Earplug sleeve and wearable device comprising earplug sleeve

By embedding conductive elements and conductive pads in the earbud cover, combined with capacitive sensors and thermistors, the problems of signal damage and noise interference in existing earbud covers are solved, achieving high signal-to-noise ratio bio-information monitoring and improving data accuracy.

CN121845528APending Publication Date: 2026-04-14ADVANCED SEMICON ENG INC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2020-07-31
Publication Date
2026-04-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing ear tips are susceptible to damage from friction and light sensing methods when collecting bio-related information, resulting in incorrect electrical signals or noise interference, making it difficult to achieve high signal-to-noise ratio electrical signal collection.

Method used

Design an earbud cover comprising embedded conductive elements and conductive pads. The conductive elements are arranged at different distances to provide positive and negative potential reference values. Combined with a capacitive sensor and a thermistor, bio-related information is collected through electrosensing methods. Noise interference is reduced through precise docking between the shell and the earbud cover.

Benefits of technology

It improves the signal-to-noise ratio of electrical signals, enhances the accuracy and reliability of data, solves the problems of signal damage and noise interference in existing technologies, and realizes efficient bioinformatics monitoring.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention provides an earplug sleeve and wearable equipment comprising the earplug sleeve. The earplug sleeve includes a body, a first conductive element at least partially embedded in the body, a second conductive element at least partially embedded in the body and spaced apart from the first conductive element. The body includes a central portion having a top portion and a tail portion extending from the top portion of the central portion. The first conductive element is proximate to the top of the central portion and the second conductive element is remote from the top of the central portion.
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Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on July 31, 2020, with application number 202010758771.2 and invention title "Earplug Cover and Wearable Device Containing Earplug Cover". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to an ear tip, and more specifically to an ear tip in which a conductive element is embedded. Background Technology

[0003] Monitoring biological information helps determine the physiological characteristics of various individuals. Integrating monitoring devices (such as sensors) with wearable devices (such as headphones) allows for the continuous and non-invasive collection of relevant information, and is therefore becoming increasingly popular. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one or more embodiments, this disclosure provides an earplug cover. The earplug cover includes a body, a first conductive element, and a second conductive element, the first conductive element being at least partially embedded in the body, and the second conductive element being at least partially embedded in the body and spaced apart from the first conductive element. The body includes a central portion and a tail portion, the central portion having a top, and the tail portion extending from the top of the central portion. The first conductive element is adjacent to the top of the central portion, and the second conductive element is distant from the top of the central portion.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, this disclosure provides an earbud cover. The earbud cover includes a body and a proximity sensor, the proximity sensor being at least partially embedded in the body. The body includes a central portion and a tail portion, the central portion having a top, and the tail portion extending from the top of the central portion.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, this disclosure provides a wearable device. The wearable device includes an earbud. The earbud includes a body, a first conductive pad, and a second conductive pad. The body includes a central portion having a top and a bottom opposite the top. The first conductive pad is surrounded by the central portion of the body, and the second conductive pad is surrounded by the central portion of the body and spaced apart from the first conductive pad. The wearable device includes a housing configured to fit within the bottom of the central portion. The housing includes a third conductive pad and a fourth conductive pad, the third conductive pad being arranged corresponding to the first conductive pad, and the fourth conductive pad being arranged corresponding to the second conductive pad. The first conductive pad is adjacent to the bottom of the central portion, and the second conductive pad is distal from the bottom of the central portion. Attached Figure Description

[0007] When with attachment Figure 1 When reading the following detailed description, various aspects of this disclosure can be readily understood. It should be noted that the various features may not necessarily be drawn to scale. For clarity of discussion, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or decreased.

[0008] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a wearable device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 2A A top view of an earplug sleeve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 2B A top view of an earplug sleeve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 2C A top view of an earplug sleeve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 2D A top view of an earplug cover in use according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of an earplug sleeve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of an earplug sleeve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 3C A cross-sectional view of an earplug sleeve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of a wearable device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 4B A top view of an earplug sleeve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of a wearable device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 5B A top view of an earplug sleeve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 6A Wearable devices in use according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0021] Figure 6B Wearable devices in use according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0022] Figure 6C Wearable devices in use according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0023] Figure 7 Block diagrams of electronic devices or apparatuses coupled to wearable devices according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0024] Figure 8 One or more operations of a process flow for processing signals received from a wearable device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0025] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed description, common reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar elements. This disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or instances for implementing various features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In this disclosure, references to forming a first feature on or over a second feature may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which an additional feature may be formed between the first and second features such that the first and second features are not in direct contact. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in various instances of this disclosure. Such repetition is for simplicity and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0027] Embodiments of this disclosure are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that this disclosure provides many applicable concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0028] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a wearable device (such as headphones) 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The wearable device 1 includes an earbud cover 2 and a housing 3. The housing 3 can be installed or housed within the earbud cover 2. In some embodiments, the housing 3 may be located inside the earbud cover 2.

[0029] The application or use of the earplug 2 shown in the figures is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. For example, the earplug 2 of this disclosure can be used in combination with any wearable device. For example, in some embodiments, the earplug 2 of this disclosure can be used in combination with a device for transmitting audio signals. In some embodiments, the earplug 2 of this disclosure can be used in combination with a detection device, an electronic device (such as a signal processing device), and / or other corresponding external devices for further processing the electrical signals collected through the earplug 2. In some embodiments, the earplug 2 of this disclosure can be used as an earplug, such as a sleep earplug.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the earbud cover 2 includes a main body 21, conductive elements 22a and 22b, conductive wire 22w, and conductive pads 23 and 24.

[0031] In some embodiments, viewed from a side view, the main body 21 of the earbud cover 2 includes a central portion 21a and a tail 21b (or two arms) extending from the central portion 21a. In some embodiments, viewed from a top view (e.g.) Figure 2A As seen in the top view, the main body 21 may include, for example, a basically disk-shaped form, a toroidal (circular) form, and / or an elliptical form.

[0032] The central portion 21a of the main body 21 has a top 21t and a bottom 21m opposite to the top 21t. When the wearable device 1 is worn by a user, the top 21t of the earplug 2 is located deeper in the ear canal than the bottom 21m. In some embodiments, when the wearable device 1 is worn by a user, the top 21t is closer to the user's blood vessels (such as the internal carotid artery or internal jugular vein) than the bottom 21m. The bottom 21m may be adapted or shaped into a housing 3 for receiving the wearable device 1.

[0033] In some embodiments, the body 21 may comprise, for example, rubber, silicone, sponge, or other suitable materials, such as elastic, soft, or flexible materials. The body 21 may be soft and flexible enough to allow the user to wear it for extended periods without discomfort.

[0034] Conductive elements 22a and 22b are arranged in the tail portion 21b of the main body 21, while conductive pads 23 and 24 are arranged in the central portion 21a of the main body 21. Conductive elements 22a and 22b are electrically connected to the corresponding conductive pads 23 and 24 for signal transmission.

[0035] Conductive elements 22a and 22b are disposed within a space defined by the body 21. For example, conductive elements 22a and 22b are surrounded, embedded, or covered by the body 21. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, conductive elements 22a and 22b are fully embedded in the body 21.

[0036] In some embodiments, conductive elements 22a and 22b may be used to collect one or more pieces of information associated with the user of the headphones. In some embodiments, conductive elements 22a and 22b may be used to collect one or more of the following: pulse travel time (PTT), electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), electromyogram (EMG), electrooculogram (EOG), galvanic skin response (GSR), sweat composition, pH, or other bio-related information associated with the user of the headphones. For example, an ECG may be generated from the user using the electrical signals collected by conductive elements 22a and 22b.

[0037] The housing 3 may include, for example, conductive pads 31 and 32 and electronic devices (not shown). In some embodiments, conductive pad 31 may be positioned corresponding to conductive pad 23, and conductive pad 32 may be positioned corresponding to conductive pad 24. For example, when the housing 3 is housed in the earbud cover 2, conductive pads 23 and 31 may be in contact with each other. Electrical signals collected via conductive elements 22a and 22b can be transmitted to electronic devices in the housing 3 via conductive wire 22w, conductive pads 23 and 24, and conductive pads 31 and 32. The electrical signals can then be transmitted to external devices or equipment (such as an ECG machine) for further processing.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the distance between the top 21t and the conductive element 22a is different from the distance between the top 21t and the conductive element 22b. For example, conductive elements 22a and 22b are arranged at different distances measured from the top 21t. For example, conductive elements 22a and 22b are arranged at different levels relative to the top 21t. For example, conductive element 22a is closer to or closer to the top 21t than conductive element 22b. For example, conductive element 22b is farther from or further away from the top 21t than conductive element 22a.

[0039] Similarly, the distance between the top 21t and the conductive pad 23 is different from the distance between the top 21t and the conductive pad 24. For example, compared to the conductive pad 23, the conductive pad 24 is closer to or closer to the top 21t (or farther from or further away from the bottom 21m). For example, compared to the conductive pad 23, the conductive pad 24 is farther from or further away from the top 21t (or closer to or closer to the bottom 21m).

[0040] When the wearable device 1 is worn, by arranging conductive elements 22a and 22b at different distances measured from the top 21t, conductive element 22a can be closer to the user's blood vessels (such as the internal carotid artery or internal jugular vein). Therefore, the electrical signal received via conductive element 22a can be different from the electrical signal received via conductive element 22b. The electrical signals received via conductive element 22a and conductive element 22b can be used as positive and negative potential reference values, respectively, or vice versa.

[0041] A large potential difference (or variation, gap) between a positive potential reference value and a negative potential reference value can help remove irrelevant noise that may be present in the electrical signal. Therefore, since conductive elements 22a and 22b are arranged at different distances from the top 21t according to this disclosure, a good signal-to-noise ratio can be obtained, and the electrical signal collected by the conductive elements of the earpiece 2 can be enhanced.

[0042] In some existing methods, the earpiece is coated with a continuous conductive coating, which may be damaged or deformed due to constant friction, potentially leading to incorrect collected electrical signals. In contrast, according to this disclosure, conductive elements 22a and 22b are protected by a body 21; thus, the problems of existing methods are solved.

[0043] Furthermore, unlike the electrosensing method according to this disclosure, some existing methods can collect bio-related information using photosensitive elements. However, light can be a variable that affects the collected data and leads to measurement errors. For example, if insufficient light is reflected in the user's ear canal, the collected data may be inadequate or inaccurate. Collecting data using an electrosensing method can solve the problems of existing methods.

[0044] refer to Figure 2A , Figure 2A A top view of an earplug sleeve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, Figure 1 Ear tips 2 can be Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the earbud cover taken along line AA'.

[0045] like Figure 2A As shown, conductive element 22a is positioned closer to the top 21t, and conductive element 22b is positioned closer to the bottom 21m.

[0046] In some embodiments, from a top view, conductive elements 22a and 22b partially overlap. For example, conductive elements 22a and 22b partially overlap in the direction from the central portion 21a to the tail portion 21b. For example, conductive elements 22a and 22b partially overlap in the direction from the top 21t to the bottom 21m. For example, conductive elements 22a and 22b partially overlap in the radial direction of the central portion 21a.

[0047] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2A As shown, conductive elements 22b and 22b1 are spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, conductive elements 22b and 22b1 partially overlap in the direction surrounding the central portion 21a. For example, conductive elements 22b and 22b1 partially overlap in the tangential direction of the central portion 21a. For example, the circumference of a virtual circle centered at O ​​and having a radius equal to R may intersect or pass through conductive elements 22b and 22b1.

[0048] In some embodiments, the central angle defined by two adjacent conductive elements (such as conductive element 22b and conductive element 22b1) may be less than 180 degrees, less than 120 degrees, less than 90 degrees, less than 60 degrees, less than 30 degrees or smaller.

[0049] In some embodiments, conductive elements 22a and 22b may include electrodes. In some embodiments, ECG signals can be measured based on electrical signals received from the electrodes in the earbud cover 2. A greater number of electrodes in the earbud cover 2 (and therefore, the ability to collect, process, and compute more data) can help correct the collected signals, remove noise, and improve the accuracy of the resulting data. For example, the potential difference between conductive elements 22a, 22b, and 22b1 can help remove irrelevant noise and enhance the collected electrical signals.

[0050] The positions and numbers of the conductive elements in the earbud cover 2 shown in the figure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. For example, the earbud cover 2 may contain any number of conductive elements as required by design. For example, the conductive elements in the earbud cover 2 may be arranged in any position as required by design.

[0051] refer to Figure 2B , Figure 2B A top view of an earplug sleeve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2B The ear tips are similar to Figure 2A Ear tips 2, and the differences between the two are described below.

[0052] Figure 2BThe earbud tip further includes a thermistor 22c disposed within the body 21. In some embodiments, when worn by a user, the thermistor 22c can be in contact with the human body for a sufficient duration to reach thermal equilibrium, and the user's temperature can be obtained using the thermistor 22c through voltage and / or resistance measurements. As described above, since the user's temperature is obtained through an electronic sensing method, the measured temperature is more accurate than that obtained through a photosensitive element such as an infrared ear thermometer.

[0053] refer to Figure 2C , Figure 2C A top view of an earplug sleeve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2C The ear tips are similar to Figure 2A Ear tips 2, and the differences between the two are described below.

[0054] Figure 2C The earbud cover further includes a capacitive sensor 22d disposed within the body 21. In some embodiments, the capacitive sensor 22d includes a voltage and / or capacitance sensing area. In some embodiments, the capacitive sensor 22d includes a proximity sensor. In some embodiments, the capacitive sensor 22d can detect nearby objects via an electric field generated by the capacitive sensor 22d. In some embodiments, electrical signals received via the capacitive sensor 22d can trigger the sensing of other bio-related information. For example, conductive elements 22a and 22b can use the electrical signals received via the capacitive sensor 22d as a triggering mechanism. Similarly, Figure 2B The thermistor 22c can use the electrical signal received via the capacitive sensor 22d as a trigger mechanism. For example, a controller associated with the capacitive sensor 22d can be configured to turn the conductive element on or off based on the electrical signal received via the capacitive sensor 22d. For example, the controller associated with the capacitive sensor 22d can be configured to turn on the conductive element, and the conductive element begins collecting information. By using the capacitive sensor 22d as a switch, the data collection function can be activated only when the earbud is worn, thereby saving energy.

[0055] refer to Figure 2D , Figure 2D A top view of an earplug cover in use according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2D The ear tips are similar to Figure 2A Ear tips 2, and the differences between the two are described below.

[0056] The earpiece is positioned very close to blood vessels 11 (such as the internal carotid artery or internal jugular vein), providing an anatomical orientation with a potential different from other areas of the body. Furthermore, a larger potential difference results in a better signal-to-noise ratio. Some electrodes in the body 21 are very close to other electrodes, which helps to establish a larger potential difference, thus enhancing the electrical signal and improving accuracy.

[0057] In some embodiments, conductive elements 22a and 22b (or electrodes), thermistors 22c and / or capacitive sensors 22d may be embedded in the body 21 as required by design specifications.

[0058] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C A cross-sectional view of an earplug sleeve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0059] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C The ear tips are similar to Figure 1 Earplugs 2, and descriptions of similar or identical components are omitted below.

[0060] exist Figure 3A In this configuration, the conductive element 22e is fully embedded within the body 21. The conductive pad 23 is partially exposed from the inner surface 21s3 of the central portion 21a. Figure 3B In the middle, the conductive element 22e is partially exposed from the outer surface 21s1 of the tail 21b. Figure 3C In the middle, the conductive element 22e is partially exposed from the inner surface 21s2 of the tail 21b.

[0061] In some embodiments, the conductive element 22e may be conductive elements 22a and 22b (or electrodes), a thermistor 22c, or a capacitive sensor 22d. In some embodiments, the arrangement, relative width, or thickness of the conductive elements may be designed according to design requirements.

[0062] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of a wearable device 4 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4B A top view of wearable device 4 is shown in Figure 4. Wearable device 4 in Figure 4 is similar to... Figure 1 The wearable device 1, and the differences between the two are described below.

[0063] The earbud cover 2 of the wearable device 4 includes a protrusion 41 shaped to correspond to a recess defined in the housing 3. When the housing 3 is mounted in the earbud cover 2, the protrusion 41 can function as a position-limiting element. In some embodiments, the protrusion 41 can help to quickly and accurately position the conductive pad 23 to contact the conductive pad 31. In some embodiments, the protrusion 41 can prevent vertical displacement or offset that could lead to erroneous contact between the conductive pad 23 and the conductive pad 31. In some embodiments, the protrusion 41 can prevent horizontal displacement or offset (or circumferential rotation) that could lead to erroneous contact between the conductive pad 23 and the conductive pad 31. In some embodiments, the protrusion 41 can engage with the recess defined in the housing 3. In some embodiments, the protrusion 41 may be non-rotatable within the recess defined in the housing 3.

[0064] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The location and number of protrusions 41 shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. For example, any number of protrusions 41 may exist according to design requirements. For example, protrusions 41 may be arranged in any location according to design requirements. For example, the central angle defined by two adjacent protrusions may be less than 180 degrees, less than 120 degrees, less than 90 degrees, less than 60 degrees, less than 30 degrees, or less.

[0065] Similarly, the location and number of recesses defined in the housing 3 are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. In some embodiments, the protrusions 41 may have different shapes or sizes to prevent errors from occurring.

[0066] In some embodiments, when the housing 3 is installed in the earplug sleeve 2, the buckle portion 3t and / or the bottom 21m of the housing 3 can be used (alone or in combination with the protrusion 41) as a position limiting element.

[0067] refer to Figure 5A , Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of a wearable device 5 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5A Wearable devices 5 are similar to Figure 1 The wearable device 1, and the differences between them are described below.

[0068] The housing 3 of the wearable device 5 includes a conductive pad 51—surrounding or surrounding a portion of the housing 3—for fitting into the earbud cover 2 of the wearable device 5. The annular conductive pad 51 can be aligned with the conductive pad 23 of the earbud cover 2 in one dimension (such as height) without worrying about data loss if the earbud cover 2 rotates.

[0069] refer to Figure 5B , Figure 5B A top view of an earplug 5' according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5B The 5' ear tips are similar to Figure 2A Ear tips 2, and the differences between the two are described below.

[0070] The earbud cover 5' includes a plurality of conductive pads 52 separated from each other. The plurality of conductive pads 52 are arranged to surround or encircle a portion of the housing 3 for suitability for installation in the earbud cover 5'. For example, two conductive pads of the conductive pads 52 at least partially overlap in a direction surrounding the earbud cover 5' (such as in a direction surrounding the central portion of the body of the earbud cover 5').

[0071] Despite Figure 4, Figure 5A and Figure 5B The wearable device shown has a specific corresponding configuration between the ear tips and the housing, but the ear tips according to this disclosure can be designed to fit any other type of housing and are not limited to the structure disclosed herein.

[0072] Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C Wearable devices (such as wearable device 1) in use are shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0073] refer to Figure 6A The left and right sides of the wearable device 1 are connected by wires or cables 6. The electrical signals received from the left and right ears can be used to generate ECG.

[0074] refer to Figure 6B The ECG patch 61 can be used in combination with the wearable device 1. The ECG patch 61 can be attached to the user's chest. The ECG patch 61 and the wearable device 1 can be anatomically positioned with sufficiently different potentials to allow for a good signal-to-noise ratio.

[0075] refer to Figure 6C The ECG patch 62 can be used in conjunction with the wearable device 1. For example, the user's left and / or right hand can be in an anatomical orientation for use with the wearable device 1.

[0076] Figure 7 Block diagrams are shown of devices or apparatuses (such as ECG machines) coupled to headphones (such as wearable device 1) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Reference is made below. Figure 8 Described Figure 7 The system diagram shown in the figure represents one or more operations in the process flow.

[0077] Electrical signals can be collected or received via conductive elements (such as conductive elements 22a and 22b (or electrodes), thermistor 22c, capacitive sensor 22d) on the left and right ear tips and conductive elements not located on the ear tips (such as ECG patch 61 and ECG patch 62) or combinations thereof.

[0078] Each conductive element in the conductive elements is coupled to an input buffer. The input buffer may contain a high-impedance amplifier. The input buffer may be configured such that the high impedance of the conductive elements matches the relatively low impedance of the wires. In some embodiments, the input buffer is configured to perform noise cancellation on signals received from conductive elements 22a, 22b, or other conductive elements.

[0079] The electrical signal output from the input buffer is transmitted to an amplifier. In some embodiments, the amplifier may be a single-ended amplifier or a differential amplifier. The amplifier may be configured to amplify differences between electrical signals (such as different potentials) and remove irrelevant noise, thereby enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the electrical signal. The electrical signal can then be coupled to an ECG machine to measure and derive ECG information. In some embodiments, the number of input buffers and amplifiers is determined based on the number of conductive elements (or electrodes) on the earbud cover and the number of conductive elements not located on the earbud cover (such as ECG patches 61 and 62).

[0080] In this document, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “left,” and “right” may be used for ease of description to describe the relationship between one element or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings and one or more other elements or features. In addition to the orientations depicted in the accompanying drawings, the spatial relative terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device during use or operation. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly connected to or coupled to the other element, or there may be an intermediate element present.

[0081] As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “substantially,” “essentially,” and “about” are used to describe and explain small variations. When used in conjunction with an event or situation, the terms may refer to instances where the event or situation occurs precisely or instances where the event or situation is close to occurring. As used herein with respect to a given value or range, the term “about” generally means within ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, or ±0.5% of the given value or range. A range may be expressed herein as a distance from one endpoint to another or between two endpoints. All ranges disclosed herein include endpoints unless otherwise specified. The term “substantially coplanar” may mean that the positional difference between two surfaces located along the same plane is within a few micrometers (μm), such as within 10 μm, 5 μm, 1 μm, or 0.5 μm. When a numerical value or characteristic is referred to as “substantially” the same, the term may refer to a value within ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, or ±0.5% of the average of said values.

[0082] The foregoing has summarized the features of several embodiments and detailed aspects of this disclosure. The embodiments described in this disclosure can readily serve as the basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to achieve the same or similar purposes and / or realize the same or similar advantages of the embodiments described herein. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An earphone, comprising: A body comprising a central portion and a tail, the central portion having a top, and the tail extending from the top of the central portion; A first conductive element, which is at least partially embedded in the body; as well as A second conductive element, which is at least partially embedded in the body and spaced apart from the first conductive element, The first conductive element is located near the top of the central portion, and the second conductive element is located away from the top of the central portion.