Composite Earcushion Noise Reduction via Foam Film Layering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earphone cushions fail to effectively reduce external noise and absorb reverberant sound waves, leading to a suboptimal audio experience due to material limitations and noise leakage.
Innovation Solution
A composite earphone cushion featuring a partially reticulated polymeric foam body with a snap ring and non-porous film, incorporating an acoustic dampener and cavities to enhance noise absorption and retention, while maintaining acoustic transparency and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional porous foam materials are used in earcushions, then comfort and acoustic transparency are improved, but external noise reduction and reverberant sound wave absorption deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The earcushion combines porous foam material with a non-porous film layer to create a composite structure. The porous foam provides comfort and acoustic transparency, while the non-porous film layer blocks external noise and absorbs reverberant sound waves. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The earcushion applies different material properties to different regions: the front surface and sides use non-porous film for noise blocking, while the rear surface maintains porous foam for acoustic transparency. This local differentiation allows the earcushion to simultaneously achieve noise reduction and acoustic transparency in different areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-porous film material is used to block external noise, then external noise reduction is improved, but acoustic transparency and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The non-porous film is applied only to specific regions (front surface and sides) where noise blocking is needed, while leaving the rear surface as porous foam to maintain acoustic transparency. This selective application resolves the contradiction between noise blocking and acoustic transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of non-porous film and porous foam creates a composite structure where each material performs its specialized function: the film blocks external noise while the foam maintains acoustic transparency and comfort.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If acoustic dampeners are added to enhance noise absorption, then external noise reduction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic dampener function is merged with the non-porous film layer, combining noise absorption with the existing structural component. This integration approach enhances noise reduction capability while minimizing additional complexity by consolidating functions into a unified structure.
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 solution significantly reduces external noise and improves audio quality by effectively absorbing reverberant sound waves and enhancing the seal between the earphone and user's ear, providing a more comfortable and immersive listening experience.
Implementation Method 1
a non-porous film on the front surface and side surfaces of the body. The rear surface of the body is free of the non-porous film and is substantially acoustically transparent
Implementation Method 2
a body formed of a partially reticulated polymeric foam... absorb noise such as audio rendered by an audio driver of the headphones that is reflected from a portion of the user's ear or head, or any reverberant sound wave within the earcushion plenum
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An earphone cushion includes a body formed of a partially reticulated polymeric foam and including a front surface configured to engage or surround the ear of a user, and a rear surface, a snap ring at least partially embedded in and integrally formed with the body and including a periphery configured to engage one or more retention elements of an earcup of a headphone, and a non-porous film on the front surface of the body.