Adjustable Headphone Cushion Size Selector Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headphones have fixed-sized cushions that do not accommodate varying ear sizes, requiring users to audition multiple headphones for comfort and may need separate circum-aural and supra-aural options for different listening situations.
Innovation Solution
A headphone design featuring adjustable cushions with size selectors that allow simultaneous or independent adjustment of cushion size, enabling transformation from supra-aural to circum-aural configurations, accommodating different ear sizes and preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional headphones use fixed-size cushions, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the headphones cannot accommodate different ear sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion size is made dynamically adjustable through a selection mechanism that allows users to switch between different cushion sizes (small, medium, large) based on their ear dimensions. The cushion assembly includes a selectable portion that can be positioned at different locations along the cushion body, enabling the same headphone to adapt to various ear sizes without requiring multiple pairs of headphones.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion is segmented into different size portions, with a selectable portion that can be positioned at different locations to create small, medium, or large cushion configurations. This segmentation allows the single cushion structure to function as multiple cushion sizes, accommodating different ear sizes while maintaining a unified design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional headphones have fixed circum-aural or supra-aural cushion designs, then the design is simple, but users need multiple headphones to accommodate different listening situations
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by allowing the selectable portion to be positioned at different locations. When positioned at certain locations, the cushion provides circum-aural coverage that encloses the ear for noise isolation. When positioned at other locations, it provides supra-aural coverage that presses against the ear for better sound transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for users to own separate circum-aural and supra-aural headphones.
3Ease of operation
If users audition numerous headphones to find comfortable fit, then the best fit can be found, but significant time is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion assembly is pre-configured with multiple size portions and a selection mechanism that allows users to quickly switch between sizes without requiring multiple audition sessions. Users can select the appropriate cushion size portion before use, eliminating the need to audition numerous different headphone models to find a comfortable fit.
Data Source
AI summary
For example, a headphone includes a headband, a first housing with a first cushion and a first size selector, and a second housing with a second cushion and a second size selector. A linkage connects the first size selector to the second size selector. If the linkage is engaged, moving the first size selector in a first direction causes the first cushion and the second cushion to simultaneously increase from a first size to a second size. Moving the first size selector in a second direction causes the first cushion and the second cushion to simultaneously decrease from the second size to the first size. In the first size, the first and second cushion have supra-aural properties. In the second size, the first and the second cushion have circum-aural properties. If the linkage is disengaged, a size of the first cushion and the second cushion may be independently adjusted.