Adjustable Ear Tip Structure for Stable Fit and Sound Performance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable electronic devices face challenges in maintaining efficient sound performance across various physical conditions without deteriorating sound quality, require multiple fastening and releasing operations, and are costly due to unnecessary provision of multiple sizes.

Innovation Solution

An ear device with a first tip member, a second tip member, and a guide ring formed of different materials, allowing for adjustable fitting and single-operation fastening, reducing material and package size, and ensuring stable wearing comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ear devices of different sizes are provided to accommodate various physical conditions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various physical conditionsVSAvoidnumber of devices required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ear device incorporates a movable guide ring that can be positioned at different locations along the first tip member, allowing a single device to dynamically adjust its configuration. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables one device to replace multiple fixed-size devices, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single ear device is designed with universal adaptability through the guide ring mechanism, allowing it to function across multiple size requirements. The guide ring can be moved to different positions to accommodate various ear canal sizes, making one device serve multiple functions that previously required separate devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ear devices of different sizes are provided, then adaptability is improved, but loss risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various physical conditionsVSAvoidrisk of loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a single ear device that can adapt to different sizes through the movable guide ring, the invention eliminates the need for users to possess multiple devices. This universal design reduces the risk of losing additional devices while maintaining the ability to accommodate various physical conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ear devices are provided, then adaptability is improved, but package size and material cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various physical conditionsVSAvoidmaterial and package size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functionality of multiple size-specific ear devices into a single unified device. The guide ring mechanism integrates size adjustment capability within one device structure, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall material consumption and packaging requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single ear device with movable guide ring serves multiple size requirements, reducing the quantity of materials needed compared to producing and packaging multiple separate devices. This universal design approach minimizes both material usage and package size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution provides efficient sound performance under varying user conditions, reduces material and package size, and eliminates the need for multiple devices, thereby lowering costs and preventing loss.

Implementation Method 1

the guide ring is formed of an elastic material and is movable between a first end portion of a first tip member connected to the earpiece and a second end portion of the first tip member opposite to the first end portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12549882B2Ear device and wearable electronic device including the same

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A wearable electronic device including an ear device is disclosed. The wearable electronic device includes an earpiece configured to convert an electrical signal into a sound signal, and an ear device configured to be connected to the earpiece. The ear device includes a first tip member configured to be connected to the earpiece, a second tip member configured to surround at least a portion of the first tip member, and a guide ring configured to be interposed between at least a portion of the first tip member and at least a portion of the second tip member, the guide ring is formed of an elastic material and is movable between a first end portion of the first tip member connected to the earpiece and a second end portion positioned on a side opposite to the first end portion.