Bellows Cushion Folded Segments for Headset Noise Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headphones fail to effectively reduce the audibility of outside sounds without increasing the axial stiffness of the cushion, which can compromise comfort.
Innovation Solution
The use of a bellows cushion with folded segments and a control surface, including acoustically transparent materials or audio openings, along with a stiffening component such as a support ring or high-density layer, to increase mechanical impedance while maintaining axial compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the axial stiffness of the cushion is increased to improve noise isolation, then sound attenuation is improved, but comfort is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is divided into multiple folded segments that create a bellows-like structure. This segmentation allows the cushion to have high radial stiffness for noise isolation while maintaining axial compliance through the folded geometry, resolving the contradiction between sound attenuation and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion structure transitions from a simple axial compression model to a multi-dimensional folded segment structure. The folds create radial stiffness through their geometry while allowing axial compression, effectively adding a dimensional solution that decouples radial and axial mechanical properties.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the radial stiffness of the cushion is increased to reduce sound transmission, then noise isolation is improved, but axial compliance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the cushion have different mechanical properties. The folded segments provide high radial stiffness locally at the outer surface for noise isolation, while the inner foam cushion and overall structure maintain axial compliance for comfort. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between noise isolation and axial compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion combines multiple materials with different properties: an outer bellows cushion with folded segments providing radial stiffness, and an inner foam cushion providing axial compliance. This composite structure allows simultaneous achievement of noise isolation and comfort.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the mass of the cushion is increased to enhance sound attenuation, then noise isolation is improved, but comfort is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The folded segment structure creates mass distribution that enhances sound attenuation through the bellows mechanism while keeping the overall cushion lightweight. The segments fold and unfold to dampen sound waves without requiring excessive mass, resolving the contradiction between sound attenuation and comfort.
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
This configuration enhances sound attenuation without impacting comfort, providing effective noise isolation by increasing radial stiffness and mass while keeping axial stiffness low.
Implementation Method 1
a bellows cushion extending around the periphery of the front opening of the earcup and sized to engage the ear of the user, the bellows cushion comprising a plurality of folded segments located at an outer radial portion of the bellows cushion, and configured to be substantially compliant along an axial direction
Implementation Method 2
The control surface can include an acoustically transparent material or a plurality of audio openings, or a combination of both an acoustically transparent material and audio openings
Data Source
AI summary
A headset including an earcup having a front opening adapted to be adjacent to the ear of a user, the earcup extending in a radial direction and an axial direction and defining an earcup volume; and a bellows cushion extending around the periphery of the front opening of the earcup and sized to engage the ear of the user, the bellows cushion comprising a plurality of folded segments located at an outer radial portion of the bellows cushion, and configured to be substantially compliant along an axial direction.