Ear Tip Stabilizer Loop with Flexible Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-ear audio products are unstable and uncomfortable due to varying ear shapes and sizes, leading to poor audio quality and increased complexity with external mechanical stabilizers.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting ear tip with a flexible and resilient suspension member that fits within the ear canal, using a stabilizer loop to engage with the concha and anti-tragus for secure placement and comfort, eliminating the need for external stabilizers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If external mechanical stabilizers are used to hold the receiver in place, then the receiver stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the receiver from direct contact with the ear and extracts it into a suspended position using a flexible suspension member. This allows the receiver to be held stable through the suspension mechanism rather than direct ear contact, enabling the use of simpler external stabilizers instead of complex internal mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible suspension member acts as an intermediary between the receiver and the ear. It provides the necessary stability and positioning while allowing the receiver to be detached from direct ear contact, thereby simplifying the overall device structure by reducing the need for complex mechanical stabilizers.
2Stability of the object's composition
If external mechanical stabilizers are added to position the receiver, then the receiver positioning is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible suspension member is designed to automatically adapt to the user's ear shape and size, providing self-positioning without requiring manual adjustment. The member's flexibility allows it to conform to individual ear contours, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension member is made flexible and resilient, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different ear shapes and sizes. This dynamic capability enables the same component to provide proper positioning for various users without requiring multiple fixed-size stabilizers or manual adjustment mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If external mechanical stabilizers are used to secure the receiver, then the receiver stability is improved, but the weight and size of the headset increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension member is constructed from flexible, thin-walled material that provides structural support while minimizing weight. This flexible shell approach allows the receiver to be suspended and stabilized without requiring heavy mechanical stabilizers, thereby reducing the overall headset weight while maintaining receiver stability.
4Device complexity
If conventional ear bud design is used without additional support, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the stability and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: the receiver, the flexible suspension member, and the external stabilizer. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while keeping the overall design simple. The suspension member provides suspension and positioning, while the external stabilizer provides additional support, avoiding the need for complex integrated structures.
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
Provides a stable and comfortable fit, enhancing audio quality by maintaining the ear tip in place without external stabilizers, reducing fatigue and mechanical failures, and allowing for longer wearability.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible and resilient suspension member dimensioned to fit within a cavum concha area of a user's ear. The suspension member is arranged to extend from the body to contact the cavum concha behind the antitragus and flexibly and resiliently suspend the body above a floor area of the cavum concha
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for delivering sound to a user ear are disclosed. In one example, an apparatus for delivering sound to an ear canal includes a body attachable to an electro-acoustic transducer and an ear canal port attached to the body arranged to insert into an entrance of the user ear canal. The apparatus includes a suspension member attached to the body arranged to contact the cavum concha behind the antitragus and flexibly suspend an electro-acoustic transducer attached to the body above a floor area of the cavum concha. The suspension member is further arranged to flexibly suspend the electro-acoustic transducer attached to body adjacent a sidewall area of the cavum concha.