Headphone case having fixed or inflatable cushion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional headphone cases do not provide adequate neck support or comfort during travel, and they are not designed to serve a dual purpose as both a storage case and a cushion.

Innovation Solution

A U-shaped or donut-shaped headphone case with a fixed or inflatable cushion that doubles as a neck support and storage compartment, incorporating a vibration mechanism and a heater for enhanced comfort, and can be worn around the neck to provide support and store headphones and other items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional headphone case is used, then it provides storage for headphones, but it does not provide neck support or comfort during travel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual functionalityVSAvoidcomfort and support
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The headphone case is designed to serve two functions: storing headphones and providing neck support/cushioning during travel. The case incorporates a cushioning element that allows it to function as a neck rest when placed on the lap or seat, eliminating the need for a separate neck cushion and providing dual functionality from a single device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a separate neck cushion is carried, then comfort during travel is improved, but the load and number of items to manage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfort during travelVSAvoidtraveler load
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the headphone case and neck cushion into a single integrated device. The cushioning material is incorporated directly into the case structure, allowing travelers to have both headphone storage and neck support in one item, thereby reducing the total weight and number of separate items to carry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the case is designed with cushioning material, then comfort and support are improved, but the storage space for headphones may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneck support comfortVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioning material is applied selectively to specific portions of the case exterior that contact the neck or body, rather than covering the entire case. This localized application provides comfort where needed while preserving maximum internal storage volume for headphones and other items.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 dual-functional case offers improved comfort and support during travel, reduces the load for travelers by combining a headrest and storage functions, and adds value by utilizing space efficiently, while also providing relaxation through massage and heat features.

Implementation Method 1

include a vibration mechanism in the case for massaging the neck

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

provide a heater in the case for comfort and relaxation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11089890B2Headphone case having fixed or inflatable cushion
Publication Date: 2021.08.17 AHROON ERIK MIKAEL
  • US11089890B2 patent drawing
  • US11089890B2 patent drawing
  • US11089890B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A headphone case is provided that serves as both a case for storing headphones and other objects, and a cushion to be worn around the neck. The case has either a fixed cushion located on different parts of the case, or a material that can be inflated, where the material has an outside layer comprising a cushion material. The case has two halves, a top half and lower half, which are held together by one or more hinges or other means. The headphone case can have a control unit for electronically inflating the material on the case, and for controlling units inside the case for controlling an amount and intensity of heat and vibration. Software can be uploaded to the control unit via a USB port or a Bluetooth antenna for controlling the different functions of the case. An application running on a phone, tablet or computer may control the functions of the various units inside the case.