A pushable knob add-on device for visually impaired people suitable for knobless earphones

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of pressable knob mounting devices suitable for non-rotary knob earphone for visually impaired, it is related to earphone accessory field, including shell, main control assembly is arranged in the shell, microswitch, potentiometer, central processing unit and wireless communication module are arranged on the main control assembly, the wireless communication module is used to be wirelessly connected with earphone, the shell is also provided with pressable knob and several keys, the knob is correspondingly configured with mechanical feedback mechanism;The utility model is fixedly connected by knob and potentiometer, cooperate with the cam and sound-emitting sheet of mechanical feedback mechanism, when knob rotates, it can trigger "click" mechanical reminding sound, the corresponding connection of key and microswitch forms clear pressing feedback, so that visually impaired person can accurately perceive operation effectiveness by hearing and touch, improve operation confirmation rate, solve the problem of misoperation caused by no clear feedback of existing touch control earphone.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of headphone accessories, specifically a device for adding a pressable knob to headphones without knobs for visually impaired people. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread adoption of wireless earbuds (especially TWS earbuds), their lightweight, knob-less design has become mainstream. These earbuds typically rely on touch or voice control for operation. However, this design presents significant challenges for visually impaired users: touch controls lack physical feedback, making it difficult for them to judge the position and pressure of the operation through touch, easily leading to accidental touches (such as accidentally pausing playback when adjusting the volume); while voice control does not require visual input, its recognition stability drops significantly in noisy environments, and its availability cannot be guaranteed at all times due to factors such as network signal strength and accent differences.

[0003] Existing headphone assistive devices for visually impaired individuals are mostly general-purpose controllers that are not optimized for the operation logic of knobless headphones. They lack both dedicated wireless connection solutions for headphones and real-time feedback mechanisms during operation. When using these devices, visually impaired individuals not only need to learn complex operating logic but also find it difficult to confirm whether the operation is effective through touch or hearing. This results in low operating efficiency, a high rate of misoperation, and fails to meet the needs of convenient daily use. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a buttonable knob attachment device suitable for visually impaired people using knobless headphones, in order to solve the problems of existing wireless headphones lacking visually impaired adaptation, lack of touch feedback, easy voice failure, insufficient connection and feedback of auxiliary devices, resulting in high error rate and inconvenience of use.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a knob-mounting device suitable for visually impaired people using knobless headphones, comprising a housing, a main control component disposed within the housing, a micro switch, a potentiometer, a central processing unit and a wireless communication module disposed on the main control component, the wireless communication module being used for wireless connection with the headphones;

[0006] The housing is also provided with a pressable knob and several buttons. The knob is equipped with a mechanical feedback mechanism, which is used to provide feedback on the rotation operation of the knob. The housing is also provided with a power supply module, which is electrically connected to the main control component, micro switch, potentiometer and wireless communication module to provide power.

[0007] The knob is fixedly connected to the rotation axis of the potentiometer, and the plurality of buttons are respectively connected to the corresponding microswitches.

[0008] Preferably, the housing includes an upper shell and a lower shell, and the upper shell and the lower shell are provided with stepped grooves on their adjacent sides. One of the stepped grooves has a groove on its side wall, and the other stepped groove has a protrusion that matches the groove on its side wall. The protrusion is fitted into the groove to achieve a sealing and fastening between the upper shell and the lower shell.

[0009] Preferably, the power supply module includes a lithium battery and two conductive posts. The lithium battery is disposed inside the housing and electrically connected to the main control component. Both conductive posts are electrically connected to the power supply module, and the ends of both conductive posts slide through the inner wall of the lower housing and extend to the outer side of the housing. The conductive posts are used to charge the lithium battery.

[0010] Preferably, the main control component is also equipped with a buzzer, which is electrically connected to the central processing unit. The buzzer is used to issue a reminder signal when the power supply module's power is lower than a preset value.

[0011] Preferably, the mechanical feedback mechanism includes a cam and a sound-emitting spring. The cam is fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft of the potentiometer, and the sound-emitting spring is fixedly mounted inside the housing and in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cam. When the knob drives the rotating shaft of the potentiometer to rotate, the cam rotates synchronously with the rotating shaft and squeezes the sound-emitting spring to deform. When the sound-emitting spring returns to its original shape, it emits a mechanical reminder sound.

[0012] Preferably, the upper shell of the housing is provided with a plurality of connecting ears, which are integrally formed with the upper shell.

[0013] Preferably, there is one connecting ear, and the connecting ear has a through hole for threading a necklace cord through it. The connecting ear allows the device to be worn as a necklace through the necklace cord.

[0014] Preferably, there are four connecting ears, which are symmetrically distributed in pairs on the edge of the upper shell. Each connecting ear has a mounting hole for connecting a watch strap. The connecting ears allow the device to be worn as a bracelet through the watch strap.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] 1. This utility model uses a fixed connection between a knob and a potentiometer, along with a cam and a sound-emitting spring in the mechanical feedback mechanism. When the knob is rotated, it can trigger a "click" mechanical reminder sound. At the same time, the corresponding connection between the button and the micro switch forms a clear pressing feedback, allowing visually impaired people to accurately perceive the effectiveness of the operation through hearing and touch, improving the operation confirmation rate, and solving the problem of misoperation caused by the lack of clear feedback in existing touch-screen headphones.

[0017] 2. This utility model can establish a stable connection directly with the headphones through the wireless communication module of the main control component. Combined with the central processing unit interpreting the knob rotation steps and button trigger commands, it can achieve functions such as volume adjustment, track switching, and call answering even in noisy environments without relying on voice recognition and network environment.

[0018] 3. This utility model achieves the switching between two forms—a necklace (for everyday portability) and a bracelet (for stable movement)—through the design of the number of connecting ears. With IP54 protection and anti-slip treatment, it can be used reliably in scenarios such as home, office, and sports, thus improving the coverage of applicable scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 A first-view perspective three-dimensional structural diagram of a necklace shape provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 A second-view perspective three-dimensional structural diagram of a necklace shape provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 A third-view perspective three-dimensional structural diagram of a necklace shape provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a bracelet provided for an embodiment of this utility model.

[0024] In the picture:

[0025] 1. Housing; 101. Upper housing; 102. Lower housing; 2. Knob; 3. Button; 4. Potentiometer; 5. Mechanical feedback mechanism; 501. Cam; 502. Sound-generating spring; 6. Main control component; 7. Lithium battery; 8. Power supply module; 9. Connecting ear; 10. Conductive post. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] As attached Figure 1 To be continued Figure 4 As shown:

[0028] Example 1: This utility model provides a knob-attaching device suitable for visually impaired individuals using knobless headphones. The device includes a housing 1, within which a main control component 6 is housed. The main control component 6 includes a micro switch, a potentiometer 4, a central processing unit, and a wireless communication module. The wireless communication module is used for wireless connection with the headphones. The housing 1 also includes a button 2 and several buttons 3. Each button 2 is equipped with a corresponding mechanical feedback mechanism 5, which provides feedback on the rotation of the button 2. A power supply module 8 is also housed within the housing 1. The power supply module 8 is electrically connected to the main control component 6, the micro switch, the potentiometer 4, and the wireless communication module to provide power. The rotation axis of the button 2 is fixedly connected to the potentiometer 4, and each of the buttons 3 is connected to a corresponding micro switch.

[0029] The housing 1 is injection molded from ABS engineering plastic (2mm wall thickness, 45mm diameter × 15mm thickness, Ra3.2 frosted surface), and includes an upper housing 101 and a lower housing 102. The upper housing 101 is disc-shaped, with a Φ12mm knob hole at the top and four Φ6mm button holes around the circumference (15mm spacing). The inner edge has a 1mm deep × 2mm wide stepped groove (with three Φ1mm hemispherical grooves on the groove wall). The lower housing 102 has an adaptive stepped protrusion (with three Φ1mm hemispherical protrusions), and the protection level is IP54 when fastened. There are two Φ3mm conductive post holes at the bottom. The knob 2 is made of PC material (20mm diameter × 8mm height, 0.5mm deep radial anti-slip texture on the surface). The D-shaped hole at the bottom is interference-fitted with the rotating shaft (Φ5mm) of the potentiometer 4 (fitting amount 0.02mm), allowing for 360° rotation + 2mm pressing stroke. The surface has Braille markings. Button 3 is made of silicone (Shore hardness 50A, 4 x 5mm x 4mm high, Braille markings on the surface), with conductive adhesive on the bottom corresponding to the microswitch (2mm contact spacing, 1.5mm press travel, 50±5g trigger force). Potentiometer 4 is a 3386G-1-103 type (10kΩ, rotational life ≥100,000 cycles, 1 pulse per 30°, built-in 2mm press travel), fixed to the center of the main control component 6 by 3 M2 screws. The mechanical feedback mechanism 5 includes a POM cam 501 (8mm x 3mm thickness, 12 triangular protrusions 0.8mm high) and a 0.1mm thick phosphor bronze sound-emitting spring 502 (15mm x 5mm). The cam 501 is tightly fitted onto the rotating shaft, one end of the spring is welded to the main control component 6, and the other end touches the cam, emitting a "click" sound (60±5dB) + vibration feedback every 30° rotation. The main control component 6 is a 4-layer PCB board (35mm×35mm), containing an STM32L051 central processing unit (operating current ≤50μA), a CC2541 Bluetooth 5.0 module (transmission distance ≥10m, pairing ≤3 seconds), a TS-1185 micro switch, and a 6mm×3mm surface mount buzzer (low battery / pairing reminder). It is fixed to the lower shell support pillar (2mm from the inner wall) by four M1.6 screws. The power supply module 8 contains a 200mAh 3.7V polymer lithium battery 7 (30mm×20mm×3mm, fixed with double-sided tape), a TP4056 charging management chip (overcharge 4.2V±0.05V, over-discharge 2.7V), and two Φ2mm gold-plated conductive pillars 10 (8mm long, 3mm exposed, 5mm spacing for adapter charging base).

[0030] During operation, the operator first presses and holds the knob for 23 seconds. Two short beeps indicate pairing mode has begun. The earphones automatically connect upon pairing (one short beep upon success). Rotating knob 2 adjusts the volume; every 30° rotation triggers five clicks and vibrations from the mechanical feedback mechanism. The central processing unit identifies the pulse count and controls the volume within ±1 level. Pressing button 3 triggers the corresponding microswitch, eliciting one beep for confirmation. The wireless module then sends commands such as "previous track / next track / answer / voice assistant." When the battery level is ≤20%, three beeps every 30 seconds remind the user to charge. Charging is achieved by touching the charging dock with the conductive post 10 (500mA, fully charged in ≤1.5 hours). Through mechanical feedback and wireless control, this system addresses the issues of lack of feedback and accidental operation for visually impaired users operating earphones without knobs, making it suitable for various scenarios.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing 1 includes an upper housing 101 and a lower housing 102. The upper housing 101 and the lower housing 102 are offset on one side, with stepped grooves. One of the stepped grooves has a groove on its side wall, and the other stepped groove has a protrusion that matches the groove on its side wall. The protrusion is fitted into the groove to achieve a sealing and fastening of the upper housing 101 and the lower housing 102.

[0032] The stepped groove and protrusion have a 0.05mm clearance, requiring 5-10N of pressure to engage (a "click" sound confirms proper engagement); Overall waterproof test of the casing 1: no water ingress after immersion in 1m water for 30 minutes; dustproof test: 500g / m³. 3 Dust-free environment 24 hours a day.

[0033] During operation, the staff first aligns the stepped structure of the upper shell 101 and the lower shell 102 and presses them together. When maintenance is required, a pry tool is inserted into the edge gap to separate them. Through the staggered steps and concave-convex interlocking, a convenient sealing and fastening is achieved, protecting the internal components from damage by sweat and dust.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the power supply module 8 includes a lithium battery 7 and two conductive posts 10. The lithium battery 7 is disposed inside the housing 1 and electrically connected to the main control component 6. Both conductive posts 10 are electrically connected to the power supply module 8, and the ends of both conductive posts 10 slide through the inner wall of the lower housing 102 and extend to the outer side of the housing 1. The conductive posts 10 are used to charge the lithium battery 7.

[0035] The lithium battery 7 has an energy density of ≥600Wh / L and a cycle life of ≥500 cycles; the conductive post 10 has a gold plating thickness of 0.5μm, a contact resistance of ≤50mΩ, and a sliding fit clearance of 0.1mm (to prevent loosening).

[0036] During operation, the operator first aligns the conductive post 10 with the charging base contacts; charging begins upon contact (no need to plug or unplug the cable). There is no audible prompt during charging, and the power automatically cuts off when fully charged. This contact-type conductive post design solves the problem of difficult cable insertion and removal for visually impaired individuals, significantly improving charging convenience.

[0037] In one embodiment of this utility model, the main control component 6 is further provided with a buzzer, which is electrically connected to the central processing unit. The buzzer is used to issue a reminder signal when the power supply module 8 is lower than a preset value.

[0038] The buzzer is a passive surface mount type (operating voltage 3.3V, sound pressure level 60±5dB). When the battery is low (≤20%), it emits 3 "beep" sounds with 1 second intervals (cycled every 30 seconds). When pairing is successful, it emits 2 short beeps. When operation is confirmed, it emits 1 short beep.

[0039] During operation, staff first use a buzzer to determine the device's status: two short beeps indicate successful pairing, three consecutive beeps indicate the need for charging, and one short beep indicates successful operation. This auditory feedback helps visually impaired individuals monitor the device's status in real time, eliminating the need for visual observation.

[0040] In one embodiment of this utility model, the mechanical feedback mechanism 5 includes a cam 501 and a sound-emitting spring 502. The cam 501 is fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft of the potentiometer 4, and the sound-emitting spring 502 is fixedly mounted inside the housing 1 and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cam 501. When the knob 2 drives the rotating shaft of the potentiometer 4 to rotate, the cam 501 rotates synchronously with the rotating shaft and squeezes the sound-emitting spring 502 to deform. When the sound-emitting spring 502 returns to its original deformation state, it emits a mechanical reminder sound.

[0041] The cam 501 has a tooth angle of 60°, a spring elastic modulus ≥200GPa, a deformation reset time ≤10ms, and triggers feedback (sound + vibration) once every 30° rotation.

[0042] During operation, the operator first rotates knob 2, causing the cam 501's convex tooth to press against the spring. The adjustment range is perceived through a "click" sound and hand vibration (each sound corresponds to ±1 level of volume), preventing over-adjustment. Through mechanical feedback, visually impaired individuals can achieve dual perception of "hearing + touch," improving operational accuracy.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of connecting ears 9 are provided on the upper shell 101 of the housing 1, and the connecting ears 9 are integrally formed with the upper shell 101.

[0044] The connecting ear 9 is made of ABS material (2mm thick) and is injection molded into the upper shell 101. It has a strength of ≥50N (tensile strength) and the edges are rounded with R1mm to prevent scratches.

[0045] During operation, staff first select the appropriate connecting ear adapter based on common scenarios: threading it onto a necklace cord or attaching it to a watch strap, enabling switching between different wearing styles. The integrated connecting ear provides a foundation for multiple wearing methods, enhancing the device's versatility.

[0046] In one embodiment of this utility model, the number of connecting ears 9 is one, and the connecting ear 9 has a through hole for threading a necklace cord through the through hole. The connecting ear 9 enables the device to be worn as a necklace through the necklace cord.

[0047] The connecting ear 9 has a semi-circular ring structure (inner diameter 5mm × width 3mm), and the edge of the through hole is polished to Ra0.8, which is suitable for necklace cords ≤4mm in diameter; when worn, the device is centered and the amount of sway is ≤1mm.

[0048] When in use, the staff first thread the necklace cord through the nine connecting holes and hang it around the neck. During daily activities, the device is close to the chest and easily accessible during operation. Its necklace design allows for convenient everyday wear, suitable for home and office settings, without any feeling of wrist constraint.

[0049] Example 2: This example is basically the same as the previous example, except that there are four connecting ears 9. The four connecting ears 9 are symmetrically distributed in pairs on the edge of the upper shell 101. The connecting ears 9 are provided with mounting holes for connecting the watch strap. The connecting ears 9 enable the device to be worn as a bracelet through the watch strap.

[0050] The connecting ears 9 are symmetrical in pairs (30mm apart), with Φ2mm mounting holes, and are compatible with stainless steel connecting shafts; the watch strap is made of silicone (12mm wide, length suitable for wrists of 150-220mm), the surface of the upper case 101 has Φ1mm anti-slip bumps (2mm apart, coefficient of friction ≥0.8), and the height of button 3 is increased to 5mm.

[0051] During operation, the staff first attaches the watch strap to the connecting lug 9 via the connecting shaft and wears it on the wrist. The device remains stable and undisturbed during exercise. Anti-slip bumps enhance grip, and raised buttons facilitate operation while wearing gloves. Its wristband design makes it suitable for running, fitness, and other sports activities, ensuring a secure fit and preventing it from falling off, while also adapting to specific operational needs.

[0052] Working principle: When using for the first time, press and hold knob 2 (3 seconds) until the buzzer sounds 2 short beeps to enter pairing mode; after the earphone is put into pairing, the device will automatically connect (the buzzer will sound 1 more beep if the connection is successful). Subsequent use does not require repeated pairing (supports memory connection, storing up to 5 devices).

[0053] Rotating knob 2 clockwise produces a "click" sound from mechanical feedback mechanism 5 for every 30° rotation, while simultaneously increasing the headphone volume by one level. Rotating it counterclockwise decreases the volume. This feedback mechanism helps users perceive the adjustment range and avoids sudden volume changes. Pressing the "Previous Track" button 3 produces one beep, switching the headphones to the previous track; pressing the "Next Track" button 3 similarly switches to the next track; pressing the "Answer / Hang Up" button 3 answers an incoming call or hangs up the current call; pressing the "Voice Assistant" button 3 activates the phone's voice function (authorization in the phone settings is required beforehand).

[0054] When the lithium battery 7 has a charge level of ≤20%, the buzzer will emit three "beep" sounds every 30 seconds with a 1-second interval to indicate charging. Align the conductive post 10 at the bottom of the device with the charging contacts to begin charging (there is no sound during charging to avoid interference, and no indication when fully charged, meeting the needs of visually impaired users for "no interference without operation"). If the device remains idle for 5 minutes, it will automatically enter deep sleep mode. Pressing any button 3 or knob 2 will immediately wake it up, reducing power consumption and extending battery life.

[0055] The foregoing description only illustrates certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the above drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A knob-operated mounting device for visually impaired individuals using knobless headphones, characterized in that: Includes a housing (1), inside which is a main control component (6), on which are a micro switch, a potentiometer (4), a central processing unit and a wireless communication module, the wireless communication module being used for wireless connection with headphones; The housing (1) is also provided with a pressable knob (2) and several buttons (3). The knob (2) is correspondingly provided with a mechanical feedback mechanism (5), which is used to provide feedback on the rotation operation of the knob (2). The housing (1) is also provided with a power supply module (8), which is electrically connected to the main control component (6), micro switch, potentiometer (4) and wireless communication module to provide power. The knob (2) is fixedly connected to the rotation axis of the potentiometer (4), and the plurality of buttons (3) are respectively connected to the corresponding micro switches one by one.

2. The device for attaching a pressable knob to a knobless headphone for visually impaired individuals according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) includes an upper shell (101) and a lower shell (102). The upper shell (101) and the lower shell (102) are provided with stepped grooves on their adjacent sides. One of the stepped grooves has a groove on its sidewall and the other stepped groove has a protrusion that matches the groove on its sidewall. The protrusion is fitted into the groove to achieve a sealing and fastening of the upper shell (101) and the lower shell (102).

3. The device for attaching a pressable knob to a knobless headphone for visually impaired individuals according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply module (8) includes a lithium battery (7) and two conductive posts (10). The lithium battery (7) is disposed inside the housing (1) and electrically connected to the main control component (6). Both conductive posts (10) are electrically connected to the power supply module (8), and the ends of both conductive posts (10) slide through the inner wall of the lower shell (102) and extend to the outer side of the housing (1). The conductive posts (10) are used to charge the lithium battery (7).

4. The device for attaching a pressable knob to a knobless headphone for visually impaired individuals according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main control component (6) is also equipped with a buzzer, which is electrically connected to the central processing unit. The buzzer is used to issue a reminder signal when the power supply module (8) is lower than a preset value.

5. The device for attaching a pressable knob to a knobless headphone for visually impaired individuals according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mechanical feedback mechanism (5) includes a cam (501) and a sound-emitting spring (502). The cam (501) is fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft of the potentiometer (4), and the sound-emitting spring (502) is fixedly mounted inside the housing (1) and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cam (501). When the knob (2) drives the rotating shaft of the potentiometer (4) to rotate, the cam (501) rotates synchronously with the rotating shaft and squeezes the sound-emitting spring (502) to deform. When the sound-emitting spring (502) is reset, it emits a mechanical reminder sound.

6. The device for attaching a pressable knob to a knobless headphone for visually impaired individuals according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper shell (101) of the housing (1) is provided with a plurality of connecting ears (9), and the connecting ears (9) are integrally formed with the upper shell (101).

7. A knob-mounting device for visually impaired individuals using knobless headphones according to claim 6, characterized in that: The number of connecting ears (9) is one. The connecting ear (9) has a through hole for threading a necklace cord. The connecting ear (9) forms a necklace wearing shape through the necklace cord.

8. A knob-mounting device for visually impaired individuals using knobless headphones according to claim 6, characterized in that: The number of connecting ears (9) is four. The four connecting ears (9) are symmetrically distributed in pairs on the edge of the upper shell (101). The connecting ears (9) are provided with mounting holes for connecting the watch strap. The connecting ears (9) enable the device to be worn as a bracelet through the watch strap.

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