Sound-insulation breathable earplug based on acoustic maze

Abstract

The invention discloses a sound-insulation breathable earplug based on an acoustic labyrinth, and relates to the technical field of earplugs, the sound-insulation breathable earplug comprises a skeleton, and one end of the skeleton is internally provided with a through air guide groove; an acoustic maze is arranged in the other end of the framework, an acoustic maze outlet is formed in the side, facing the air guide groove, of the acoustic maze, the acoustic maze outlet is communicated with the air guide groove, and an acoustic maze inlet is formed in the side, deviating from the air guide groove, of the acoustic maze; labyrinth cavities which are nested layer by layer are arranged in the acoustic labyrinth, and the acoustic labyrinth inlet is communicated with the acoustic labyrinth outlet through the labyrinth cavities. According to the invention, the two sides of the earplug are communicated by means of the labyrinth cavity, so that the earplug has good air permeability and is more comfortable to wear; meanwhile, through the synergistic effect of three mechanisms of thermal viscosity sound loss, sound wave reflection and resonance sound absorption, ultra-wide-band sound insulation is achieved, the sound transmission loss is improved, and the sound insulation effect is enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of earplug technology, and more particularly to a sound-insulating and breathable earplug based on an acoustic labyrinth. Background Technology

[0002] In today's society, noise pollution has negative effects on both the physical and mental health of people. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 1.5 billion people worldwide are at risk of hearing loss due to noise exposure, and wearing earplugs is one of the important preventive measures. Addressing noise pollution requires earplugs to possess excellent breathability, high sound transmission loss, and wide-band sound insulation, among other comprehensive properties.

[0003] A patent with publication number CN221431353U discloses a steplessly adjustable noise-isolating earplug. This technology includes an earplug body with a noise-canceling knob threaded to one end and snapped onto the outer wall of the other end. The earplug body has a sound-guiding groove running through its center, with a sound-filtering membrane at the end near the plug. The inner wall of the sound-guiding groove near the noise-canceling knob has threads adapted to the knob. Adjusting the noise-canceling knob controls the blocking or reflection of sound waves, effectively controlling certain frequencies, especially low-to-mid-frequency noise, and increasing the noise isolation bandwidth. However, this earplug is a fully enclosed structure, resulting in poor breathability. Furthermore, the compression of air in the ear canal during insertion can easily cause pressure on the eardrum, reducing user comfort. Therefore, existing earplugs have limitations in balancing breathability and sound isolation bandwidth. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sound-insulating and breathable earplug based on an acoustic labyrinth, thereby solving the aforementioned problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] The present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] The present invention provides a soundproof and breathable earplug based on an acoustic labyrinth, comprising a frame, wherein a through air channel is provided in one end of the frame.

[0007] An acoustic maze is provided at the other end of the skeleton. An acoustic maze outlet is provided on the side of the acoustic maze facing the air guide channel. The acoustic maze outlet is connected to the air guide channel. An acoustic maze entrance is provided on the side of the acoustic maze away from the air guide channel.

[0008] The acoustic maze is equipped with nested maze cavities, and the entrance to the acoustic maze is connected to the exit of the acoustic maze through the maze cavities.

[0009] Preferably, the acoustic maze includes a maze body and end caps;

[0010] The lower surface of the end cap is provided with a first groove, and the upper surface of the end cap is provided with an acoustic maze entrance at the center. The acoustic maze entrance communicates with the first groove, and the maze body is embedded in the first groove.

[0011] The maze cavity and the acoustic maze exit are both located on the main body of the maze.

[0012] Preferably, the upper surface of the maze body is provided with nested annular grooves, and the side walls of the annular grooves are provided with side holes, which connect adjacent annular grooves.

[0013] The acoustic labyrinth exit is located within the outermost annular groove;

[0014] The annular groove, the side hole, and the inner surface of the end cap together form the labyrinth cavity.

[0015] Preferably, a maze entrance is provided at the center of the upper surface of the maze body, the maze entrance is located at the innermost circle of the annular groove, and the acoustic maze entrance is aligned with the maze entrance.

[0016] The maze entrance is connected to the adjacent annular groove via the side hole.

[0017] Preferably, the positions of the side holes on the sidewalls of two adjacent annular grooves are staggered by a certain angle.

[0018] Preferably, the skeleton includes an outer ear end and an inner ear end, the acoustic labyrinth is disposed in the outer ear end, and the air guide groove is disposed in the inner ear end.

[0019] Preferably, a cushioning pad is provided on the outer side of the earpiece.

[0020] Preferably, the outer end of the ear is provided with a second groove and a third groove that are interconnected, the third groove is located below the second groove, and the acoustic labyrinth is embedded in the second groove;

[0021] The acoustic labyrinth exit is connected to the air guide groove through the third groove.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0023] This invention designs an acoustic labyrinth with a maze-like cavity, connecting both sides of the earplug to provide excellent breathability and balance the air pressure on both sides, making it more comfortable to wear. Simultaneously, the labyrinth cavity generates thermoviscous sound loss for low-frequency sound waves, reflects and attenuates mid-frequency sound waves, and resonates and absorbs high-frequency sound waves. Through the synergistic effect of these three mechanisms—thermoviscous sound loss, sound wave reflection, and resonant sound absorption—sound transmission loss is improved, achieving ultra-wideband sound insulation and a relatively flat sound transmission loss curve. Furthermore, this invention also boasts advantages such as a compact structure, lightweight design, and comfortable fit. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sound-insulating and breathable earplug structure based on the acoustic labyrinth of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the sound-insulating and breathable earplug based on the acoustic labyrinth of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the end cap structure in the acoustic labyrinth-based sound-insulating and breathable earplug of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the acoustic labyrinth-based sound-insulating and breathable earplug of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the acoustic labyrinth-based sound-insulating and breathable earplug of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the skeleton structure in the acoustic labyrinth-based sound-insulating and breathable earplug of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the buffer pad structure in the acoustic labyrinth-based sound-insulating and breathable earplug of the present invention.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Skeleton; 1-1. External end of ear; 1-1-1. Second groove; 1-1-2. Third groove; 1-2. In-ear end; 2. Acoustic maze; 2-1. Maze body; 2-1-1. Annular groove; 2-1-2. Side hole; 2-1-3. Maze entrance; 2-2. End cap; 2-2-1. First groove; 3. Buffer pad; 4. Acoustic maze entrance; 5. Acoustic maze exit; 6. Maze cavity; 7. Air guide groove. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment discloses a soundproof and breathable earplug based on an acoustic labyrinth, including a frame 1, with a through air channel 7 provided in one end of the frame 1.

[0035] An acoustic labyrinth 2 is located at the other end of the frame 1. An acoustic labyrinth outlet 5 is located on the side of the acoustic labyrinth 2 facing the air guide groove 7, and the outlet 5 is connected to the air guide groove 7. An acoustic labyrinth entrance 4 is located on the side of the acoustic labyrinth 2 away from the air guide groove 7. The acoustic labyrinth 2 contains nested labyrinth channels 6, and the entrance 4 connects to the outlet 5 through these channels. When the earplugs are inserted, one side of the air guide groove 7 is inserted into the ear, while the entrance 4 faces outwards. External sound entering the labyrinth channel 6 through the entrance 4 is affected by the combined effects of three mechanisms: thermal viscous sound loss, sound wave reflection, and resonant sound absorption. Simultaneously, the labyrinth channel 6 connects the outlet 5 and the air guide groove 7 to the outside, ensuring breathability and balancing internal and external pressure, resulting in greater wearing comfort.

[0036] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the acoustic maze 2 includes a maze body 2-1 and end caps 2-2. The maze body 2-1 and end caps 2-2 are made of lightweight materials with good sound insulation properties, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and carbon fiber reinforced composite materials.

[0037] The lower surface of the end cap 2-2 is provided with a first groove 2-2-1, and the center of the upper surface of the end cap 2-2 is provided with an acoustic maze entrance 4. The acoustic maze entrance 4 is connected to the first groove 2-2-1, and the maze body 2-1 is embedded in the first groove 2-2-1. The maze cavity 6 and the acoustic maze exit 5 are both provided on the maze body 2-1.

[0038] The upper surface of the maze body 2-1 is provided with nested annular grooves 2-1-1, wherein the sidewalls of the annular grooves 2-1-1 can achieve higher sound transmission loss. Side holes 2-1-2 are provided on the sidewalls of the annular grooves 2-1-1, connecting adjacent annular grooves 2-1-1; and the acoustic maze outlet 5 is located in the outermost annular groove 2-1-1. After the maze body 2-1 is embedded in the first groove 2-2-1, the two are sealed together using adhesive. The annular grooves 2-1-1, side holes 2-1-2, and the inner surfaces of the end cap 2-2 enclose a maze cavity 6. In this embodiment, a maze entrance 2-1-3 is provided at the center of the upper surface of the maze body 2-1. The maze entrance 2-1-3 is located at the center of the innermost ring of the annular grooves 2-1-1, and the maze entrance 2-1-3 communicates with the adjacent annular grooves 2-1-1 via the side holes 2-1-2.

[0039] The acoustic labyrinth entrance 4 is aligned with the labyrinth entrance 2-1-3 and their geometric dimensions are matched, so that the acoustic signal can pass through the acoustic labyrinth entrance 4 and the labyrinth entrance 2-1-3 into the annular groove 2-1-1 with as little leakage as possible.

[0040] In this embodiment, the design of the labyrinthine channel 6 is such that for low-frequency sound waves (50-320Hz), the thermal viscous sound loss is dominant. Specifically, the Helmholtz resonance frequency is shifted to a higher frequency through the compact annular groove 2-1-1 channel size, thereby improving the thermal viscous sound loss at low frequencies. For mid-frequency sound waves (320-2300Hz), sound wave reflection is dominant. For high-frequency sound waves (2300-6000Hz), resonant sound absorption is dominant.

[0041] In this embodiment, the side holes 2-1-2 on the sidewalls of two adjacent annular grooves 2-1-1 are staggered by 180 degrees. This design forces the sound waves to propagate along a semi-circular path, thereby maximizing the propagation distance and increasing thermo-viscosity sound loss. In some embodiments, the annular grooves 2-1-1 can be designed as square, spiral, or other shapes; in this embodiment, they are set as concentric annular rings.

[0042] like Figure 6 As shown, the frame 1 includes an external ear end 1-1 and an internal ear end 1-2. An acoustic labyrinth 2 is disposed within the external ear end 1-1, and an air duct 7 is disposed within the internal ear end 1-2. The frame 1 can be made of materials that balance high mechanical strength and lightweight, such as polylactic acid, PETG, or ABS.

[0043] In this embodiment, a second groove 1-1-1 and a third groove 1-1-2 that are interconnected are provided in the outer end 1-1 of the ear. The third groove 1-1-2 is located below the second groove 1-1-1. The acoustic maze 2 is embedded in the second groove 1-1-1 and sealed together. The outlet 5 of the acoustic maze is connected to the air guide groove 7 through the third groove 1-1-2.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the outer side of the earpiece 1-2 is fitted with a cushioning pad 3 made of polyurethane foam, which makes wearing it more comfortable.

[0045] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sound-insulating and breathable earplug based on an acoustic labyrinth, characterized in that: Includes a frame (1), and a through air guide groove (7) is provided in one end of the frame (1). An acoustic maze (2) is provided at the other end of the skeleton (1). An acoustic maze outlet (5) is provided on the side of the acoustic maze (2) facing the air guide groove (7). The acoustic maze outlet (5) is connected to the air guide groove (7). An acoustic maze entrance (4) is provided on the side of the acoustic maze (2) away from the air guide groove (7). The acoustic maze (2) is provided with nested maze cavities (6), and the entrance (4) of the acoustic maze is connected to the exit (5) of the acoustic maze through the maze cavities (6).

2. The sound-insulating and breathable earplug based on an acoustic labyrinth according to claim 1, characterized in that: The acoustic maze (2) includes a maze body (2-1) and end caps (2-2). The lower surface of the end cap (2-2) is provided with a first groove (2-2-1), and the upper surface of the end cap (2-2) is provided with an acoustic maze entrance (4) at the center. The acoustic maze entrance (4) communicates with the first groove (2-2-1), and the maze body (2-1) is embedded in the first groove (2-2-1). The maze cavity (6) and the acoustic maze exit (5) are both located on the main body of the maze (2-1).

3. The sound-insulating and breathable earplug based on an acoustic labyrinth according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper surface of the maze body (2-1) is provided with nested annular grooves (2-1-1), and the side walls of the annular grooves (2-1-1) are provided with side holes (2-1-2), which connect adjacent annular grooves (2-1-1). The acoustic maze exit (5) is located in the outermost annular groove (2-1-1); The annular groove (2-1-1), the side hole (2-1-2), and the inner surface of the end cap (2-2) enclose the labyrinth cavity (6).

4. The sound-insulating and breathable earplug based on an acoustic labyrinth according to claim 3, characterized in that: The upper surface of the maze body (2-1) is provided with a maze entrance (2-1-3) at the center. The maze entrance (2-1-3) is located in the innermost circle of the annular groove (2-1-1). The acoustic maze entrance (4) is aligned with the maze entrance (2-1-3). The maze entrance (2-1-3) is connected to the adjacent annular groove (2-1-1) via the side hole (2-1-2).

5. The sound-insulating and breathable earplug based on an acoustic labyrinth according to claim 3, characterized in that: The side holes (2-1-2) on the sidewalls of the two adjacent annular grooves (2-1-1) are staggered by a certain angle.

6. The sound-insulating and breathable earplug based on an acoustic labyrinth according to claim 1, characterized in that: The skeleton (1) includes an external ear end (1-1) and an in-ear end (1-2), the acoustic maze (2) is disposed in the external ear end (1-1), and the air guide groove (7) is disposed in the in-ear end (1-2).

7. The sound-insulating and breathable earplug based on an acoustic labyrinth according to claim 6, characterized in that: A cushioning pad (3) is fitted on the outside of the ear inlet (1-2).

8. The sound-insulating and breathable earplug based on an acoustic labyrinth according to claim 6, characterized in that: The outer end of the ear (1-1) is provided with a second groove (1-1-1) and a third groove (1-1-2) that are interconnected. The third groove (1-1-2) is located below the second groove (1-1-1). The acoustic maze (2) is embedded in the second groove (1-1-1). The acoustic labyrinth outlet (5) is connected to the air guide groove (7) through the third groove (1-1-2).

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