Bi-stable Conchal Wall Stabilizer for Earphone Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earphone devices face challenges in providing simple and reliable adjustability of the conchal wall stabilizer to accommodate different ear sizes and positions, ensuring secure attachment and comfortable wearing while maintaining good acoustic coupling.
Innovation Solution
A bi-stable mechanism using a crescent-shaped leaf spring with convex and concave edges, biased by spring means, allows the conchal wall stabilizer to move between two stable positions, facilitating easy adjustment and secure fitting, and a flexible earphone device design with a protrusion that supports itself in the ear canal for optimal sound coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adjustment mechanisms (sliding along groove, spring means, metallic arm with friction) are used for the conchal wall stabilizer, then the device can be adjusted to different ear sizes and positions, but the adjustment mechanism becomes complex and less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a bi-stable mechanism that changes the physical state of the conchal wall stabilizer between two distinct positions. This mechanism utilizes geometric constraints and elastic energy storage in a flexible element to create two stable configurations, allowing the stabilizer to switch between engaged and disengaged states without complex control systems, thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The bi-stable mechanism is designed to automatically transition between stable positions based on applied force and geometric constraints, without requiring external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms. The flexible element's elastic properties enable the system to self-regulate and maintain stable positions, reducing device complexity while preserving adjustment functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If the conchal wall stabilizer is made adjustable for different ear sizes, then versatility improves, but the reliability and simplicity of the adjustment mechanism deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-stable mechanism utilizes geometric parameter changes and elastic energy storage to create two distinct stable positions. The flexible element's geometry and material properties are designed to ensure reliable transitions between positions, with the elastic energy providing a restoring force that maintains stable engagement. This approach achieves both versatility for different ear sizes and high reliability through passive mechanical design
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active control systems or complex mechanical linkages to achieve adjustment, the patent inverts the approach by designing a mechanism that passively achieves two stable positions through geometric constraints and elastic energy. The system relies on the inherent mechanical properties of the flexible element rather than external control, improving both reliability and simplicity
3Ease of operation
If friction-based mechanisms are used to hold the conchal wall stabilizer in position, then adjustment is possible, but the mechanism becomes more complex and less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from friction-based positioning to a bi-stable mechanism that relies on geometric constraints and elastic energy storage. The flexible element is designed with specific geometry and material properties that create two stable equilibrium positions, eliminating the need for friction-based holding mechanisms. This reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of operation through simple force application
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 bi-stable mechanism provides reliable and easy adjustability for different ear sizes and positions, ensuring secure attachment and minimizing discomfort and high-frequency damping, while maintaining effective acoustic coupling without occlusion effects.
Implementation Method 1
the spring means comprises a leaf spring with a first stable geometry corresponding to the first stable position and a second stable geometry corresponding to the second stable position
Data Source
AI summary
An earphone device (1) comprising a main body (14) to be inserted in the outer ear (28) of a user, a conchal wall stabilizer (4) extending from the main body (14) and adapted to engage the conchal wall (24) of the ear (28), the conchal wall stabilizer (4) being able to assume different positions in relation to the main body (4). The conchal wall stabilizer (4) is a bi-stable mechanism, which is movable from a first stable position via a dead point to a second stable position. Spring means (32) biases the conchal wall stabilizer (4) towards the first stable position, when the conchal wall stabilizer (4) is positioned on a first side of the dead point, and towards the second stable position, when the conchal wall stabilizer (4) is positioned on a second side of the dead point.