Anechoic Chamber Headset for Privacy and Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication devices fail to maintain privacy and clarity due to inadequate sound absorption and air-tightness, allowing ambient noise and eavesdropping, especially in public settings, and often draw attention with their design.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ergonomic anechoic device with an air-tight chamber and active noise control using a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) to absorb all frequency fields of speech, featuring an antiphase/anti-noise speaker and a Helmholtz resonator for sound energy absorption and airflow management, ensuring a secure and private communication environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional communication devices are used in public, then communication functionality is provided, but privacy is compromised and ambient noise disrupts clarity
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first chamber for the user's ear with noise-canceling capabilities, and a second chamber for the mouth with sound containment features. This segmentation allows independent optimization of noise protection for the user while containing speech sounds to prevent eavesdropping.
Solution Approach 2:
Active noise control technology serves as an intermediary between the user and ambient noise, using anti-phase sound waves generated by speakers to cancel unwanted environmental sounds. Similarly, the chamber structure acts as an intermediary to contain and direct speech sounds toward the microphone while preventing leakage to the external environment.
2Reliability
If sound containment structures are added to maintain privacy, then privacy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The headset device performs multiple functions within a unified structure: it provides noise cancellation for the user, contains speech sounds for privacy, and directs audio output to both the user and ambient environment appropriately. The single integrated design reduces overall system complexity compared to separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical sound isolation structures are replaced with active noise control technology using speakers and microphones to generate anti-phase sound waves. This electronic approach achieves superior noise cancellation without requiring bulky physical barriers or complex mechanical assemblies.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If active noise control and sound absorption materials are used, then noise reduction is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sound absorption materials with specific acoustic properties are applied selectively to the inner surfaces of chambers where sound containment is most critical. This localized application optimizes noise reduction effectiveness while minimizing the total amount of material used and associated energy requirements for active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The active noise control system dynamically adjusts parameters such as speaker output amplitude and frequency response based on real-time ambient noise conditions detected by microphones. This adaptive approach ensures effective noise cancellation while consuming minimal energy by activating control only when and where needed.
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 device effectively absorbs and directs sound energy, maintaining privacy and clarity of communications by creating a substantially air-tight seal and reducing noise interference, while allowing for comfortable and discreet use without drawing attention.
Implementation Method 1
The anechoic chamber is adapted to capture air containing sound energy generated by a sound source, and distribute the air about internal anechoic acoustical surface areas on the inside of the chamber
Implementation Method 2
The air is directed from the anechoic chamber through a Helmholtz resonator or other tubular anechoic channel extending therefrom to the ambient
Implementation Method 3
active noise control or active noise cancellation means ("ANC means") are provided to the device. Said means include a sound source for the addition of sound specifically designed to cancel noise within the anechoic chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a telephone headset that features an antiphase/anti-noise speaker within an anechoic chamber so that noises provided therein can be combated with antiphase noises. In some embodiment, the antiphase/anti-noise speaker can be an exciter. In some embodiments, the headset is designed to include passive and active noise cancellation of a use's voice. Suitably, the headset can be adjusted to fit an inclusive range of head dimensions comfortably, the headsets may connect wirelessly to the user's phone to ensure cable free operation and communication.