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 and / or feedback microphones are processed to provide anti-noise signals that are sent to acoustic transducers (e.g., speakers, drivers) 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 audio device's acoustic output, uniform the audio response, and 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 within the concha of a wearer's ear. The earbud housing comprises a first port configured to align with the wearer's concha navicularis 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 within the concha navicularis 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 the outer 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 within the wearer's concha 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 within the concha of a wearer's ear, 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 the ear canal than 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 the outer 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 explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the lateral surface of a human ear. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 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. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 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 aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is an in-ear audio output device with airflow relief features according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an in-ear audio output device with airflow relief features according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]1 is an in-ear audio output device with airflow relief features according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is an in-ear audio output device with airflow relief features according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In-ear audio output devices use a driver (e.g., an acoustic transducer, speaker) to convert an electrical signal into sound. One basic type of driver includes a coiled 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, created, for example, 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 moves the diaphragm. The movement of the diaphragm creates longitudinal pressure waves in the air, which 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, the easier the driver can move forward and backward, the more air it can move. This is especially important at lower frequencies (perceived as bass), which require more extreme driver movement.

[0022] To facilitate speaker movement, audio devices are designed with small vents, or acoustic ports, that couple the acoustic chamber (which houses the driver) to an area outside the device. The acoustic ports allow air to move behind the driver when the driver pushes air toward the ear, and allow air to move in the opposite direction when the driver moves away from the ear. By allowing speaker movement to be 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 the driver to move more freely. 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 wearable audio output devices, the port is easily susceptible to blockage. For example, given the geometry of a wearer's ear, the port may be unintentionally obstructed when the device is placed in 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 therefore, a blocked port may create instability and, in some cases, result in a squealing, feedback-like sound.

[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 connects the acoustic chamber to the space outside the earbud housing.

[0025] An 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 navicularis. The housing's airflow channel extends from the port to a portion of the housing aligned with the concha navicularis. In other words, the airflow channel spans multiple planes. In this way, when the device is worn, the portion of the airflow channel (aligned with the concha navicularis) is deeper within 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 navicularis). The airflow features of the present disclosure, given the location and shape of the airflow channel in combination with the ear's geometry, significantly reduce the likelihood of the port becoming blocked.

[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. 1.

[0027] FIG. 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 embodiments, the earbud housing 204 is shaped to extend into and fit within the concha cavity 134. The earbud housing 204 defines an acoustic chamber that houses the device's acoustic driver and other electronic components. FIG. 4 provides a view of the device with the housing removed to expose the acoustic chamber.

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

[0029] Body 202 is coupled to the exterior of earbud housing 204, which 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 but shown in FIG. 8) extends from earbud housing 204 toward sealing structure 208. In embodiments, earbud housing 204 extends into, or in other words forms a part of, nozzle 206. The nozzle provides an acoustic passageway for sound waves to pass into 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 toward the wearer's outer ear.

[0032] 3 is a rear perspective view of a device positioned in a wearer's ear 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 3, when the device is inserted into the wearer's ear, the resistance port 210 is aligned with the intertragal notch of the ear. 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 in the ear, ports 212 and 214 align with the wearer's concha 132 and are therefore not visible in FIG. 3 . Considering fitting the device to the ear, one or more ports may be blocked by pressing against and contacting the concha 132. For example, 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 device body 202, causing blockage of the feedforward microphone port 214 and / or the mass port 212. In some instances, the wearer may direct the device's operation 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 present disclosure. Housing 204 has been removed to illustrate the electronics of the device's acoustic chamber. Given the specific geometry of the body required for a comfortable fit within the ear, the size of the acoustic chamber, the shape of half-tube 228 connected to mass port 212, and the numerous components housed in the chamber, there is little room for positioning the feedforward microphone (disposed at port 214) and mass port 212. Therefore, 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 in-ear audio output devices with airflow relief features according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The airflow relief features significantly reduce 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 in the wearer's ear.

[0037] Airflow channel 250 extends from the region surrounding feedforward microphone port 214 to a portion of the device shaped to fit deeper within the wearer's ear. In embodiments, airflow channel 260 extends from the region surrounding 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 the region of the housing configured to align with the concha scapula 132 to the region of the housing aligned with the concha cavity 134. In embodiments, 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 ear flesh 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 channel do not deform and cause a blockage of the airflow relief channel. In one example, the airflow channel is approximately 0.44 mm deep relative to the surface of the housing. In one example, the distance between the two substantially parallel walls is approximately 1.2 mm, and the radius of the semicircle at each end of the airflow channel is approximately 0.6 mm (or 1 / 2 the distance between the walls). The length of the airflow channel is approximately 6.1 mm, measuring approximately 4.66 mm from end to end. Therefore, the length of the airflow channel from the end configured to seat in the concha cavity 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 air flow relief features are substantially parallel. They may be of equal or different lengths and depths. While two air flow channels are illustrated, embodiments of the present disclosure do not require a device to have both air flow channels. In Figure 7, the port is not visible from a perspective view due to the walls of the air flow 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, some portions of each airflow channel extend to the depth of the funiculus of the concha, and other portions extend to the depth of the cavum of the concha. Air blockage between the device and the ear is unlikely along the entire vertical (longitudinal) length of the stadium shape, which opens from the concha scapula 132, over the helical crus 142, and into the concha cavity 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 unlikely 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 consequently 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 Unit 204 Earbud Housing 206 Nozzle 208 Sealing structure 210 Resistor 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 the 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 within the wearer's concha cavity 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. 10. The in-ear audio output device of claim 1, wherein the first airflow channel is shaped to traverse the 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 in the audio port.

6. a second port configured to align with the wearer's concha when the device is worn; and 10. The in-ear audio output device of claim 1, further comprising: a second airflow channel extending from a region surrounding the second port to a portion of the earbud housing shaped to fit within 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 the 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; 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 the 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 crus helicalis 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 crus helicalis 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. 16. 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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