Auricle-Mounted Sound Output Device with Dual-Point Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound output devices, such as those described in Patent Literature 1 and 2, face instability when used outdoors due to the design's susceptibility to vertical external forces, leading to potential dislodging from the ear, especially when the user engages in significant motion.

Innovation Solution

A sound output device design featuring a sound introduction hook mounted on the auricle's helix side and an ear pad on the earlobe side, with the hook and pad positioned to secure the device from opposite sides, incorporating a detachable portion for size and shape adjustment, and a band for balancing weight distribution, ensuring stability and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a hook member is used to mount the sound output device on the auricle, then the stability of the mounted state is enhanced, but the device is susceptible to vertical external forces causing the hook to float from the ear and shift from the adequate mounting position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of mounted stateVSAvoidresistance to vertical external forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is divided into two separate mounting portions: a first mounting portion (hook member) that engages with the helix of the auricle, and a second mounting portion (ear pad) that contacts the earlobe. This segmentation distributes the mounting function across two distinct locations, preventing the single hook from bearing all vertical external forces, thereby maintaining stability while resisting dislodging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure transitions from a single-point suspension (hook only) to a two-point constraint system involving both the helix region (first mounting portion) and the earlobe region (second mounting portion). This dimensional expansion from one-point to two-point mounting creates a more robust mechanical constraint that resists vertical external forces more effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the sound output device is inserted into the external auditory meatus, then sound can be output, but the device may fall off from the ear when the user's motion is large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound output capabilityVSAvoidstability of mounted state

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the sound output function (inserted into external auditory meatus) from the primary mounting function (hook on helix and pad on earlobe). This segmentation allows the device to maintain stability through the mounting portions while still enabling sound output through the inserted portion, solving the contradiction between ease of operation and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a fixed-size housing is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to various ear shapes and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing structureVSAvoidadaptability to ear shapes and sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is designed with a detachable portion that can be removed and replaced with different sized portions. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt to various ear shapes and sizes while maintaining a relatively simple base structure. The detachable design enables flexibility without significantly complicating the overall housing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed as a universal platform with a detachable portion that can accommodate different ear sizes and shapes. The main housing body remains simple and standardized, while the detachable portion provides the necessary variability to fit different users, achieving universality without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 described design enhances the stability and comfort of the sound output device by securely mounting it on the ear, reducing the likelihood of dislodging and improving sound recognition while allowing for easy adjustment to fit various ear shapes and sizes, thus ensuring effective sound output and external sound awareness.

Implementation Method 1

a speaker that outputs sound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroacoustic transduction:

Implementation Method 2

the ear pad portion is formed of a material having a lower hardness than a hardness of the sound introduction hook

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11445287B2Sound output device

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A sound output device includes a speaker that outputs sound, a housing that includes a sound introduction hook, the sound introduction hook having an internal space that is formed as a sound introduction space for introducing sound output from the speaker, the speaker being arranged in the housing, and an ear pad portion that is provided to be continuous to the housing, the sound introduction hook including an opening through which sound is emitted toward an ear, the sound introduction hook being to be mounted on a root portion of an auricle from a helix side, the ear pad portion being to be mounted on the root portion of the auricle from an earlobe side.