Dual Flap Venting Device for Wearable Audio
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing venting devices in wearable sound devices often cause occlusion effect and click noise due to sudden pressure changes, which degrade the listening experience.
Innovation Solution
A venting device with a first and second flap, actuated by voltage to swing upward and downward respectively, forming and closing a vent within the device to manage pressure, with adjustable rising and falling times to reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a venting device is used to release pressure inside a closed field chamber, then occlusion effect is reduced, but click noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using a movable flap structure that can dynamically adjust its position between open and closed states. The flap is actuated by an actuator (such as a piezoelectric element or shape memory alloy) that responds to control signals, allowing the vent to gradually open or close rather than abruptly changing state. This dynamic adjustment smooths pressure changes and eliminates the sudden pressure differential that causes click noise, while still effectively releasing occlusion pressure when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the opening/closing speed and duration of the vent flap through gradual actuation. By changing the temporal parameters of vent operation (opening time, closing time, intermediate positions), the system can balance between effective pressure release and noise reduction. The control unit adjusts these parameters based on operational conditions, such as whether the device is in playback mode or charging mode, to optimize both occlusion relief and noise suppression.
2Reliability
If the vent opens and closes quickly to manage pressure changes, then pressure control is effective, but audible click noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from a static vent structure to a dynamically controllable one. The movable flap can adjust its position and movement speed in real-time, allowing it to gradually open or close over an extended period. This dynamic behavior maintains effective pressure control while avoiding the sudden pressure changes that generate audible click noise during rapid opening/closing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through controlled, gradual opening and closing cycles of the vent flap. Instead of instantaneous transitions, the flap moves through intermediate positions over a defined time period, creating a periodic or semi-periodic motion pattern. This extended temporal action smooths pressure changes and eliminates the impulsive noise associated with rapid vent operation, while still achieving effective pressure management.
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 effectively reduces audible click noise and improves user experience by smoothing pressure changes between the ear canal and ambient environment, enhancing listening comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the venting device comprises a first flap, configured to be actuated to gradually swing upward during a rising time or gradually swing downward during a falling time; a second actuating portion, disposed on the second flap; wherein the vent is formed via applying a first voltage to the first actuating portion and applying a second voltage on the second actuating portion
Data Source
AI summary
A venting device includes a first flap, which is configured to be actuated to swing upward during a rising time, and a second flap, which is disposed opposite to the first flap and configured to be actuated to swing downward during a falling time, a first actuating portion disposed on the first flap, and a second actuating portion disposed on the second flap. The venting device configured to form a vent is disposed within a wearable sound device or to be disposed within the wearable sound device. The vent is formed via applying a first voltage to the first actuating portion and applying a second voltage on the second actuating portion, such that the venting device gradually forms the vent.