Adaptive Earmuff Seal for Glasses and Head Shapes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing earmuffs often fail to provide an even seal around the ear due to variations in user head shape and the presence of objects like glasses or hearing aids, leading to inadequate noise protection and discomfort.

Innovation Solution

The earmuff device incorporates an adaptive layer that distributes pressure evenly around the ear, using a combination of sound-absorbing and adaptive materials, along with pressure-sensing technology and actuation mechanisms to adjust the fit, ensuring a secure seal regardless of protruding elements. Additionally, a controller and communication interface alert users and nearby operators if the earmuffs are not correctly worn, and can deactivate power tools to enhance safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a standard earmuff design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the seal around the ear is uneven due to head shape variations and protruding elements like glasses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal qualityVSAvoidearmuff structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic pressure adaptation system where the earmuff automatically adjusts its sealing pressure in real-time. Pressure sensors detect uneven pressure distribution caused by glasses or head shape variations, and actuators dynamically adjust the cushioning elements to maintain uniform sealing pressure across the entire ear interface, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and reliable seal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a feedback control system with pressure sensors that continuously monitor the sealing pressure around the ear. When protruding elements like glasses create pressure imbalances, the system receives feedback signals and automatically adjusts the pressure distribution through actuators, ensuring consistent seal quality without requiring complex pre-adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If pressure is increased to improve the seal, then the sealing effectiveness improves, but the comfort decreases due to uneven pressure distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise protectionVSAvoidwearing comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by enabling different regions of the earmuff cushioning system to exert different pressures independently. Pressure sensors detect local pressure imbalances caused by glasses or head contours, and actuators adjust only the specific regions that need correction, maintaining high sealing effectiveness while preventing excessive pressure in already-compressed areas, thus preserving comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the pressure parameter across different regions of the earmuff interface. Instead of applying uniform high pressure, the system modulates pressure locally based on real-time sensor feedback, adjusting the pressure distribution pattern to achieve both effective sealing and comfortable wear by preventing pressure concentration on sensitive areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the earmuff is designed to accommodate different head shapes, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser compatibilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service adaptation system where the earmuff automatically adjusts to different head shapes and protruding elements without user intervention. Pressure sensors detect the unique geometry of each user's ear and head, and the control system automatically configures the pressure distribution pattern, eliminating the need for manual adjustment mechanisms and reducing device complexity while maximizing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamic adaptation to accommodate various head shapes. The system continuously monitors pressure distribution and automatically reconfigures the sealing force pattern based on the detected head geometry and any protruding elements, providing universal compatibility without requiring multiple fixed-size cushions or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution provides increased sound protection and comfort by ensuring an even seal, while also promoting safe usage by alerting users and others to improper earmuff placement, thereby reducing the risk of hearing damage.

Implementation Method 1

an adaptive layer that is configured to apply the pressure around the ear evenly regardless whether that location comprises any protruding element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The means for applying pressure may comprise a sound-absorbing layer and an adaptive layer. The sound-absorbing layer may comprise a sound-absorbing material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentUS11633303B2Smart earmuff and method for improved use of an earmuff
Publication Date: 2023.04.25 HUSQVARNA AB
  • US11633303B2 patent drawing
  • US11633303B2 patent drawing
  • US11633303B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An acoustic earmuff device comprising a pair of earmuff cup assemblies such that each is configured to be arranged at a location proximate to an ear of an user, wherein each earmuff cup assembly comprises means (320) for adapting a pressure applied to the location proximate to the ear so that the pressure around the ear is evenly distributed and a even seal is achieved, wherein the means for adapting a pressure comprises an adaptive layer (324) that is configured to apply the pressure around the ear evenly regardless whether that location comprises any protruding element (2).