Dynamic Venting Wearable Sound Device for Noise and Pressure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sleep ear plugs can effectively mask noise but may block important sounds, such as alarms or calls, and fail to address pressure buildup in the ear canal, leading to discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A wearable sound device with a venting mechanism using a film structure and actuator, controlled by a sensing device and driving circuit, which dynamically opens or closes a vent to manage sound attenuation and pressure release based on environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ear plugs are used to mask noise, then sleep quality is improved, but important sounds such as alarms or calls are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic venting mechanism that can transition between open and closed states. The vent is closed during normal sleep to block background noise, but can be dynamically opened when important sounds are detected through the sensing device, allowing the user to hear alarms or calls while maintaining noise blocking during quiet periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a sensing device that continuously monitors the auditory environment and provides feedback to the controller. The controller analyzes the sensed sounds and automatically adjusts the vent state accordingly - closing it when only background noise is detected and opening it when important sounds are identified, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to environmental conditions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ear plugs are used to mask noise, then sleep quality is improved, but ear pressure buildup occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic vent that can open and close based on conditions. The vent opens periodically or when pressure buildup is detected to allow pressure equalization between the ear canal and external environment, then closes to resume noise blocking, dynamically managing both noise isolation and pressure relief
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic vent opening to allow pressure equalization. The vent opens at predetermined time intervals or when pressure sensors detect buildup, allowing air to equalize pressure in the ear canal, then closes to maintain noise blocking. This periodic action prevents continuous pressure buildup while maintaining overall noise isolation
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
Improves sleep quality by reducing background noise while allowing critical sounds to be heard and alleviating ear pressure, enhancing user experience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the film structure partitions a space within the wearable sound device into a first volume and a second volume
Implementation Method 2
an actuator disposed on the film structure; and a driving circuit configured to be controlled by a controller and to drive the actuator, such that the film structure is controlled to form a vent or to seal the vent
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable sound device includes a venting device including a film structure and an actuator and a driving circuit configured to be controlled by a controller and to drive the actuator, such that the film structure is controlled to form a vent or to seal the vent. The controller is coupled to a sensing device configured to generate a sensing result and determine whether to seal the vent according to the sensing result. The film structure partitions a space within the wearable sound device into a first volume and a second volume. The first volume is connected to or to be connected to an ear canal of a wearable sound device user. The second volume is connected to or to be connected to an ambient of the wearable sound device. The first volume and the second volume are connected via the vent when the vent is formed.