Detachable Ear Tip Sensor Connector for Wearable Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ear-worn devices with embedded sensors in the soft tip face challenges in allowing users to switch or clean the tips easily, as the flexible PCB is integrated into the soft-tip, preventing removable and repeatable connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The ear-worn device features a mechanical connector assembly that allows the ear tip with a sensor to be repeatedly and removably connected to the base unit, using a combination of electrical and mechanical connectors to ensure secure and reliable signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor is included on a flexible PCB that extends into the soft ear-tip with a window cut out, then the quality of signal detection is improved, but the possibility for users to switch soft-tips is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separable components: a reusable base unit containing the flexible PCB with sensor, and replaceable ear tips with mechanical connectors. This segmentation allows the sensor to remain integrated with the base unit while enabling users to swap ear tips, resolving the contradiction between signal quality and tip switchability
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical connector assembly acts as an intermediary between the base unit and ear tips, providing both electrical connection for signal transmission and mechanical attachment for secure fitting. This intermediary enables both high-fidelity signal detection and easy tip replacement without compromising either function
2Ease of operation
If the flexible PCB is embedded in the soft-tip and connects back to the main electronics, then contact sensor detection is enabled, but the ear tip becomes non-replaceable
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible PCB with contact sensors is extracted from the ear tip and relocated to the base unit. The ear tips retain only the mechanical connector functions, allowing them to be easily replaced while the base unit maintains all sensor detection capabilities through its integrated flexible PCB
3Measurement precision
If a transparent soft tip is employed to allow light signals to pass through, then the sensor detection through the tip is enabled, but contact sensor detection is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connector assembly serves as an intermediary that enables both optical and contact-based sensor functions. The base unit contains both light-based sensors (for transparent tip detection) and contact sensors (for direct skin contact via the connector), providing versatile detection capabilities across different ear tip types
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is related to an ear-worn device (1), particularly an earphone or a hearing aid, comprising a base unit (40), and an ear tip (33), wherein the ear tip (33) comprises a sensor (14, 34) configured to detect a biological signal and to issue an electrical sensor signal indicative of the detected biological signal. The base unit (40) and the ear tip (33) are repeatedly and removably connectable via a mechanical connector assembly (70) of the ear-worn device (1), wherein the ear-worn device (1) comprises an electrical connector assembly (180), particularly comprising an electrically conductive mating connection, wherein the electrical connector assembly (180) is configured to conduct the sensor signal from the sensor (14, 34) to the base unit (40).