Acoustic Output Housing Vent Layout for Sweat-Blocked Earphones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Earphones exhibit inferior acoustic performance during physical activities due to sweat accumulation at the pressure relief holes, leading to increased resistance and far-field sound leakage.

Innovation Solution

The acoustic output device incorporates a second pressure relief hole in fluid communication with the second acoustic cavity, positioned to compensate for blockages at the first pressure relief hole, reducing resistance and sound leakage by allowing air to enter and exit the cavity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single pressure relief hole is used, then the device structure is simple, but the acoustic performance degrades when the hole is blocked by sweat during physical activity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure relief hole structureVSAvoidacoustic performance during physical activity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single pressure relief hole is segmented into multiple separate pressure relief holes (first pressure relief hole and second pressure relief hole). This segmentation ensures that even if one hole is blocked by sweat, the other can still function, thereby maintaining acoustic performance during physical activity without increasing overall structural complexity significantly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions the first and second pressure relief holes at different locations on the housing. This spatial arrangement provides beforehand cushioning against blockage, as the system can tolerate blockage of one hole without losing acoustic functionality, thus preparing the system in advance for the harmful effect of sweat accumulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Stress or pressure

If the first pressure relief hole is positioned on the third housing wall, then the acoustic cavity can be effectively pressurized, but the hole is more susceptible to being blocked by sweat during wearing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic cavity pressureVSAvoidsweat blockage at pressure relief hole

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure relief function is segmented between two holes positioned on different housing walls. The first pressure relief hole on the third housing wall maintains effective pressurization, while the second pressure relief hole on the second housing wall serves as a backup that is less susceptible to sweat blockage due to its different positional exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different housing walls are used for different pressure relief functions. The third housing wall (facing away from the crown of the head) is used for the first pressure relief hole that needs effective pressurization, while the second housing wall is used for the second pressure relief hole that is positioned to be less affected by sweat, creating local quality differentiation in the housing structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances acoustic performance by minimizing the impact of sweat and other obstructions on the first pressure relief hole, maintaining sound quality during physical activities.

Implementation Method 1

the first pressure relief hole and the second pressure relief hole are in fluid communication with the second acoustic cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid communication:

Implementation Method 2

the housing includes a first acoustic cavity and a second acoustic cavity, the first acoustic cavity and the second acoustic cavity being located on two sides of a diaphragm of the air conduction driver, respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic wave generation:

Data Source

PatentUS20260113567A1Acoustic output devices

Publication Date: 2026.04.23 SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is an acoustic output device. A housing is provided with a sound outlet hole, a first pressure relief hole, and a second pressure relief hole. The sound outlet hole is in communication with a first acoustic cavity, and the first pressure relief hole and the second pressure relief hole are in fluid communication with a second acoustic cavity. The housing defines a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction that are orthogonal to each other. The housing includes a first housing wall and a second housing wall arranged at intervals in the first direction, and the housing further includes a third housing wall connecting the first housing wall and the second housing wall. The first pressure relief hole is disposed on the third housing wall, and the second pressure relief hole is disposed on the second housing wall.