Ear Protection Device with Integrated Bluetooth and Conductive Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ear protection devices integrated with helmets impede communication while providing hearing protection, and existing solutions often involve cumbersome cable connections that are prone to interference and environmental damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating communication means such as a loudspeaker, microphone, and Bluetooth transceiver into the ear protection device's housing, with electrically conductive contact elements for power and data transfer, and a multifunctional bearing device that supports the device and maintains dust- and liquid-tight connections, allowing for bidirectional communication without compromising protective effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If communication means are integrated into the ear protection device, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates communication means (loudspeaker, microphone, Bluetooth transceiver) directly into the ear protection device housing, merging hearing protection and communication functions into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate communication devices and reduces overall system complexity despite adding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing of the ear protection device serves multiple functions: it protects the ear, houses communication components, provides structural support, and integrates electrical connections. This multi-functionality approach allows the device to perform both hearing protection and communication tasks without requiring additional separate components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If cable connections are used for communication means, then power and data transfer are enabled, but reliability deteriorates due to interference and environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates vulnerable cable connections by integrating power and data transfer contacts directly into the bearing device structure. The electrical contacts are built-in and protected within the housing, removing external cables that are susceptible to interference, damage, and environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing device serves as an intermediary structure that simultaneously provides mechanical support for pivoting and houses protected electrical contacts for power and data transfer. This intermediary structure shields the electrical connections from environmental damage while enabling reliable communication between the ear protection device and external systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the housing accommodates communication means and contact elements, then multifunctionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing device is designed as an integrated component that combines mechanical support functions with electrical contact functions. By merging these functions into a single structure rather than separate components, the patent simplifies the overall manufacturing process despite the increased multifunctionality of the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
An ear protection device for hearing protection and for fastening to a protective helmet includes a housing with a bearing device, via which it is pivotably mounted in a forklike supporting bracket. A communications device is arranged in the housing and the bearing device has at least two electrically conductive contact elements. A communications system is joined to a protective helmet.