Ear Module Compressive Member for Secure Fit and Acoustic Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ear modules face challenges in securely and comfortably fitting various ear sizes, and in optimizing sound quality for frequency response, particularly in achieving a resonant peak near 2.7 kHz with minimal high-frequency attenuation.
Innovation Solution
The ear module design includes a compressive member/cover assembly that fits within the ear canal, providing a holding force between the anti-helix and the forward wall, with an extension that accommodates different ear sizes and a sound bore structure that directs sound effectively, incorporating a speaker and data processing resources for improved sound processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compressive member is used to secure the ear module between the anti-helix and forward wall, then the ear module achieves secure positioning, but it may cause discomfort or pressure on the ear
Solution Approach 1:
The compressive member is formed from a flexible, resilient material that can deform and conform to the ear's anatomy. This flexibility allows the member to provide secure positioning through elastic compression while distributing the pressure evenly across the ear structures, preventing discomfort and tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates adjustable parameters including the compressive force magnitude, the contact surface area, and the material properties of the resilient member. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves sufficient holding force for secure positioning while maintaining pressure within comfortable limits for prolonged wear.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ear module is designed to fit various ear sizes, then it achieves broader applicability, but the fitting precision and security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ear module is divided into modular components including the compressive member, the housing, and the audio elements. The compressive member can be independently selected or adjusted to match different ear sizes and shapes, while the housing maintains consistent dimensions for secure fitting. This segmentation allows customization for various ear anatomies without compromising overall fitting security.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressive member is designed with dynamic characteristics, being resilient and capable of deforming to adapt to different ear geometries. This dynamic adaptation allows a single design to securely fit various ear sizes by conforming to the specific anatomy of each user's ear, maintaining reliable positioning across diverse populations.
3Manufacturing precision
If the sound bore is designed to direct sound effectively, then sound quality is improved, but high-frequency attenuation may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sound bore incorporates curved, non-linear geometries rather than straight cylindrical passages. These curved pathways are designed to guide sound waves from the speaker to the ear canal while minimizing turbulence and reflection losses. The specific curvature profile is optimized to preserve high-frequency energy by reducing sharp transitions that would cause acoustic impedance mismatches and frequency-dependent attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound bore design optimizes parameters including the bore diameter, length, curvature radius, and wall angle. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves effective sound direction with minimal high-frequency loss. The bore dimensions are specifically tuned to avoid resonant frequencies that would cause unwanted attenuation while maintaining directional control of the sound output.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the compressive member/cover assembly is made positionable between left and right ear orientations, then the ear module achieves versatility for either ear, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressive member and cover assembly are designed with asymmetric features that allow them to be correctly oriented on either the left or right ear. The asymmetric design includes directional elements that naturally guide proper placement, ensuring that the audio elements face the correct direction while the compressive member engages the ear structures appropriately. This asymmetric versatility eliminates the need for separate left and right versions of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressive member/cover assembly serves multiple functions: it provides compression for securing the device, forms a cover for the audio elements, and enables bidirectional wear on either ear. By integrating these multiple functions into a single positionable assembly, the design achieves versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity, as the same components perform multiple roles.
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 design ensures secure fitting across various ear sizes, maintains air flow for comfort, and enhances sound quality by achieving a resonant peak near 2.7 kHz with minimal high-frequency attenuation, improving overall audio processing and frequency response.
Implementation Method 1
the compressive member provides a holding force between the anti-helix and the forward wall of the ear canal thereby securing the ear module on the ear
Implementation Method 2
the inner lobe comprises an extension and a speaker
Implementation Method 3
a sound bore having an exit and an entrance
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
An ear module, which can be selectively worn on either left or right ear, comprises an interior lobe, adapted to fit within the concha, comprising a speaker and a compressive member/cover assembly. The compressive member/cover assembly is positionable, typically rotatable, relative to the remainder of the inner lobe between left and right ear orientations to permit the ear module to be worn on either the left or the right ear. A method for improving the quality of sound emanating from an ear module includes selecting the sound bore within the ear module to help improve the frequency response of the ear module so that the ear module has a resonant peak near 2.7 kHz and a maximum 20 dB decrease in high frequency response as measured at 5 kHz from the average frequency response as measured at 500 Hz, 800 Hz, and 1600 Hz.