Active Ear Cushion Fluid Guide for Thermal Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headsets lack effective temperature regulation, leading to discomfort in varying environments, particularly in noisy workplaces where users wear them for extended periods, and may experience cold or warm ears due to inadequate passive cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
An active tempering system comprising a fluid supply and fluid guide device connected to the ear cushion, allowing for the controlled flow of heated or cooled fluids through the ear cushion via overpressure or negative pressure, ensuring uniform temperature adaptation to environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If passive cooling systems are used in ear cushions, then some temperature regulation is provided, but the tempering effect is insufficient for higher and/or lower temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical cooling systems with an active fluid-based tempering system. Fluid channels are integrated into the ear cushion, allowing controlled circulation of tempering fluid (coolant or heater) to actively regulate temperature, thereby achieving reliable tempering across a wider temperature range than passive systems alone.
2Reliability
If headsets are worn for extended periods in noisy environments, then hearing protection is provided, but wearer discomfort increases due to sweat and temperature buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous fluid circulation through the ear cushion to maintain thermal comfort during extended wear. The system continuously removes heat and moisture from the ear area, preventing temperature buildup and sweat accumulation, thereby maintaining wearing comfort over long periods while preserving hearing protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The ear cushion incorporates porous moisture-absorbent materials that work in conjunction with the fluid channels. These materials absorb sweat and facilitate evaporation, enhancing the cooling effect and improving comfort during prolonged use in noisy environments.
3Reliability
If cups and ear cushions are used in cold environments, then hearing protection is maintained, but the cups and ear cushion become too cold causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive thermal insulation with an active heating system integrated into the ear cushion. Heating elements and fluid channels are incorporated to actively warm the ear cushion, preventing it from becoming too cold in cold environments while maintaining hearing protection functionality.
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
This system significantly enhances wearing comfort by maintaining a pleasant ear temperature, reducing the risk of discomfort and associated health issues, while maintaining safety and user-friendliness without compromising hearing protection.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid flows through the ear cushions by an overpressure or negative pressure
Implementation Method 2
The tempered ear cushion has the advantage that feeling unwell because of too cold and/or to warm ears
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system 10 comprising an ear cushion 20 for a headset 100, a fluid supply 30 and a fluid guide device 40 connected to the ear cushion 20. The present disclosure further relates to an ear cushion 20 for a headset 100, a fluid guide device 40 for a headset 100. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to a headset 100 as well as to a headgear 200 comprising such a system 10.