Hearing Protector Ear Cup Locking Assembly for Small Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art hearing protection ear cups face challenges in mounting electronics and loudspeakers, resulting in large openings that are difficult to close and a risk of losing small battery lids.
Innovation Solution
An ear cup design featuring a locking device with a movable locking member and cooperating retainer means allows for simple mounting and assembly of electronics and a current source, ensuring no loose parts and a secure, rational assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the loudspeaker and electronics are mounted as a unit on the inside of the lid, then mounting of the electronics is simple, but a large opening is required in the inner cup portion which is difficult to close
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the ear cup into two separate cup portions: an inner cup portion that forms the noise damping space and an outer cup portion that accommodates the electronics and loudspeaker. This segmentation allows the opening in the inner cup portion to be small and easily closable, while the electronics are mounted on the outer cup portion, resolving the contradiction between mounting simplicity and opening size.
2Ease of operation
If a separate small hatch or lid is used for battery access, then battery replacement is enabled, but the small hatch or lid may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the battery access function into the main outer cup portion structure. The outer cup portion itself serves as both the protective cover and the access mechanism for the battery compartment, eliminating the need for separate small hatches or lids that could be lost. This combining of functions maintains ease of battery access while eliminating the risk of losing separate small components.
3Strength
If the outer cup portion is fixed on the inner cup portion with a locking device, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to be actuated by the user through simple manual operation. The locking member can be moved between locked and open positions by the user, providing secure attachment without requiring complex automated mechanisms or additional actuation systems. The self-service nature of the locking mechanism maintains simplicity while achieving secure attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
An ear cup which comprises an inner cup portion for the formation of a noise damping space and an outer cup portion for the formation of a space for accommodating electronics, electrical connections and/or a current source. The outer cup portion is fixable on the inner with the aid of a locking member which is insertable in a guide in the outer cup portion. The inner cup portion has a locking recess and the outer cup portion has an aperture. The locking member is placed in the locking recess and the aperture. The locking member has an outer shank and an inner shank. The outer shank is provided with a bulge which engages with a recess in the outer cup portion. The inner shank is provided with a locking portion which engages with the inner cup portion. The locking portion has projections which prevent withdrawal of the inner shank out of the aperture. In association with the projections, recesses are provided which, together with recesses in the outer cup portion, entail that the locking member can “be wriggled” into position in the aperture. The ear cup is designed in order to realise simple and rational assembly of the components included.