a PCB), which includes conductive traces for routing electrical signals when a user presses the button 2032. The button 2032 can be configured to initiate different commands when pressed, such as a reset command or a pairing command with an external device (such as a smartphone). In some embodiments, the housing 2000 can also include a wireless power receiving coil 2036 formed from a wire arranged in multiple turns between an outer diameter 2038 and an inner diameter 2040. The receiving coil 2036 can be wound around the button 2032 so that the button 2032 is located at the center of the receiving coil 2036 within the inner diameter 2040. The receiving coil 2036 can interact with the time-varying magnetic flux to generate a current that can be used to charge the internal battery of the housing 2000. To minimize the height and width of the receiving coil 2036, portions of the receiving coil 2036 can overlap portions of the button substrate 2034, so that the inner diameter 2040 is positioned above the substrate 2034. exist Figure 20C Another view of this configuration can be seen in the cross-sectional view of . As shown, portions of the coil 2036 can overlap with the outer area of the button substrate 2034, and the button 2032 can be positioned within the inner diameter of the coil 2036. In some embodiments, the button 2032 can include an O-ring 2035, which can act as a dynamic seal that moves with the movement of the button 2032. The O-ring 2035 can seal the internal components of the housing 2000 from the external environment around the button 2032. By using the O-ring 2035, the space utilized by the button 2032 can be minimized, thereby allowing the coil 2036 to overlap with a portion of the button substrate 2034, which helps to reduce the size of the housing 2000 as a whole.

[0257] Return Reference Figure 20B In some embodiments, the housing 2000 can also include a speaker 2041 configured to emit audible sounds. The speaker 2041 can be configured to emit sounds to indicate different states of the device. For example, the speaker 2041 can emit a beep when the housing 2000 is successfully paired with an external device (such as a smartphone), and / or emit a sound when the housing 2000 is disconnected from the external device. In addition, the speaker 2041 can be configured to emit a repeated pinging noise when it is in discovery mode, such as when the housing is lost and the user is looking for it.

[0258] The housing 2000 can also include an antenna 2042 for sending and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals. The antenna 2042 can be an electrical conductor formed on the housing substrate 2044 and can be positioned a distance away from other electrical components to mitigate interference with the antenna's operation. For example, a clearance zone 2046 can be imposed around the antenna 2042 in which other electrical components are not allowed to be positioned. By having an antenna, the housing 2000 can communicate wirelessly with other devices to send and receive data and commands. For example, if the housing is lost, the user can access his or her smartphone that is paired with the housing 2000 and initiate a discovery sequence in which the speaker 2041 is activated to emit a repetitive pinging noise. The antenna 2042 can be positioned at one of the two bottom corners of the housing 2000 within the body 2004 and away from the cover 2002. In some instances, the speaker 2041 can be positioned at the other of the two bottom corners of the housing 2000 within the body 2004 and away from the cover 2002, such as Figure 20B shown.

[0259] like Figure 20C As shown, the housing 2000 can include a hinge 2048 for opening and closing the lid 2002. The hinge 2048 can be a bistable hinge, which has two stable states: an open state and a closed state. Having a bistable hinge can allow the housing 2000 to close without requiring many magnets to generate a high magnetic attraction force to pull the lid 2002 toward the body 2004 to close the lid 2002. Therefore, only a single magnet 2050 may be sufficient to hold the lid 2002 closed. Therefore, in the stable closed state, the hinge 2048 can cause the lid 2002 to press against the body 2004, and the magnet 2050 may need to have just enough force to help it remain closed in order to resist unintentional opening of the lid 2002. The details of the bistable hinge 2048 are discussed herein with respect to Figure 27 and Figures 28A to 28C Further discussion.

[0260] To help hold the lid 2002 closed, a magnet 2050 can be attracted to a magnetic component in the body 2004. For example, a diverter 2052 formed from a block of ferrous material, such as steel, can be positioned within the body 2004 just below the top surface of the body 2004 and aligned with the magnet 2050 when the lid 2002 is in the closed position. When the magnetic field from the magnet 2050 interacts with the ferrous properties of the diverter 2052, the magnet 2050 can be attracted to the diverter 2052. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the diverter 2052 can operate as a hybrid retention and sensor diverter that can not only help hold the lid 2002 closed by attracting the magnet 2050, but can also function as a sensor component such that a sensor 2054 located below the diverter 2052 can detect when the lid 2002 is open or closed via the diverter 2052, which will be discussed herein with respect to Figures 26A to 26B Further discussion.Sensor 2052 can be any suitable sensor capable of detecting the presence of a magnetic field, such as a Hall effect sensor.

[0261] In some embodiments, the housing 2000 can also include one or more energy storage devices 2056a-b on which a plurality of electrical devices can be mounted. The energy storage device 2056 can store electricity that can be released to operate the housing 2000. In some embodiments, the housing 2000 can include two energy storage devices 2056a-b positioned on opposite sides of a vertically oriented housing base plate 2044, as will be described herein with respect to Figures 29A to 29C Further discussion. In addition to including antennas (e.g., in this article relative to Figure 20B In addition to the antenna 2042 discussed above, the housing substrate 2044 is capable of operating as a mainboard for operating the housing 2000 and can therefore include communication systems, computing systems and circuits, such as the housing communication system 121, the housing computing system 119 and the power transmission circuit 120 in Figure 1.

[0262] A. Internal framework

[0263] As in this article Figure 20A As discussed, the internal frame can be formed from a monolithic structure designed to provide contours and surface features against which electronic components within the housing can abut and / or attach. Figures 21A to 21B 21 shows different views of an exemplary internal frame 2100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 21A is a simplified perspective view of the internal frame 2100, and Figure 21B is a simplified top view of the inner frame 2100.

[0264] The internal frame 2100 is substantially similar to Figure 20A The internal frame 2008 in the housing can provide a structural framework for the internal components of the housing. Figure 20A As discussed, the internal frame can provide a structure on which electrical devices such as wireless listening devices, printed circuit boards, batteries, speakers, etc. can be mounted and separated. Thus, the internal frame 2100 can define two bowl-shaped areas 2102a-b for receiving each wireless listening device, a central area 2105 defined by flaps 2017a-b for holding a battery pack and a printed circuit board with electronic devices, and various other contours for other electronic devices discussed herein.

[0265] In some embodiments, the internal frame 2100 can be configured to seal the internal components of the housing from the external environment through the top of the housing. Therefore, the internal frame 2100 can include a sealing structure 2104 formed of a flexible material suitable for sealing purposes. The sealing structure 2104 can follow the contour of the top ridge of the internal frame 2100. For example, the sealing structure 2104 can extend around the perimeter of the top ridge of the internal frame 2100, such as Figure 21A To seal an area around a hinge (not shown) for the housing, the sealing structure 2104 can diverge at a first point 2018, extend around a void area 2106 where the hinge can be located, and then converge back together at a second point 2020 through the void area 2106, where it then continues as part of the sealing structure 2104. Thus, the sealing structure 2104 can include a first diverging portion 2023 and a second diverging portion 2024.

[0266] like Figure 21A As shown, the first bifurcated portion 2023 can be positioned a distance away from the second bifurcated portion 2024. In some embodiments, the first bifurcated portion 2023 can be positioned a vertical distance away from the second bifurcated portion 2024. Figure 21B As shown, the first bifurcated portion 2023 can also be positioned at a lateral distance away from the second bifurcated portion 2024. In some cases, the first bifurcated portion 2023 can be positioned at the outer periphery of the inner frame 2100, while the second bifurcated portion 2024 can be positioned within the outer periphery of the inner frame 2100. FIG. 22A to FIG. 22B It is further understood that the second bifurcated portion 2024 can be constructed differently from the remainder of the sealing structure 2104 (including the first bifurcated portion 2023) such that when the internal frame 2100 is positioned within the body of the housing and the insert is positioned on the internal frame 2100, the sealing structure 2104 can seal the electrical components within the housing body from the external environment.

[0267] FIG. 22A to FIG. 22B 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an internal frame 2100 implemented in a body 2200 of a housing with an insert 2203 attached to the top of the body 2200, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 22A is a simplified cross-sectional view illustration 2200 of the inner frame 2100, and Figure 22B yes Figure 22A A simplified enlarged view illustration 2201 of a portion of a simplified cross-sectional view of FIG. The cross-sectional view can be from across Figure 21B Perspective view of the cutting lines shown.

[0268] The insert 2203 can be a structure that presses against the inner frame 2100 and serves as part of the outer top structure of the main body 2200 of the housing. As can be seen in the cross-sectional view illustration 2200 of the inner frame 2100, the sealing structure 2104 and the first bifurcated portion 2023 can contact both the insert 2203 and the main body 2200, while the second bifurcated portion 2024 can contact only the insert 2203 and not the main body 2200. Thus, the second bifurcated portion 2024 can be configured to form a face seal with the inner frame 2100, while the remainder of the sealing structure 2104 (including the first bifurcated portion 2023) can be configured to form a face seal with the insert 2203 and a radial seal with the main body 2200.

[0269] like Figure 22B As shown in FIG2201 which is a close up cross-sectional view of the sealing structure 2104 in FIG200 , the sealing structure 2104 can include a horizontal portion 2204 and a vertical portion 2206 such that the combination of the horizontal portion 2204 and the vertical portion 2206 forms a monolithic structure having an “L” shaped profile. The horizontal portion 2204 can engage with the inner side surface of the housing 2200, while the vertical portion 2206 can engage with the bottom surface of the insert 2203. Thus, the areas beside and below the sealing structure 2104 can be sealed from the external environment. Configuring the sealing structure 2104 in this manner allows the sealing structure 2104 to achieve two sealing points on different axes, with only one structure instead of two. It should be understood that the first bifurcated portion 2023 can have the same Figure 22B The structure and function of the portion of the sealing structure 2104 shown is the same, but the first bifurcated portion 2023 can be arranged as a mirror image of the portion of the sealing structure 2104 because it seals with the opposite side of the body 2200, as shown. Figure 21B shown.

[0270] B. Magnetic holding system

[0271] As discussed herein, the housing can include two sets of retaining magnets, each set can be specifically configured to attract and hold a corresponding wireless listening device in place when the device is placed in the housing. Figure 23FIG23 is a simplified cross-sectional view 2300 of a retaining magnet assembly 2302 and a wireless listening device 2304, in addition to any other components within the device 2304 and the housing in which the magnets 2302 and the device 2304 are positioned. Retaining magnet assembly 2302 can attract a retaining plate 2306 within the housing of the wireless listening device 2304. Retaining plate 2306 can have a curved surface that complements the curved surface of the housing of the wireless listening device 2304. Retaining plate 2306 can be formed from any suitable ferrous material, such as an iron and silicon alloy. In some embodiments, retaining plate 2306 is positioned at the bottom region of the housing and above the handle 2308 of the wireless listening device 2304. Thus, the distance between retaining plate 2306 and retaining magnet assembly 2302 is minimal, increasing the potential magnetic force exerted by retaining magnet assembly 2302. In some embodiments, the amount of attractive magnetic force achieved along a certain direction (e.g., along the axis 2309 of the handle 2308) is approximately 1 to 1.5 N, and in some embodiments, specifically 1.2 N. Because the direction of the target attractive magnetic force is at a certain angle, the actual force achieved by the holding magnet set 2302 in the vertical direction can be greater than 1.2 N, such as 1.5 N.

[0272] In order to obtain sufficient attractive magnetic force within certain size constraints, the holding magnet group 2302 can be specifically designed to enhance its magnetic field in one direction. And, in some cases, the holding magnet group 2302 can be further designed to focus its magnetic field toward a small area within the general enhanced direction. An example of this is shown in FIG. Figure 24A and Figure 24B , which are simplified illustrations of exemplary retaining magnet sets 2400 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 24A is a front view illustration of the retaining magnet set 2400, and Figure 24B is a top view illustration of the retaining magnet assembly 2400 .

[0273] like Figure 24AAs shown, holding magnet set 2400 can include several magnets arranged adjacent to each other, such as a Halbach array. For example, holding magnet set 2400 can include four magnets 2402a-d, with a pair of magnets 2402b-c positioned directly next to each other, with magnets 2402a and 2402d located on opposite sides of magnets 2402b-c. To focus the magnetic field to a specific area, such as area 2404 above magnets 2402b and 2402c, the polarity of each magnet in holding magnet set 2400 can be oriented differently. As an example, the polarity of magnet 2402a can be oriented downward and at an angle 2408 tilted away from magnet 2402b relative to the vertical dimension, the polarity of magnet 2402b can be oriented vertically downward without a tilt angle, the polarity of magnet 2402c can be oriented vertically upward without a tilt angle, and the polarity of magnet 2402d can be oriented upward and at an angle 2410 tilted toward magnet 2402c relative to the vertical dimension. By arranging the magnets of retention magnet set 2400 in this manner, the magnetic field can be concentrated toward region 2404, where retention plate 2306 can be positioned so that retention magnet set 2400 can generate a sufficiently high attractive magnetic force to retain a wireless listening device with strong size constraints. For reference, the orientation of the polarity of magnets 2402a-d is represented by arrows, with the north pole represented by the arrow and the south pole represented by the tail, or vice versa.

[0274] Although the two magnets 2402a and 2402d have polarities that are oriented at an angle relative to the vertical axis, the degree of their tilt angle can depend on the location of region 2404. If region 2404 were to be located along the center of retaining magnet set 2400, angles 2408 and 2410 could be the same. However, if region 2404 were to be located slightly to the left of center, angles 2408 and 2410 could be adjusted accordingly, for example, angle 2408 could be decreased and angle 2410 could be increased. In some embodiments, under certain specific circumstances, the tilt of angles 2408 and 2410 can range between 20 and 40 degrees, for example, 28 degrees for angle 2408 and 34 degrees for angle 2410. Furthermore, while magnets 2402b-c are shown as having polarity oriented in only one dimension (the z dimension), and magnets 2402a and 2402d are shown as having polarity oriented in two dimensions (the z dimension and the x dimension) to pull diverter 2306 vertically downward, embodiments are not limited thereto. Other embodiments may include magnets 2402b-c having polarity in two dimensions (the z dimension and the y dimension) and magnets 2402a and 2402d having polarity in three dimensions. In this way, the magnetic force generated has not only a vertically downward component, but also a lateral y-dimensional component to more effectively direct the attractive force along the axis 2309 of the handle 2308 by more closely aligning the direction of the magnetic force with the axis 2309 of the handle 2308.

[0275] Although Figure 24A A retaining magnet set is shown having four magnets, but it should be understood that embodiments are not limited thereto and any other number and configuration of magnets are contemplated without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, a retaining magnet set can have six magnets, with two center magnets having perpendicular magnetic polarity, while the two immediately adjacent magnets spanning the two center magnets have angled magnetic polarity, and the final outer two magnets spanning the inner four magnets have a magnetic polarity that is more angled than the two immediately adjacent magnets. It will be understood that any number of magnets and having different polarities can be used to focus the magnetic force at a specific area above the retaining magnet set, as discussed herein.

[0276] In some embodiments, the retaining magnet set 2400 can have a top surface 2406 that is curved to follow the curve of an interface surface on which the housing of the wireless listening device 2304 can rest. Thus, the curvature of the top surface 2406 of the retaining magnet set 2400 can follow the curvature of the bottom of the housing of the wireless listening device 2304, where the retaining plate 2306 can be positioned. Although the top surface 2406 is curved, each magnet 2402a-d in the retaining magnet set 2400 can be a substantially vertical structure. For example, each magnet 2402a-d in the retaining magnet set 2400 can have vertical sidewalls and a horizontal bottom surface, while its top surface is curved. As in Figure 24A It will be further appreciated that even though the configuration of magnets 2402a and 2402d is substantially perpendicular, their polarity orientations may be angled as shown by the arrows.

[0277] While the use of magnets can cause the magnetic field to be concentrated in a particular location, the magnetic properties of such magnets can also cause leakage of the magnetic field that propagates in undesirable directions. For example, while the magnetic field is intended to be concentrated upward, some of the magnetic field can propagate downward or into and out of the page. Therefore, in some embodiments, in addition to retaining magnet group 2400, one or more magnetic shunts can be implemented to control the leakage of the magnetic field. As an example, magnetic shunts 2412 and 2414 can be positioned at the bottom of retaining magnet group 2400 to prevent the magnetic field from leaking downward. In some cases, shunts 2412 and 2414 can be positioned a distance away from each other to form a gap 2416 that can provide a void space for positioning the handle of the wireless listening device. Magnetic shunts 2412 and 2414 can be configured to redirect stray magnetic fields to prevent them from propagating downward past shunts 2412 and 2414. Therefore, magnetic shunts 2412 and 2414 can be formed from any material with a high magnetic permeability, such as steel. shunts 2412 and 2414 can be formed from materials such as Figure 24A A simple steel plate structure as shown is formed.

[0278] In addition to the diverters 2412 and 2414, additional diverters can also be positioned on the rear surface of the holding magnet assembly 2400, such as Figure 24B As shown in the top perspective view. Figure 24BAs shown, a third shunt, shunt 2418, can be attached to the rear surface 2420 of the holding magnet set 2400 so that the shunt 2418 contacts each of the magnets 2402a-d. The shunt 2418 can adhere to the magnets 2402a-d in the holding magnet set 2400 to hold them together as a single structure. This may eliminate the need for adhesives or other attachment methods between adjacent magnets, thereby further reducing the footprint of the holding magnet set 2400. It may not be necessary to place the shunt on the front surface 2422 of the holding magnet set 2400, as this may be the area where the wireless listening device is located.

[0279] Although Figure 24A The retaining magnet set 2400 is shown with only a curved top surface, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. Figure 24B , the holding magnet set 2400 may also have a curved front surface 2422. The curvature of the front surface 2422 can follow the contours of the wireless listening device, allowing the holding magnet set 2400 to maximize its presence around the wireless listening device to increase its magnetic force while providing clearance space for the wireless listening device to be positioned.

[0280] C. Visual Indicator

[0281] Figure 25 is a simplified perspective view of an exemplary visual indicator 2500 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the visual indicator including a light emitter 2504 and a light pipe 2501 for directing light 2502 emitted by the light emitter 2504 from within the body of the housing to an area outside the body of the housing. The light pipe 2501 can have an input end 2506 and an output end 2508, wherein the input end 2506 receives the light 2502 from the light emitter 2504 and outputs the received light out of the output end 2508. The input end 2506 can have a profile that is substantially similar to the profile of the light emitter 2504, so that the light pipe 2501 can effectively capture a large amount of the emitted light from the light emitter 2504. Depending on the design of how the visual indicator 2500 appears from the exterior of the housing, the output end 2508 can have that particular profile, such as, for example, Figure 20A Thus, the profile of the input end 2506 can be different from the profile of the output end 2508.

[0282] In some embodiments, the light emitter 2504 can be a light emitting device (LED) having a square profile. Thus, in embodiments where the visual indicator 2024 has a circular profile when viewed from outside the housing, the light pipe 2501 can have an input end 2506 with a square profile and an output end 2508 with a circular profile. An intermediate region 2510 between the input end 2506 and the output end 2508 can be formed by a structure that gradually transitions from a square profile at the input end 2506 to a circular profile at the output end 2508. Thus, the intermediate region 2510 can have four surfaces 2512, each of which extends from the input end 2506 and tapers toward the output end 2508 (e.g., having a gradually decreasing width), such that the structure of the light pipe 2501 gradually changes from a square profile to a circular profile. Although Figure 25 The light emitter 2504 is shown positioned away from the light pipe 2501, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the light emitter 2504 can be placed near or in contact with the light pipe 2501 such that there is a minimum distance between the light emitter 2504 and the input end 2506 of the light pipe 2501.

[0283] It should be understood that the input end 2506 and the output end 2508 can have any other profiles and do not necessarily have to be square and circular, respectively. Rather, the profile of the input end 2506 can depend on the shape of the light emitter 2504, and the profile of the output end 2508 can depend on the design. Thus, the input end 2506 and the output end 2508 can be any other suitable shape, such as rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. In some embodiments, the light pipe 2501 can include a flange 2514 for securing the light pipe 2501 to the body of the housing, such as Figure 20C The flange 2514 may extend outwardly from the central axis 2503 of the inner EarTip body 2501 and along the same plane as the input end 2506 of the light pipe 2501 .

[0284] D. Mixing maintenance and sensor splitting

[0285] As this article is relative to Figure 20C As discussed, the diverter is capable of operating as a hybrid retainer and sensor diverter, which not only helps the lid remain closed by allowing magnets in the lid to be attracted to it, but it can also serve as a sensor component, allowing a sensor located below the diverter to detect when the lid is opened or closed through the diverter. Figures 26A to 26B is a simplified cross-sectional view of an exemplary magnetic attachment and sensor system 2600 including a mix retention and sensor diverter 2602 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 26A is a simplified cross-sectional view of the magnetic attachment and sensor system 2600 when the cover 2610 is open, and Figure 26Bis a simplified cross-sectional view of the magnetic attachment and sensor system 2600 when the lid 2610 is closed. The mix retention and sensor diverter 2602 and sensor 2604 can be positioned within the body 2606 of the housing, and the magnet 2050 can be positioned within the lid 2610 of the housing.

[0286] like Figure 26A As shown, when lid 2610 is open, lid 2610 is positioned away from body 2606 of the housing. When lid 2610 is positioned away from body 2606, magnetic field 2612 generated by magnet 2608 can propagate around magnet 2608, but can be too far from sensor 2604 so that sensor 2604 may not detect the presence of magnetic field 2612. In such a housing, sensor 2604 can generate a signal indicating that lid 2610 is open.

[0287] However, when the cover 2610 is closed, as shown Figure 26B As shown, lid 2610 can contact body 2606. When lid 2610 contacts body 2606, magnetic field 2612 can propagate through mixing holder and sensor shunt 2602, generating a magnetic attraction force to assist the bistable hinge in pulling lid 2610 closed. Furthermore, magnetic field 2612 can propagate through mixing holder and sensor shunt 2602 by entering the top surface of mixing holder and sensor shunt 2602 and exiting the bottom surface of mixing holder and sensor shunt 2602. Because mixing holder and sensor shunt 2602 is formed from a ferrous material such as steel, magnetic field 2612 can easily pass through mixing holder and sensor shunt 2602, causing the propagation of magnetic field 2612 to extend beneath mixing holder and sensor shunt 2602. In this housing, sensor 2604 can detect the presence of magnetic field 2612 and generate a signal indicating that lid 2610 is closed. In some embodiments, the sensor 2604 can detect the presence of the magnetic field 2612 when the cover 2610 is in close contact with the body 2606. For example, if the cover 2610 is at a 0° angle when it is in contact with the body 2606, the sensor 2604 can detect the presence of the magnetic field 2612 when the cover 2610 is at an angle less than 10°. This provides a greater tolerance for detecting when the cover 2610 is closed. By using the hybrid hold and sensor shunt 2602, the sensor 2604 can be placed vertically below the shunt 2602 to detect the presence of a magnet at a distance that would otherwise be impossible. This allows the sensor 2604 to efficiently utilize the space already provided for the hybrid hold and sensor shunt 2602, without requiring space elsewhere around the body 2606 to be reserved for the sensor 2604. This configuration provides a simpler and more elegant solution to complex sensing and holding systems.

[0288] E. Lid hinge design

[0289] As in this article Figure 20C As discussed, the housing can include a spring-loaded hinge for opening and closing the lid. In some embodiments, the hinge can be a bistable hinge, having two stable states: an open state and a closed state. This means that the bistable hinge can have a neutral position in which it does not pull to open or close the lid, but once the lid is moved in one direction past the neutral position, the bistable hinge can pull the lid open or close. Thus, the lid can be closed without requiring a large number of magnets to generate a high magnetic attraction force to close the lid. Figure 27 and Figures 28A to 28C An exemplary bistable hinge 2700 is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 27 is a perspective view of the bistable hinge 2700, and Figures 28A to 28C is a cross-sectional view illustration of different states of the bistable hinge 2700.

[0290] like Figure 27 As shown, a bistable hinge 2700 can be formed as part of a lid 2702 of a housing. The bistable hinge 2700 can include multiple pivot points about which the bistable hinge 2700 can move to achieve bistable opening and closing of the lid 2702. As an example, the bistable hinge 2700 can include a first pivot point 2704 along a first axis 2706, which forms a first hinge about which the bistable hinge 2700 rotates; and a second pivot point 2708 along a second axis 2710, which forms a second hinge about which the bistable hinge 2700 rotates. The relative position between the first axis 2706 and the second axis 2710 can be fixed, such that the first axes 2706 and 2710 are positioned a distance apart from each other. An axis intersecting the first pivot point 2704 and the second pivot point 2708 can define a neutral position wherein the bistable hinge 2700 is not pulled in either direction to open or close the lid 2702, as will be described herein with reference to Figures 28A to 28C Further discussion.

[0291] In addition to the first pivot point 2704 and the second pivot point 2708, the bistable hinge 2700 can also include a third pivot point 2712 along a third axis 2714, which forms a third hinge about which a piston guide 2716 can rotate. The piston guide 2716 can rotate about the third axis 2714 to maintain concentric alignment with the piston rod 2718 while the piston guide 2716 moves up and down along the piston rod 2718. The piston guide 2716 can have an inner diameter shaped as a tube to conform to the cylindrical shape of the piston rod 2718. A first end of the piston rod 2718 can be coupled to the second axis 2710 so that the piston rod 2718 can pivot about the second pivot point 2704 when the bistable hinge 2700 transitions between the open and closed positions, and a second end of the piston rod 2718, opposite the first end, can be attached to a stop 2720. The stop 2720 can include a flange area 2722 that is annular in configuration and positioned around a portion of the piston rod 2718 and perpendicular to the outer surface of the piston rod 2718. The stop 2720 can contact a portion of the cover 2702 to prevent the cover 2702 from moving past the open position, as will be described herein with respect to Figure 28C discussed.

[0292] To generate the spring-loaded force for operating the bistable hinge 2700, a spring 2721 can be implemented between the piston guide 2716 and the second pivot point 2708. The spring 2721 can be a coil spring that wraps around a portion of the piston rod 2718 to apply force to the piston guide 2716. In some embodiments, the spring 2721 is tapered, wider at one end and narrower at the opposite end, enabling the spring 2721 to provide a linear force distribution during the transition between the compressed and extended states. A strictly cylindrical spring may buckle when compressed to a certain degree, resulting in a nonlinear force distribution. In some embodiments, the third shaft 2714 is fixed in place so that the piston guide 2716 cannot move relative to the cover 2702. Thus, the spring 2721 can generate a force along the axis of the piston rod 2718, but in a direction directed away from the piston guide 2716. The direction of this force when compared to the axis formed by the first 2704 and second pivot points 2708 enables bistable operation of the hinge 2700, which will be referred to herein with respect to Figures 28A to 28C Further discussion.

[0293] Figures 28A to 28Cis a simplified illustration of different positions of a bistable hinge 2700 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As discussed herein, the bistable hinge 2700 is capable of two stable states: an open state and a closed state. In the closed state, the bistable hinge 2700 applies a pushing torsional force to push the lid closed, while in the open state, the bistable hinge 2700 applies a pulling torsional force to pull the lid open. Between the open and closed states is a neutral position where the bistable hinge 2700 does not push or pull into either the open or closed state. Once the lid is gently nudged to the right or left, the bistable hinge 2700 will begin to push or pull the lid into one of the two states. In some embodiments, the further the hinge is in each state, the greater the torsional force applied to keep it in that state.

[0294] Figure 28A The bistable hinge 2700 is shown in a neutral position. The neutral position can be a position where the bistable hinge 2700 is not pushed or pulled into a closed or open state. The neutral position can be achieved when the direction of force 2802 (indicated by an arrow) is aligned with a translation axis 2804 (indicated by a dashed line) defined by a line intersecting the centers of the first pivot point 2704 and the second pivot point 2708, wherein the second axes 2706 and 2710 are respectively as shown in FIG. Figure 28A 2802, and the cover 2702 can be positioned as shown. In this position, the spring 2721 can be compressed 2813 while providing a force 2802, and the cover 2702 can be at an angle between 20° and 40°, such as 30°, relative to the horizontal. The direction of force 2802 is aligned with the axis of the piston rod 2718 because the spring 2721 is concentric with the piston rod 2718. The transition axis 2804 can define the angle through which the bistable hinge 2700 moves between the closed and open states.

[0295] For example, once the bistable hinge 2700 tilts out of alignment with the transition axis 2804, the bistable hinge 2700 can begin to apply a torsional force in the direction in which it began to tilt, wherein the amount of force increases as the angle between the direction of the force 2802 and the transition axis 2804 increases. As an example, if the lid begins to close, the direction of the force 2802 begins to angle away from the transition axis 2804 toward the left of the transition axis 2804, and the bistable hinge 2700 begins to apply increasing amounts of torsional force 2806 to urge the lid toward the closed state until the bistable hinge 2700 reaches the closed state, as shown. Figure 28B As shown. At this point, spring 2721 also begins to expand 2814 because it applies force 2802 to the left of switching axis 2804. Once lid 2702 is pressed against the body of the housing, such as when the lid is parallel to the horizontal dimension (e.g., at an angle of 0°), bistable hinge 2700 can stop pushing. In such a housing, bistable hinge 2700 can be in a fully closed state.

[0296] Alternatively, if the lid begins to open from the neutral position, the direction of force 2802 begins to angle away from the transition axis 2804 toward the right of the transition axis 2804, and the bistable hinge 2700 begins to apply increasing amounts of torsional force 2808 to pull the lid toward the open state until the bistable hinge 2700 reaches the open state, as shown. Figure 28C As shown. At this point, spring 2721 also begins to expand 2816 as it applies force 2802 to the right of translation axis 2804. Once stop 2720 presses against seat 2810 formed in lid 2702, for example, when the lid is at an angle between 100° and 130° relative to the horizontal dimension, such as 115°, bistable hinge 2700 can stop pulling. In this housing, bistable hinge 2700 can be in a fully open state.

[0297] As can be understood herein, the bistable hinge 2700 can include a pivot guide structure 2812 coupled to the first axis 2706 or to both the first axis 2706 and the second axis 2710. The pivot guide structure 2812 can move independently of the cover 2702 so that it can guide the bistable motion of the hinge 2700. For example, when the bistable hinge 2700 transitions between the open state and the closed state, as shown in FIG. Figures 28A to 28C As shown, the pivot guide structure 2812 is capable of pivoting about the first axis 2706 while the second axis 2710 slides along an outer surface of the pivot guide structure 2812.

[0298] In some embodiments, the bistable hinge 2700 can exert a maximum amount of force when it is fully in the closed state or the open state, and exert a gradually decreasing amount of force as it approaches the neutral position. This may be because the angle between the force 2802 and the transition axis 2804 is large when in either state, and the angle between the force 2802 and the transition axis 2804 is small when it approaches the neutral position. Therefore, when pressing the cover to move out of the closed state or the open state, the maximum amount of resistance can be felt, which achieves a high-quality user experience.

[0299] Figures 28D to 28F is a simplified illustration of an exemplary bistable hinge 2820 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, which is similar to Figure 27 The hinge 2700 in FIG. 2 differs in that the bistable hinge 2820 has a piston formed by a curved plate coupled to a rocker arm. Specifically, Figure 28Dis a perspective view of an exemplary bistable hinge 2820. As shown, bistable hinge 2820 can include a push plate 2826 and a rocker arm 2828 coupled between a first shaft 2822 and a second shaft 2824. A first end of push plate 2826 can be coupled to first shaft 2822 within a hinge block 2830, which can protect the coupling joint between push plate 2826 and first shaft 2822. A second end of push plate 2826, opposite the first end, can be coupled to a first end of rocker arm 2828 via a third shaft 2832. A second end of rocker arm 2828, opposite its first end, can be coupled to second shaft 2824. The combined movement of push plate 2826 and rocker arm 2828 can effect movement of bistable hinge 2820. In some embodiments, the push plate 2826 can be constructed as a curved plate to provide clearance space for other components within the housing, and can be coupled to a spring 2834 that provides a spring force for opening and closing the bistable hinge. The push plate 2826 can be a single structure that presses against the spring 2834 so that the spring 2834 moves together with the push plate 2826 to guide the movement of the bistable hinge 2820. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the push plate 2826 can be divided into two structures to allow the spring 2834 to freely pivot relative to the push plate 2826, such as Figure 28E shown.

[0300] Figure 28E FIG2 is a perspective illustration of an exemplary push plate 2836 constructed from a primary structure 2838 and a secondary structure 2840. As shown, the third shaft 2832 can pass through both the primary structure 2838 and the secondary structure 2840. In some embodiments, the secondary structure 2840 is disposed within a cutout region 2842 of the primary structure 2838, such that portions of the primary structure 2838 are positioned on opposite sides of the secondary structure 2840. In certain embodiments, the secondary structure 2840 can move independently of the primary structure 2838, decoupling the spring 2834 from the primary structure 2838 and thereby allowing the spring 2834 to move independently of the primary structure 2838. This movement allows for a modified torque curve, which can provide a better user experience when opening and closing the lid.

[0301] Figure 28F 28 is a cross-sectional illustration of a housing 2844 implemented with a bistable hinge 2820 including a push plate 2826 and a rocker arm 2828 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The push plate 2826 can be coupled to the body 2844 of the housing 2820 via a hinge block 2830. The curvature of the push plate 2826 can bend around the internal components of the housing 2820, such as before being coupled to the rocker arm 2828 via a third axis 2832. Figure 28FAs shown. Rocker arm 2828 can be positioned at an angle relative to push plate 2826 and can be coupled to mounting structure 2846, which is attached to lid 2848 of housing 2820. Spring 2834 can contact push plate 2826 and mounting structure 2846 and be positioned therebetween, such that the force exerted by spring 2834 can press against push plate 2826 to change the angle between push plate 2826 and rocker arm 2828, thereby opening lid 2848. Protrusions 2850 and 2852 extending from mounting structure 2846 and push plate 2826, respectively, can hold spring 2834 in place.

[0302] F. Plug-in battery pack

[0303] As discussed herein, the housing can include more than one battery pack for storing energy that can be subsequently released to operate the housing. For example, the housing can have two battery packs that are coupled together to provide twice the energy storage than a single battery pack. In such a housing, the two battery packs can be arranged to minimize the space occupied, so that the housing can have a smaller size and / or more space can be utilized by other internal components. For example, the two battery packs can be positioned side by side and separated by a housing substrate (such as a PCB) to minimize space.

[0304] Figures 29A to 29C 2900 , which can be strategically positioned within the battery pack 2902a to minimize the footprint of the battery packs 2902a-b.

[0305] As an example, Figure 29B As shown, a housing substrate 2908 with a plurality of electronic devices 2910 mounted thereon can be positioned between the first and second battery packs 2902a-b within the gap 2906. To provide power for operating the housing, connecting cables 2904 can couple the battery packs 2902a-b to the housing substrate 2908. By sandwiching the housing substrate 2908 between the two battery packs, the overall footprint of the module can be small enough to fit within a small area of the housing. Figure 29CIn the example shown, the battery packs 2902a-b can be tucked into the space between the bowls 2912a-b of the housing's internal frame 2914. In this way, the battery packs 2902a-b can provide ample power storage while taking up minimal space within the housing.

[0306] G. Housing as a one-handed applicator

[0307] Figure 30 Depicted is a simplified plan view of a housing 3000 for a pair of wireless listening devices according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 30 As shown, housing 3000 includes a shell 3005 having one or more cavities 3010a and 3010b configured to receive a pair of wireless listening devices 3015a and 3015b. In some embodiments, cavities 3010a and 3010b can be positioned adjacent to each other on opposite sides of a center plane of housing 3000. The size and shape of each cavity 3010a and 3010b can match the size and shape of its corresponding listening device 3015a and 3015b. Each cavity can include a stem portion 3016a and 3016b and a bud portion 3017a and 3017b. Each stem portion 3016a and 3016b can be an elongated, generally cylindrical cavity extending from its corresponding bud portion 3017a and 3017b toward the bottom 3006 of housing 3000. Each bud portion 3017a and 3017b can be offset from its respective stem portion 3016a and 3016b and open at an upper surface 3008 of the housing 3005. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular shape, configuration, or number of cavities 3010a and 3010b, and in other embodiments, the cavities 3010a and 3010b can have different shapes to accommodate different types of listening devices, and different configurations can be and / or can be a single cavity or more than two cavities.

[0308] The housing 3000 also includes a lid 3020 attached to the outer shell 3005. The lid 3020 can be operated between a closed position, in which the lid 3020 is aligned over one or more cavities 3010a and 3010b, thereby completely enclosing a pair of listening devices 3015a and 3015b within the housing; and an open position, in which the lid is displaced from the housing and cavities 3010a and 3010b, allowing a user to remove a listening device from the cavity or replace a listening device within the cavity. The lid 3020 can be pivotally attached to the outer shell 3005 and can include a magnetic or mechanical system ( Figure 30The housing 3000 can also include a charging system 3025 configured to charge the pair of listening devices 3015a and 3015b. The charging system 3025 can make electrical contact with external contacts of the pair of listening devices 3015a and 3015b to provide power to the listening devices 3015a and 3015b.

[0309] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing 3000 can be configured as a one-handed applicator, which can eject one or both listening devices 3015a and 3015b with one hand, without having to hold the housing with one hand and simultaneously pull the listening devices 3015a and 3015b out of the housing 3000 with the other hand. As an example, the housing 3000 can include an ejection feature 3022 that can be configured to slide upward to eject one or both listening devices 3015a and 3015b. In some embodiments, the ejection feature 3022 can be formed by a frame that includes an engagement portion 3026 located below the listening devices 3015a and 3015b, such that when the ejection feature 3022 slides upward, the engagement portion 3026 can press upward against one or both listening devices 3015a and 3015b to eject one or both simultaneously. The pop-up feature 3022 can also include an activation portion 3028 exposed on a side surface of the housing 3000, allowing a user to visually activate the pop-up feature 3022 using his or her finger. In some embodiments, the activation portion 3028 can include two parts, one on opposite sides of the housing 3000 to allow flexibility in activating the pop-up feature 3022. The housing 3000 can also include tracks (not shown) on the side surfaces of the housing 3000 to allow the activation portion 3028 to move up and down. In some additional and alternative embodiments, the activation portion 3028 can be a button that is pressed or a switch that is flipped rather than a sliding feature to activate the pop-up feature 3022. It should be understood that any suitable type of activation feature is contemplated herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0310] Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents coming within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An earplug, comprising: A deformable ear tip body having an attachment end and an interface end opposite the attachment end, the ear tip body comprising: an inner EarTip body having a sidewall extending between the interface end and the attachment end, the sidewall defining a channel and having a first thickness near the attachment end and a second thickness at the interface end that is different than the first thickness; and an external EarTip body sized and shaped to be inserted into the ear canal and extending from the interface end, the external EarTip body extending toward the attachment end of the EarTip; and an attachment structure formed of a rigid material and coupled to the inner Ear Tip body at the attachment end, the attachment structure including a sidewall extending around a perimeter of the attachment structure and defining an opening, the opening extending through the sidewall fluidically coupling the channel to an external environment, wherein an inner surface of the attachment structure defines two recessed portions disposed on opposing hemispheres of the attachment structure, each recessed portion extending partially through the attachment structure.

2. The earplug according to claim 1, wherein: The opening is a first opening and the sidewall of the attachment structure defines a second opening separate from the first opening.

3. The earplug according to claim 2, wherein: The first opening and the second opening are disposed on opposing hemispheres of the attachment structure.

4. The earplug according to claim 3, wherein: The first opening and the second opening are located along a first axis of the attachment structure, and the two recesses are located along a second axis of the attachment structure that is different from the first axis of the attachment structure.

5. The earplug according to claim 2, wherein: The first opening and the second opening are both oval in shape.

6. The earplug according to claim 1, wherein: The external ear tip body includes a slit for preventing obstruction of the opening when the external ear tip body is pressed against the opening.

7. The ear tip according to claim 1, wherein: The outer ear tip body includes a hole for preventing obstruction of the opening when the outer ear tip body is pressed against the opening.

8. The ear tip according to claim 1, wherein: The outer ear tip body includes a projection within an inner surface of the outer ear tip body to prevent obstruction of the opening when the outer ear tip body is pressed against the opening.

9. An in-ear hearing device comprising: an enclosure comprising an outer structure defining an interior cavity and an acoustic opening allowing sound to escape from the outer structure; as well as a deformable ear tip attached to an outer structure of the housing and guiding sound output through the acoustic opening, the ear tip comprising: An ear tip body having an attachment end and an interface end opposite the attachment end, the ear tip body comprising: an inner EarTip body having a sidewall extending between the interface end and the attachment end, the sidewall defining a channel and having a first thickness near the attachment end and a second thickness at the interface end that is different than the first thickness; and an external EarTip body sized and shaped to be inserted into the ear canal and extending from the interface end, the external EarTip body extending toward the attachment end of the EarTip; and an attachment structure formed of a rigid material and coupled to the inner Ear Tip body at the attachment end, the attachment structure including a sidewall extending around a perimeter of the attachment structure and defining an opening, the opening extending through the sidewall fluidically coupling the channel to an external environment, wherein an inner surface of the attachment structure defines two recessed portions disposed on opposing hemispheres of the attachment structure, each recessed portion extending partially through the attachment structure.

10. The in-ear hearing device according to claim 9, wherein The opening is a first opening and the sidewall of the attachment structure defines a second opening separate from the first opening.

11. The in-ear hearing device according to claim 10, wherein: The first opening and the second opening are disposed on opposing hemispheres of the attachment structure.

12. The in-ear hearing device according to claim 11, wherein The first opening and the second opening are located along a first axis of the attachment structure, and the two recesses are located along a second axis of the attachment structure that is different from the first axis of the attachment structure.

13. The in-ear hearing device according to claim 10, wherein The first opening and the second opening are both oval in shape.

14. A wireless listening device comprising: an enclosure comprising an outer structure defining an interior cavity and an acoustic opening allowing sound to escape from the outer structure; a nozzle attached to the housing around the acoustic opening; an attachment mechanism coupled to and extending through the nozzle and formed of a wire bent in various directions to form a spring capable of being compressed in a lateral direction; as well as an EarTip removably attached to the nozzle via the attachment mechanism, the EarTip comprising: A deformable ear tip body having an attachment end and an interface end opposite the attachment end, the ear tip body comprising: an inner EarTip body having a sidewall extending between the interface end and the attachment end, the sidewall defining a channel and having a first thickness near the attachment end and a second thickness at the interface end that is different than the first thickness; and an external EarTip body sized and shaped to be inserted into the ear canal and extending from the interface end, the external EarTip body extending toward the attachment end of the EarTip; and an attachment structure formed of a rigid material and coupled to the inner Ear Tip body at the attachment end, the attachment structure including a sidewall extending around a perimeter of the attachment structure and defining an opening, the opening extending through the sidewall fluidically coupling the channel to an external environment, wherein an inner surface of the attachment structure defines two recessed portions disposed on opposing hemispheres of the attachment structure, each recessed portion extending partially through the attachment structure.

15. The wireless listening device of claim 14, wherein: The opening is a first opening and the sidewall of the attachment structure defines a second opening separate from the first opening.

16. The wireless listening device of claim 15, wherein: The first opening and the second opening are disposed on opposing hemispheres of the attachment structure.

17. The wireless listening device of claim 16, wherein: The first opening and the second opening are located along a first axis of the attachment structure, and the two recesses are located along a second axis of the attachment structure that is different from the first axis of the attachment structure.

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