Wearable Aural Device with White Noise Generator and Rechargeable Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noise cancellation devices for sleep are either cumbersome, uncomfortable, or require wired connections, and lack efficient battery management and charging solutions.
Innovation Solution
A wearable aural device with a housing that fits adjacent to the ear canal, an earhook for battery connection, and a rechargeable battery system with a protective storage case that also serves as a charger, providing comfortable noise cancellation using a white noise generator and transducer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If active noise cancellation techniques are used, then noise cancellation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the noise cancellation function from complex active cancellation systems and implements it through a simple white noise generator that produces masking sounds. This separates the essential function (noise reduction) from unnecessary complexity (active cancellation electronics, microphones, signal processing), achieving effective noise masking with minimal device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive white noise generation circuitry instead of complex active cancellation systems. The white noise generator employs basic electronic components that can be easily implemented, replacing expensive and complex active cancellation technology with a simpler, more reliable alternative that achieves the same noise reduction goal.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ear plugs or ear covers are used, then noise blocking is improved, but comfort and wearability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ear canal coverage into a small, precise fitting area rather than covering the entire ear. The ear canal covering portion is designed to fit only the necessary area to block noise, leaving the rest of the ear exposed and comfortable for sleep, thus achieving effective noise blocking without compromising wearability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies noise blocking properties locally only where needed - in the ear canal area - rather than covering the entire ear with uncomfortable ear plugs. The white noise generator provides local acoustic masking at the ear canal opening, achieving effective noise reduction with minimal impact on comfort and wearability.
3Device complexity
If stand-alone units are used, then simplicity is improved, but functionality and versatility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact device: white noise generation, ear canal covering for noise blocking, and battery power supply. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate stand-alone units while maintaining simplicity, achieving both functional versatility and device simplicity simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the white noise generator, ear canal covering portion, and power supply into a single integrated device. This consolidation combines multiple functions (noise generation, noise blocking, power provision) that would traditionally require separate stand-alone units, achieving enhanced functionality while maintaining overall simplicity.
4Reliability
If wired connections are required, then power supply stability is improved, but convenience and wearability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a rechargeable battery that can be recharged through the earhook structure itself, eliminating the need for external wired connections during use. The battery serves itself by being recharged through the same structure that provides mechanical support, achieving power supply stability without compromising convenience and wearability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a rechargeable battery system that can be charged in advance through the earhook structure. This preliminary charging action allows the device to operate independently without wired connections during actual use, maintaining power supply stability while enhancing convenience and wearability by eliminating the need for continuous wiring.
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 reduces undesirable environmental noise during sleep while being comfortable and convenient, with a rechargeable battery system and charging mechanism that ensures continuous use.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer in the interior of the housing; circuitry in electrical communication with the transducer for generating sound
Implementation Method 2
an elastic rim adjacent to the distal end of the conduit for covering the ear canal of a user
Implementation Method 3
circuitry in electrical communication with the transducer for generating sound... the circuitry of the device includes a white noise generator
Data Source
AI summary
An aural device to be worn over the ear of a user during sleeping hours which generates white noise.