Modular Ear-Cup and Ear-Bud Wireless Charging During Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable audio systems, such as ear-cups and ear-buds, operate on the assumption that all users hear the same audio signal and lack efficient power management, leading to limited continuous usage due to small power sources and the need for frequent charging.
Innovation Solution
A modular wearable audio system comprising detachable and independently operable ear-cups and ear-buds that can perform active noise cancellation and wireless charging, optimizing power consumption by redistributing tasks to power sources with higher capacity and allowing ambient sound to be measured and played back to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If ear-buds use small power sources to maintain compact size, then device portability is improved, but duration of action deteriorates due to limited battery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the audio playback function into two independent components: ear-buds for audio output and ear-cups with larger power sources for power supply. The ear-cups can wirelessly charge the ear-buds, enabling the small ear-buds to extend their operational duration beyond their internal battery capacity while maintaining compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The ear-cups serve multiple functions: they act as standalone audio devices, serve as portable charging stations for ear-buds, and can transfer power wirelessly. This multi-functionality allows the system to extend playback duration without increasing ear-bud size.
2Use of energy by moving object
If ear-buds are removed for charging, then power consumption is managed, but loss of time increases due to interruption of usage
Solution Approach 1:
The ear-cups enable continuous wireless charging of ear-buds during usage, eliminating the need to remove ear-buds for charging. The power transfer occurs continuously while the user listens, maintaining uninterrupted audio playback and eliminating charging-related time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The ear-cups act as an intermediary power source between the wall charger and the ear-buds. They receive power wirelessly and transfer it to the ear-buds in real-time, enabling continuous operation without direct connection or removal of the ear-buds.
3Device complexity
If standalone ear-cups or ear-buds are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates as they cannot operate independently or together flexibly
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic configuration where ear-cups and ear-buds can operate independently or together based on user needs. The wireless connection and power transfer capabilities enable flexible switching between modes without physical reconfiguration, enhancing adaptability while maintaining simple individual device structures.
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
Enables extended continuous music playback and improved user experience through efficient power management and customizable audio based on individual hearing profiles, while allowing for ambient sound awareness without removing the devices.
Implementation Method 1
A dual function member can wirelessly transfer power to the wireless audio device, thereby enabling the wireless audio device to operate for a duration of the potentially desired usage
Data Source
AI summary
Introduced here is a wearable audio system including modular ear-cup and ear-bud that can be attached and detached to the user together, or independently of each other. Further, the modular ear-cup and ear-bud can operate together, or independently of each other. The wearable audio system can perform active noise cancellation by measuring noise inside the ear-cup and/or the ear-bud, computing the noise canceling sound, and forwarding the noise canceling sound to a speaker inside the ear-cup and/or the ear-bud. The wearable audio system can be wirelessly charged while operating, thus allowing the user to continuously listen to music more than previously possible. The wearable audio system can optimize power consumption by redistributing power intensive tasks to power sources with the highest amount of power. Further, the ambient sound outside the ear-cup can be measured and played by the speakers in the earbud allowing the user to hear the surrounding environment.