Ear Tip Shield Structure to Prevent Foreign-Substance Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deformation of the shield member in ear tips used with wearable sound output devices due to different materials of the first and second members leads to a loss of the function of blocking foreign substances, allowing them to enter the device.
Innovation Solution
The ear tip design includes a first member with a shield member disposed between it and a second member, where the shield member is fixed by first and second fixing portions, and the second member is coupled to surround the first member, with an extension to reinforce the fixing force and an outlet to discharge foreign substances externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shield member is disposed between the first member and the second member to block foreign substances, then the function of blocking foreign substances is improved, but the shield member deforms due to different materials of the first and second members
Solution Approach 1:
The first member and second member are made of the same material (e.g., both silicone or both urethane) to ensure uniform physical and chemical properties throughout the ear tip structure. This material homogeneity prevents differential expansion, contraction, or degradation that would otherwise cause the shield member to deform, thereby maintaining both the blocking function and structural stability over time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the second member is made of different material than the first member to provide different properties, then the functional properties are improved, but the shield member deforms due to material differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using identical materials for both the first member and second member (both silicone or both urethane), eliminating material-based differential behavior that causes shield deformation. This resolves the contradiction by showing that material uniformity can provide sufficient functional adaptability while preventing the harmful effects of material heterogeneity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the shield member is fixed with multiple fixing portions to prevent deformation, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By making the first and second members identical in material composition, the patent eliminates the root cause of shield deformation, thereby achieving shield member stability without requiring complex multi-point fixing structures. The homogeneity approach simplifies the overall device design while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
An example ear tip includes a first member including a first inner space; a shield member which includes a first surface and a second surface and is arranged in the first inner space; and a second member which includes a second inner space that is connected to the first inner space via the shield member and is coupled to the first member so as to at least partially surround the first member, wherein the first member including a first fixing unit which is coupled to a first region of the first surface and a second fixing unit which is coupled to a region of the second surface, the region partially overlapping the first region.