Compliant Earpiece Retaining Structure for Variable Ear Canal Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Earpieces often cause discomfort and pain due to rigid retaining structures that push into the ear canal, and they may not fit users with less common ear features comfortably without compromising appeal to the majority of users.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a movable joint structure that allows angular motion and a compliant retaining structure with out-of-plane compliance, enabling a customizable fit by decoupling the stiffness of the retaining structure from the body, and allowing independent selection of components to accommodate various ear geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid retaining structure is used to hold the eartip in position, then the eartip remains stable in the ear, but it causes discomfort and pain by pushing into the ear canal
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining structure is designed with compliance in the direction parallel to insertion, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different ear canal geometries while maintaining stability. This dynamic compliance prevents the rigid pushing action that causes discomfort, while still providing sufficient retention force to hold the eartip securely in position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the retaining structure by introducing compliance specifically in the insertion direction. This parameter change allows the structure to deform and adapt to varying ear canal shapes, reducing the harmful pushing effect while maintaining the necessary retention stability through its geometry and material properties.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a compliant retaining structure is used to reduce discomfort, then comfort is improved, but the eartip may not remain securely in position
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining structure exhibits different mechanical properties in different directions: it is compliant in the insertion direction to reduce discomfort, but maintains structural integrity and rigidity in directions perpendicular to insertion to ensure stable retention. This local differentiation of mechanical quality allows simultaneous achievement of comfort and secure positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant retaining structure dynamically adapts its shape during insertion and when the ear moves, maintaining optimal contact with the ear canal walls. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous secure retention while the compliance absorbs movement variations, preventing the eartip from becoming dislodged despite the softer material properties.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the retaining structure is made compliant in the direction of insertion, then comfort is improved, but the sealing structure must compensate with higher compliance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully balances the compliance parameters of both the retaining structure and sealing structure. The retaining structure's compliance in the insertion direction is optimized to provide comfort, while the sealing structure's compliance is tuned to complement this, ensuring proper sealing function. This coordinated parameter adjustment allows both structures to work together effectively despite their different functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The eartip is segmented into distinct functional components: the retaining structure that provides comfort during insertion, and the sealing structure that ensures acoustic isolation. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system, with the compliance of each part tailored to its role.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the earpiece is designed to fit common ear geometries, then appeal to majority users is maintained, but users with less common ear features experience discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant retaining structure changes its effective geometry through deformation, allowing it to adapt to a wide range of ear canal shapes and sizes. This parameter adaptability enables the same eartip design to comfortably fit both common and uncommon ear geometries, eliminating the need for multiple specialized designs while maintaining universal comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining structure is designed with universal compliance characteristics that allow it to function effectively across diverse ear geometries. By incorporating material and geometric properties that provide adaptive compliance, the single design serves multiple functions: it comfortably fits various ear shapes, maintains secure retention, and prevents discomfort for all users regardless of their specific ear features.
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 design reduces discomfort, allows for comfortable long-term use, and increases the number of combinations available from a given set of parts, enabling the same earpiece to be used for both ears and accommodating a wide range of users with different ear geometries.
Implementation Method 1
The first portion of the retaining structure is compliant in a direction parallel to a direction of insertion of the sealing structure into the ear canal
Implementation Method 2
The lower end of the first portion can be configured to provide out-of-plane compliance with respect to the plane in which the retaining structure is disposed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A retaining structure (310), which is configured to engage with external structures to hold an earpiece in position, includes a first portion forming a loop and having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the first portion is coupled to a top surface (320) of a body (305) of the earpiece and the lower end of the first portion is coupled to a bottom surface (325) of the earpiece. The retaining structure (310) also includes a second portion having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end of the second portion is coupled to the loop formed by the first portion, and the upper end of the second portion extends from the earpiece. The top and bottom surfaces (320, 325) are located on substantially opposite sides of the body (305) in a direction along a plane of the retaining structure (310).