Ear Adapter Cushion with Curved Channel for Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concurrent use of earwear and eyewear often causes discomfort due to compressive forces that deform the pinna portion of the ear, leading to pain or discomfort over time.
Innovation Solution
An ear adapter assembly featuring a cushion with a curved channel and a tensioning line that secures to the eyewear temple, distributing compressive forces and reducing ear deformation by conforming to the ear's shape, thereby alleviating discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If earwear applies compressive force to remain in place, then earwear stability is improved, but ear deformation and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the adapter assembly with cushion and channel) between the earwear and the ear. This intermediary distributes the compressive force from the earwear across a larger area and redirects it along the channel, preventing direct compression of the pinna while maintaining earwear stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly segments the compressive force into multiple components through its structured channel and cushion design. The channel divides the force transmission path, and the cushion provides distributed counter-pressure, transforming the concentrated harmful force into distributed manageable forces.
2Stability of the object's composition
If earwear applies compressive force to remain in place, then earwear stability is improved, but discomfort and pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly acts as a mediator that the user can adjust or remove to control discomfort. The cushioned channel provides a comfortable interface while the adjustable line allows users to modify the counterbalancing force to eliminate pain while maintaining earwear stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable tension line introduces dynamics to the system, allowing real-time modification of the counterbalancing force. Users can adjust the line tension to optimize comfort while maintaining earwear stability, transforming a static uncomfortable system into a dynamic adjustable one.
3Stability of the object's composition
If eyewear temple contacts ear, then eyewear stability is improved, but pinna deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly with its cushion and channel structure serves as an intermediary between the eyewear temple and the ear. The channel guides the temple away from direct contact with the pinna, while the cushion provides support, preventing pinna deformation while maintaining eyewear stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved channel introduces a dimensional change in the contact interface. Instead of direct linear contact between temple and ear, the channel creates a three-dimensional pathway that redirects the contact force, preventing pinna deformation while maintaining the necessary stabilizing contact.
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 ear adapter assembly effectively reduces ear deformation and discomfort by counteracting compressive forces from earwear, providing improved comfort during simultaneous use of earwear and eyewear.
Implementation Method 1
The cushion is contoured such that an applied lateral force relative to the pinna portion is distributed by the cushion to reduce deformation of the pinna portion
Implementation Method 2
Tensioning of the line secures the eyewear loop to the temple of the eyewear or shapes the cushion in an area between the user's ear and the user's head
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for distributing a force to a user's ear resultant of a user's earwear. A cushion can be adapted to fit between a user's ear and a user's head. A curved channel defining a guide channel can pass alone the cushion. A line can extend through the cushion and the curved channel for attaching the ear adapter assembly to a user's eyewear. The cushion can distribute a force applied to a user's ear from a user's earwear to minimize deformation of the user's ear resultant of the compressive force from the user's earwear.