Adjustable Earpiece Port Cover for Custom Frequency Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in-ear monitors lack user customization options for sound tuning, as the acoustic design is typically fixed during fabrication, limiting the ability of end-users to adjust sound characteristics to suit different music genres or environments.

Innovation Solution

The earpiece design includes a sound delivery tube with adjustable ports and corresponding port covers, allowing users to customize the frequency response by varying the porting of drivers, enabling extension of the bass response and ambient sound control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the acoustic design is fixed during fabrication, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but the user cannot customize the sound characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic design fabricationVSAvoiduser customization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static acoustic design into a dynamic, adjustable system. Users can modify the frequency response characteristics by changing the port configurations (opening/closing specific ports) on the earpiece enclosure, allowing the acoustic design to adapt to different music genres and listening preferences without requiring custom fabrication for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the acoustic tuning control into discrete, user-adjustable ports on the enclosure. Each port can be independently opened or closed to create different frequency responses. This segmentation allows users to customize the sound characteristics by combining different port configurations rather than requiring a completely custom-designed earpiece for each preference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple armature drivers are used to achieve accurate frequency response, then the audio fidelity is improved, but the device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency response accuracyVSAvoidnumber of drivers and crossover network

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single earpiece unit that can perform multiple frequency response characteristics through adjustable ports. Instead of using multiple dedicated drivers for different frequency ranges, the system uses one or more drivers combined with adjustable acoustic ports to achieve various frequency responses, reducing the overall complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the acoustic parameters of the earpiece by adjusting which ports are open or closed, rather than changing the physical drivers. This parameter-based adjustment (port configuration) allows the same driver hardware to achieve different frequency responses, avoiding the need for multiple specialized drivers and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If diaphragm drivers are used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the frequency roll off above 4 kHz is significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver manufacturing costVSAvoidupper frequency response

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses adjustable acoustic ports as intermediaries to compensate for the frequency roll-off limitation of diaphragm drivers. By opening specific ports, the system can extend the upper frequency response beyond the natural limitation of the diaphragm driver, effectively using the port configuration as a mediator that enhances the driver's inherent frequency limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 customization capability allows users to tailor the sound to specific music types or environments, enhancing user experience and flexibility without the need for custom fitting, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and ease of replacement.

Implementation Method 1

Within the earpiece enclosure is a driver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transduction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

acoustic dampers are interposed between the one or more driver outputs and the eartip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 3

Corresponding to each enclosure port is a port cover that has at least a fully open port position and a fully closed port position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure control: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS7634099B2High-fidelity earpiece with adjustable frequency response

Publication Date: 2009.12.15 LOGITECH INT

AI summary

An earpiece is provided that includes an earpiece enclosure, a sound delivery member that contains a sound delivery tube, and one or more drivers. The earpiece enclosure includes one or more enclosure ports that couple the internal enclosure volume to the volume outside of the earpiece. Corresponding to each enclosure port is a port cover that has at least a fully open port position and a fully closed port position. Preferably the port cover is capable of multiple positions between the fully open port position and the fully closed port position. The port cover can be a plug, a rotating earpiece collar, a sliding cover, etc. In at least one embodiment, separate drivers and/or separate volumes within the earpiece enclosure are coupled to separate enclosure ports.