Behind-the-Ear Wireless Device Mounting for Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable wireless communication devices often cause discomfort due to their weight and pressure on the ear, leading to issues like slipping and dislodging, especially when they have heavy components placed within the ear canal or use hooks that hang over the ear.
Innovation Solution
A wearable wireless communication device design featuring a behind-the-ear main electronics enclosure with a detachable mount that includes a microphone and a decorative mount with a speaker, allowing for a lightweight and comfortable fit with adjustable positioning, including pierced and non-pierced ear configurations, to minimize stress on the ear and provide a secure fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heavy components are placed within the ear canal or hooks are used to hang over the ear, then the device can be secured in place, but the wearer experiences discomfort and the device may slip or become dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: a lightweight ear canal insertion piece and a separate hook component that attaches behind the ear. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the insertion piece provides secure positioning while the hook provides structural support without adding excessive weight to the ear canal area.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is moved from the ear canal (one dimension) to behind the ear (another dimension). The hook component extends backward to engage with the head, distributing the device's weight to a different anatomical location that can better support the load, thereby reducing the effective weight burden on the ear canal while maintaining overall device security.
2Weight of moving object
If the device is designed to be lightweight, then comfort is improved, but the device may slip or become dislodged from the wearer's ear
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: a lightweight ear canal insertion piece and a separate hook component that attaches behind the ear. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the insertion piece provides secure positioning while the hook provides structural support without adding excessive weight to the ear canal area.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook component acts as an intermediary element that connects the lightweight ear canal device to the wearer's head. This intermediary structure provides the necessary mechanical support and anchoring function, allowing the main ear canal component to remain lightweight while the system as a whole maintains secure positioning through the hook's engagement behind the ear.
3Volume of moving object
If components are made smaller to decrease form factor, then the device becomes more compact, but the available options for secure mounting are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: a compact ear canal insertion piece and a separate hook component. This segmentation allows the main electronic components to be miniaturized and placed within the ear canal where space is limited, while the mounting function is handled by the separate hook component that can be optimized for various ear shapes and sizes, thereby maintaining both compactness and mounting versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook component is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate different ear anatomies and provide multiple mounting configurations. This multi-functional element can engage with various ear structures and provide secure mounting regardless of the specific ear shape, thereby maintaining mounting versatility even as the main device components are reduced in size.
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 design enables a comfortable, secure, and adjustable fit for extended wear, reducing discomfort and ensuring the device remains in place, while also allowing for cosmetic customization and discreet placement of electronics behind the ear.
Implementation Method 1
Applying the voltage signal to a voice coil motor produces sound waves using a vibrating surface
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable wireless communication device is provided, including a behind-the-ear main electronics enclosure housing wireless communication electronics, a main electronics enclosure mount engaging the behind-the-ear main electronics enclosure, an ear mount fitting the main electronics enclosure mount, and a decorative mount including a speaker. The decorative mount attaches to the ear mount which is configured to fit over an ear of a wearer. Signals are transmitted from the main electronics enclosure to the main electronics enclosure mount, to the ear mount, and to the speaker in the decorative mount. Audio from the speaker is provided to the ear of the user. Pierced ear and non-pierced ear versions are provided, wherein the ear mount for the non-pierced ear version includes a clip that clips to the wearer's ear lobe. The pierced ear version includes a conductive post that passes through a piercing in the wearer's ear.