Flow relief features embedded in the surface of a wearable

Abstract

Aspects describe airflow relief features on the facing surface of the housing of an in-ear audio output device. Due to design constraints based at least in part on the limited space available in the acoustic chamber and the geometry of the ear, the port coupling the acoustic chamber with an area outside the housing is susceptible to complete blockage when placed within the ear. The airflow relief channel of the port extends from the port aligned in the navicularis concha, over the crus helicalis, and into the navicular cavity, minimizing complete blockage of the port compared to current designs.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Aspects of the present disclosure describe airflow relief features for in-ear audio output devices having one or more ports. As described in more detail herein, the airflow relief is designed to provide an airflow path to prevent complete blockage of the ports while maintaining the overall cosmetic design of the housing. [Background technology]

[0002] Various in-ear audio output devices (referred to herein as "audio devices") incorporate active noise reduction (ANR) features, also known as active noise control or cancellation (ANC), in which one or more microphones detect sounds, such as external sounds captured by a feedforward microphone or internal sounds captured by a feedback microphone. Signals from the feedforward microphone and / or feedback microphone are processed to provide an anti-noise signal to be delivered to an acoustic transducer (e.g., speaker, driver) to cancel noise that would otherwise be heard by the user.

[0003] Such audio devices may also have small air vents, or acoustic ports, in the exterior facing surface of the housing. The ports may be used to improve the acoustic output of the audio device, to uniform the audio response, and to provide an air path during acoustic transducer overpressure events. As audio devices decrease in size, the potential for interference with such ports continues to increase. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] An aspect provides an in-ear audio output device. In one aspect, the in-ear audio output device comprises an acoustic chamber defined by an earbud housing shaped to fit into the concha of an ear of a wearer of the in-ear audio output device. The earbud housing comprises a first port configured to align with the concha of the wearer when the device is worn, and a first airflow channel extending from a region surrounding the first port to a portion of the earbud housing shaped to fit into the concha of the wearer when the device is worn.

[0005] In aspects, the first airflow channel includes a geometric stadium shape. In aspects, the first airflow channel is shaped to traverse the helical crus of the ear when the device is worn. In aspects, the first airflow channel has a continuous depth relative to an exterior surface of the earbud housing.

[0006] In an aspect, the first port comprises an audio port and a feedforward microphone disposed at the audio port.

[0007] In an aspect, the in-ear audio output device further comprises a second port configured to align with the wearer's concha when the device is worn, and a second airflow channel extending from a region surrounding the second port to a portion of the earbud housing shaped to fit into the concha of the wearer when the device is worn. In an aspect, the second airflow channel comprises a geometric stadium shape. In an aspect, the second airflow channel is shaped to traverse the helical crus of the ear when the device is worn. In an aspect, the second airflow channel has a continuous depth relative to an outer surface of the earbud housing.

[0008] In an embodiment, the second port comprises a mass port.

[0009] In an embodiment, the first air flow channel and the second air flow channel are substantially parallel.

[0010] An aspect provides an in-ear audio output device comprising an acoustic chamber defined by an earbud housing shaped to fit the concha of an ear of a wearer of the in-ear audio output device, the earbud housing comprising: a feedforward microphone disposed at an audio port, the audio port configured to align with the concha of the wearer when the device is worn; a mass port configured to align with the concha of the wearer when the device is worn; and a first airflow channel extending from a first portion of the housing surrounding the audio port to a second portion of the housing, the second portion of the housing being deeper in the ear and closer to an opening of an ear canal of the ear compared to the first portion of the earbud housing.

[0011] In aspects, the first airflow channel is configured to traverse the helical crus of the ear when the device is worn to extend from the first portion of the housing to the second portion of the housing.

[0012] In embodiments, the second portion of the housing is shaped to fit within the concha cavity of the concha.

[0013] In aspects, the in-ear audio output device further comprises a second airflow channel extending from a first portion of the earbud housing surrounding the mass port to a second portion of the housing.

[0014] In aspects, the second airflow channel is configured to traverse the helical crus of the ear when the device is worn, to extend from the first portion of the housing to the second portion of the housing.

[0015] In an aspect, the first airflow channel and the second airflow channel each include a geometric stadium shape.

[0016] In aspects, at least one of the first airflow channel and the second airflow channel has a continuous depth relative to an exterior surface of the earbud housing.

[0017] In aspects, the in-ear audio output device further comprises a resistive port configured to align with the intertragal notch of the ear when the device is worn, hi aspects, the resistive port creates an opening in a surface of the earbud housing to couple the acoustic chamber with a space outside the earbud housing.

[0018] All examples and features mentioned in this specification can be combined in any technically possible manner. Other features, objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the following drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the lateral surface of the human ear. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an in-ear audio output device including an earbud housing having an acoustic port according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an in-ear audio output device including an earbud housing having an acoustic port positioned at a wearer's ear, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the interior of an acoustic chamber, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 is an in-ear audio output device having airflow relief features according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an in-ear audio output device having airflow relief features according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]1 is an in-ear audio output device having airflow relief features according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is an in-ear audio output device having airflow relief features according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] In-ear audio output devices use drivers (e.g., acoustic transducers, speakers) to convert electrical signals into sound. One basic type of driver includes a coil of wire, called a voice coil, attached to the top of a cone- or dome-shaped diaphragm. The voice coil is positioned within a permanent magnetic field, for example created by a pair of permanent magnets. An electric current is passed through the voice coil, turning it into an electromagnet. The force generated by the magnetic fields of the electromagnet and the permanent magnet causes the voice coil to move back and forth, which in turn causes the diaphragm to move. The movement of the diaphragm creates longitudinal pressure waves in the air that are perceived as sound by the human ear and brain.

[0021] The sound quality produced depends heavily on the design of the driver, and more specifically, on the driver's ability to move air. Generally speaking, the easier it is to move the driver forward and backward, the more air it can move. This is especially important at lower frequencies (perceived as bass), which require more extreme movement of the driver.

[0022] To make speaker movement easier, audio devices are designed with small vents or acoustic ports to couple the acoustic chamber (containing the driver) to an area outside the device. The acoustic ports allow air to move behind the driver when the driver pushes air towards the ear, and allow air to move in the opposite direction when the driver moves away from the ear. By making speaker movement easier, the ports improve sound quality. Furthermore, by allowing air to flow in and out of the driver, the acoustic ports help prevent pressure buildup, thereby allowing for freer driver movement. Additionally, the acoustic ports help to even out the audio response and support noise reduction characteristics.

[0023] Due to the small size of the port and the size limitations of the wearable audio output device, the port is easily affected by blockage. For example, given the geometry of the wearer's ear, the port may be unintentionally blocked when the device is placed on the wearer's ear, thereby preventing air from flowing in and out of the audio device. When the port is blocked, the acoustic response of the audio device may deviate significantly from prediction. The audio device may not be designed to compensate for such deviations, and thus a blocked port may create instability and in some cases may result in a squeaking sound like feedback.

[0024] Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure provide an in-ear audio output device having at least one airflow relief feature in the earbud housing to prevent the port from becoming completely blocked. As used herein, a port is an opening in a wall of the housing that couples the acoustic chamber to the space outside the earbud housing.

[0025] The airflow feature (airflow relief feature) surrounds the port and provides an airflow channel (airflow relief channel) between the earbud housing and the concha. When the device is worn, the port aligns with the wearer's concha. The housing's airflow channel extends from the port to a portion of the housing that is aligned with the concha cavity. In other words, the airflow channel spans multiple planes. Thus, when the device is worn, the portion of the airflow channel (aligned with the concha cavity) is deeper in the user's ear and closer to the ear canal than the portion of the airflow channel closer to the port (and aligned with the concha cavity). The airflow feature of the present disclosure significantly reduces the likelihood of the port becoming blocked, given the location and shape of the airflow channel in combination with the ear geometry.

[0026] 1 shows the lateral surface of a right human ear 100 with several features identified. Ears come in many different sizes and geometries, including features not illustrated in FIG.

[0027] 2 is a side perspective view of an in-ear wearable audio output device (device) 200 including an earbud housing with multiple ports. The device includes a body 202, an earbud housing 204, a nozzle (206, not visible in FIG. 2), and a sealing structure 208. In an embodiment, the earbud housing 204 is shaped to extend into and fit into the concha cavity 134. The earbud housing 204 defines an acoustic chamber that houses the acoustic driver and other electronic components of the device. FIG. 4 provides an illustration of the device with the housing removed to expose the acoustic chamber.

[0028] In an embodiment, the earbud housing 204 includes a port for a feedforward microphone (feedforward microphone port) 214, a mass port 212, and a resistive port 210. The feedforward microphone port 214 allows a feedforward microphone disposed in the port 214 to be coupled to an area outside the acoustic chamber. The provision of one or both of the mass port 212 and the resistive port 210 enhances the characteristics of the acoustic output of sound by the acoustic driver. As illustrated in FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the feedforward microphone port 214 and the mass port 212 are configured to align with the concha navicularis 132, and the resistive port 210 seats in the wearer's concha cavity 134 and aligns with the wearer's intertragal notch 140. The openings of the housing 204 for the feedforward microphone port 214 and the mass port 212 are substantially flush with the surrounding surface of the housing 204.

[0029] Body 202 is coupled to an exterior surface of earbud housing 204 that extends away from the wearer's ear canal. In embodiments, body 202 is shaped like a rectangular pill and sits outside the wearer's ear when the device is worn. In embodiments, body 202 sits against the outside of the wearer's ear, and in some cases, against the wearer's face, helping to hold device 200 in place. Although not visible in FIG. 2, in embodiments, body 202 may include a second feedforward microphone port 226 (see FIG. 3).

[0030] A nozzle (206, not visible in FIG. 2, shown in FIG. 8) extends from the earbud housing 204 towards the sealing structure 208. In embodiments, the earbud housing 204 extends into, or in other words forms a part of, the nozzle 206. The nozzle provides an acoustic passageway for sound waves to pass to the wearer's ear canal. In embodiments, the nozzle has a planar end with a substantially oval shaped opening.

[0031] The sealing structure 208 creates a seal with the wearer's ear canal. The sealing structure 208 is substantially spherical and dome shaped. The sealing structure 208 extends from the planar end of the nozzle 206 and folds back towards the wearer's ear.

[0032] 3 is a rear perspective view of a device positioned at a wearer's ear 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When the device is inserted into the wearer's ear, the resistance port 210 is aligned with the intertragal notch of the ear, as illustrated in FIG. When the device is positioned in the wearer's ear, the second feedforward microphone port 226 may be located outside the wearer's ear.

[0033] When the device is positioned on the ear, the ports 212 and 214 are aligned with the wearer's concha 132 and are therefore not visible in FIG. 3. Considering fitting the device to the ear, one or more of the ports may become blocked by pressing against the concha 132. For example, the ports 212, 214 may be blocked when a person wearing the device sleeps on their side and places their head on a pillow. In another example, a winter hat may press against the body 202 of the device, causing blockage of the feedforward microphone port 214 and / or the mass port 212. In some instances, the wearer directs the operation of the device by pressing against the exterior of the device, resulting in an unexpected blockage.

[0034] As explained above, it is desirable to prevent complete blockage of the port.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an acoustic chamber 400 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Housing 204 has been removed to illustrate the electronics of the acoustic chamber of the device. Given the particular geometry of the body required to comfortably fit within the ear, the size of the acoustic chamber, the shape of the half tube 228 connected to mass port 212, and the numerous components housed in the chamber, there is little room to position the feedforward microphone (disposed at port 214) and mass port 212. Thus, feedforward microphone port 214 and mass port 212 are disposed in a flat portion of the acoustic chamber that aligns with the concha when the device is worn. Ports 212 and 214 are susceptible to undesired complete blockage based on the orientation of the ports in housing 204 and the geometry of the ear.

[0036] 5, 6, 7, and 8 illustrate different views 500, 600, and 700, 800 of an in-ear audio output device with an airflow relief feature according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The airflow relief feature significantly reduces the likelihood of ports 212 and 214 becoming completely blocked, as described below, while maintaining the location of ports 212 and 214 and the overall design, shape, and fit of housing 204 to the wearer's ear.

[0037] Airflow channel 250 extends from the area surrounding the feedforward microphone port 214 to a portion of the device shaped to fit deeper within the wearer's ear. In an embodiment, airflow channel 260 extends from the area surrounding the mass port 212 to a portion of the device shaped to fit deeper within the wearer's ear. Due to the geometry of the ear, airflow channels 250 and 260 are each shaped to traverse the helical crus 142 when positioned within the ear.

[0038] Stadium-shaped grooves in the exterior surface of the housing 204 define each airflow channel. The airflow channels extend from an area of ​​the housing configured to align with the concha 132 to an area of ​​the housing aligned with the concha cavity 134. In an embodiment, the depth of the airflow channels is constant relative to the exterior surface of the housing. The depth of the airflow channels is deep enough so that the flesh of the ear does not deform and cause a complete blockage of the airflow. The depth of the airflow channels is shallow enough so that the walls of the airflow channels do not deform and cause a blockage of the airflow relief channels. In one example, the airflow channels are about 0.44 mm deep relative to the surface of the housing. In one example, the distance between the two substantially parallel walls is about 1.2 mm, and the radius of the semicircle at each end of the airflow channel is about 0.6 mm (or 1 / 2 the distance between the walls). The length of the airflow channel is about 6.1 mm, and about 4.66 mm from end to end. Thus, the length of the airflow channel from the end configured to seat in the concha to the center of the port is approximately 5.5 mm (6.1 mm - 0.6 mm) and 4.06 mm (4.66 mm - 0.6 mm). All measurements have a tolerance of ±0.10 mm.

[0039] In embodiments, as illustrated in Figures 5-8, the two airflow relief features are substantially parallel. They may be of equal or different lengths and depths. Although two airflow channels are illustrated, embodiments of the disclosure do not require a device to have both airflow channels. In Figure 7, the port is not visible from a perspective view due to the walls of the airflow channel.

[0040] When a device having airflow relief features 500, 600, 700, 800 is worn, a portion of airflow channel 260 closest to mass port 212 is aligned with the funiculus of the concha, and a portion of airflow channel 260 closest to the ear canal is aligned with the cavum of the concha. Similarly, a portion of airflow channel 250 closest to feedforward microphone port 214 is aligned with the funiculus of the concha, and a portion of airflow channel 250 closest to the ear canal is aligned with the cavum of the concha. Although airflow channels 250 and 260 have a continuous depth relative to the exterior surface of the housing, airflow channels 250 and 260 each span a different plane. In other words, one portion of each airflow channel extends to the depth of the funiculus of the concha, and another portion extends to the depth of the cavum of the concha. There is a low likelihood of air blockage between the device and the ear along the entire vertical (lengthwise) length of the stadium shape that opens from the scapula 132, over the crus helicalis 142, to the cavity of the concha 134. Given the geometry of the ear, partial blockage may occur along the airflow channel, but a seal along the entire circumference of the airflow channel is unlikely. Thus, ports 212 and 214 are less likely to experience complete blockage.

[0041] The in-ear audio output devices described herein are applicable to a variety of devices, including audio headphones, hearing aids, hearing assistance headphones, noise masking earbuds, ANR headphones, aviation headphones, audio glasses, and other devices that include in-ear components.

[0042] Numerous uses of, and departures from, the specific devices and techniques disclosed herein may be made without departing from the concepts of the invention, and the invention should therefore be construed as embracing each and every novel feature and combination of novel features disclosed herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 100 right ear 132 Concha navicular 134 Concha cavity 140 Intertragal notch 142 Helical foot 200 In-ear wearable audio output device (device) 202 Main Body 204 Earbud Housing 206 Nozzle 208 Sealing structure 210 Resistance Port 212 Massport 214 port (feedforward microphone port) 226 Second feedforward microphone port 228 Half Tube 250 Airflow Channels 260 Airflow Channel 300 ears 400 Acoustic Chamber

Claims

1. An in-ear audio output device, comprising: an acoustic chamber defined by an earbud housing shaped to fit within the concha of an ear of a wearer of the in-ear audio output device, the earbud housing comprising: a first port configured to align with the wearer's concha when the device is worn; and a first airflow channel extending from an area surrounding the first port to a portion of the earbud housing shaped to fit into the concha of the wearer when the device is worn.

2. The in-ear audio output device of claim 1 , wherein the first air flow channel comprises a geometric stadium shape.

3. The in-ear audio output device of claim 1 , wherein the first airflow channel is shaped to traverse a helical crus of the ear when the device is worn.

4. The in-ear audio output device of claim 1 , wherein the first airflow channel has a continuous depth relative to an outer surface of the earbud housing.

5. the first port comprises an audio port; The in-ear audio output device of claim 1 , further comprising a feedforward microphone disposed at the audio port.

6. a second port configured to align with the concha of the wearer when the device is worn; and 2. The in-ear audio output device of claim 1, further comprising: a second airflow channel extending from an area surrounding the second port to a portion of the earbud housing shaped to fit into the concha cavity of the wearer when the device is worn.

7. The in-ear audio output device of claim 6 , wherein the second air flow channel comprises a geometric stadium shape.

8. 7. The in-ear audio output device of claim 6, wherein the second airflow channel is shaped to traverse the helical crus of the ear when the device is worn.

9. The in-ear audio output device of claim 6 , wherein the second airflow channel has a continuous depth relative to an outer surface of the earbud housing.

10. The in-ear audio output device of claim 6 , wherein the second port comprises a mass port.

11. The in-ear audio output device of claim 6 , wherein the first air flow channel and the second air flow channel are substantially parallel.

12. An in-ear audio output device, comprising: an acoustic chamber defined by an earbud housing shaped to fit within the concha of an ear of a wearer of the in-ear audio output device, the earbud housing comprising: a feedforward microphone disposed in an audio port, the audio port configured to align with the wearer's concha when the device is worn; and a mass port configured to align with the wearer's concha when the device is worn; and an in-ear audio output device comprising: a first airflow channel extending from a first portion of the housing surrounding the sound port to a second portion of the housing, the second portion of the housing being deeper in the ear and closer to an opening of an ear canal of the ear compared to the first portion of the earbud housing.

13. 13. The in-ear audio output device of claim 12, wherein the first airflow channel is configured to traverse a helical crus of the ear when the device is worn to extend from the first portion of the housing to the second portion of the housing.

14. The in-ear audio output device of claim 12 , wherein the second portion of the housing is shaped to fit within the concha cavity of the concha.

15. 13. The in-ear audio output device of claim 12, further comprising a second airflow channel extending from the first portion of the earbud housing surrounding the mass port to the second portion of the housing.

16. 16. The in-ear audio output device of claim 15, wherein the second airflow channel is configured to traverse a helical crus of the ear when the device is worn to extend from the first portion of the housing to the second portion of the housing.

17. 16. The in-ear audio output device of claim 15, wherein the first air flow channel and the second air flow channel each comprise a geometric stadium shape.

18. The in-ear audio output device of claim 15 , wherein at least one of the first air flow channel and the second air flow channel has a continuous depth relative to an outer surface of the earbud housing.

19. 13. The in-ear audio output device of claim 12, further comprising a resistive port configured to align with the intertragal notch of the ear when the device is worn.

20. 20. The in-ear audio output device of claim 19, wherein the resistive port creates an opening in a surface of the earbud housing to couple the acoustic chamber with a space outside the earbud housing.

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