Adjustable Hearing Protection Module With Elastic Holding Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing protection solutions, such as helmets with cantilevered cups or full-ear covers, cause excessive perspiration due to rigid contact and require cumbersome adjustments, limiting user convenience and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A hearing protection and loudspeaker element with an adjustable module connected via an elastically stretchable and compressible holding element, allowing quick deployment and retraction, primarily covering the auditory canal entry, and optionally controlled by noise level or electric drive for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full-ear covering hearing protection cups are used to ensure complete ear coverage and noise protection, then noise protection effectiveness is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to excessive perspiration from rigid contact
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing protection is divided into two functional segments: a carrier part that covers the ear and provides structural support, and a separate module that inserts into the auditory canal for noise protection. This segmentation allows each part to perform its function optimally without the discomfort of rigid full-ear contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise protection function is extracted from the ear-covering cup structure and placed into a separate insertable module. This removes the harmful rigid contact from the ear canal while maintaining effective noise protection through the modular insert.
2Ease of operation
If adjustable modules are added to enable quick deployment and retraction, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The module is designed with dynamic characteristics, being elastically stretchable and compressible, allowing it to be deployed and retracted smoothly. This dynamic design enables quick adjustment without complex mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element's elastic properties allow the module to change its physical state between deployed and retracted positions. By utilizing material parameter changes (elastic deformation) rather than complex mechanical linkages, the system achieves ease of operation with minimal complexity.
3Reliability
If rigid holding elements are used to ensure stable module position, then reliability is improved, but ear injury risk increases due to lack of flexibility during motion
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is designed with flexible, elastic properties rather than rigid characteristics. This flexibility allows the module to move with the ear during head motion without causing injury, while still maintaining sufficient stability for effective noise protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic holding element provides built-in cushioning that absorbs sudden movements and impacts before they can cause ear injury. This prior cushioning mechanism protects the ear during rapid head motions or impacts.
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
Ensures effective noise protection without perspiration, prevents ear injuries, and allows easy on/off use, with adjustable and versatile designs for various applications, including helmets and headphones, while maintaining lightweight construction.
Implementation Method 1
the module is connected to a carrier part via an elastically stretchable and compressible and/or spring-like embodied holding element
Implementation Method 2
an elastically stretchable and compressible and/or spring-like embodied holding element
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing protection and/or loudspeaker element (1) is provided which includes a carrier part (2) arranged on a protective helmet (5) and a module (4) which can be actively connected to an outer ear of the wearer to act as a hearing protection and/or loudspeaker module. The carrier part (2) and protective helmet can be fixed to the head of the wearer. The module (4) which acts as the hearing protection and/or loudspeaker module can be adjusted in relation to the loudspeaker part (2) and shifted from a position of rest to a position of use. The module (4) itself is like a plug and is embodied as a part that covers the entrance of the human outer ear.