Mechanically Actuated Ear Muff Plugs for Selective Sound Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ear protection devices, such as ear muffs and ear plugs, are often awkward, uncomfortable, and hinder communication, particularly in environments where continuous noise attenuation is not necessary.
Innovation Solution
Acoustic attenuating ear muffs with mechanically actuated plug members that allow users to selectively deploy and retract plugs to control sound attenuation, providing a flexible hearing configuration through a system of ear pods and actuator mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ear muffs and ear protection devices are used, then sound attenuation is effective, but the device becomes awkward and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable ear protection device with movable plug members that can transition between extended (attenuating) and retracted (non-attenuating) positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the device to adapt its sound attenuation level based on environmental conditions, providing full attenuation when needed and comfort when noise levels are acceptable, thereby resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and comfort.
2Reliability
If conventional ear protection devices are used, then noise attenuation is achieved, but communication is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable plug mechanism enables dynamic control over sound attenuation levels. Users can retract the plugs when communication is needed, allowing sound to pass through freely, and extend them when noise attenuation is required. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by providing full noise attenuation only when necessary, preserving communication capability during normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the attenuation parameter from fixed to variable, allowing users to adjust the level of sound blocking based on communication needs. By modifying the physical state of the plug members (extended or retracted), the system adapts between maximum attenuation and open communication modes, resolving the information loss issue.
3Reliability
If conventional ear protection devices are used, then continuous noise protection is provided, but adaptability to different environments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an adaptable ear protection system through movable plug members that can be adjusted based on environmental noise levels. The device transitions from a static, continuous protection mode to a dynamic system that can provide full protection, partial protection, or no protection as conditions require, thereby achieving both reliable noise protection and environmental adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Acoustic attenuating ear muffs is provided with a first ear pod including a first ear cup having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a first acoustic attenuating member including a first opening coupled to the first ear cup. A second ear pod includes a second ear cup having an inner surface portion and an outer surface portion, and a second acoustic attenuating member including a second opening coupled to the second ear cup. A connecting member links the first ear pod to the second ear pod. A first selectively deployable plug member is arranged between the inner surface and the first acoustic attenuating member. A second selectively deployable plug member is arranged between the inner surface portion and the second acoustic attenuating member.