Headphone Ear Cushion Wireless Charging Without Added Bulk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable audio playback devices require frequent recharging due to increased power consumption, and existing wireless charging solutions often compromise the device's aesthetics, comfort, and portability by requiring significant structural modifications.
Innovation Solution
Integrate wireless charging components, such as a wireless power receiver, into the ear cushion or headband of wearable playback devices, allowing for convenient and efficient charging without altering the device's form factor, and enable user-replaceable ear cushions for enhanced repairability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless charging components are integrated into the wearable playback device, then wireless charging capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wireless power receiver component with the ear cushion, creating a unified integrated structure. This merging approach enables wireless charging functionality to be added without requiring separate external charging devices or complex attachment mechanisms, thereby improving versatility while managing device complexity through consolidation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless charging components are integrated into the wearable playback device, then wireless charging capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wearable playback device into distinct modular components, with the wireless power receiver specifically integrated into the ear cushion module. This segmentation allows manufacturers to produce the ear cushion with wireless charging capabilities as a separate unit that can be independently tested, assembled, and replaced, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite adding new functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless charging components are integrated into the wearable playback device, then wireless charging capability is improved, but the device's aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the wireless power receiver component specifically within the ear cushion, which is a functional element already present in the headphone structure. By localizing the wireless charging functionality to this specific area rather than requiring external housings or visible components, the design maintains its aesthetic appearance while enabling wireless charging capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wireless charging components are integrated into the wearable playback device, then wireless charging capability is improved, but portability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the wireless power receiver component within the existing ear cushion structure, utilizing the available internal space of the cushion. This nesting approach allows the wireless charging functionality to be embedded without adding external bulk or significant weight, thereby maintaining the device's portability while enabling wireless charging capability.
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 convenient wireless charging without compromising the device's aesthetics or functionality, allowing for larger components and improved performance while enhancing maintainability.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power transmitter, configured to wirelessly transmit power to the wearable playback device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for wirelessly powering wearable audio playback devices are disclosed. Such a system can include a wearable audio playback device including a first earcup carrying a first audio transducer and a second earcup carrying a second audio transducer, the first earcup and the second earcup coupled together via a headband, an ear cushion configured to be removably coupled to the first earcup, and a wireless power receiver disposed within the ear cushion. A separate wireless charging device includes an energy storage component and a wireless power transmitter configured to wirelessly supply energy to the wireless power receiver.