Ear Tip Wedge-Shaped Apertures for Occlusion Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ear tips for in-ear earpieces either cause occlusion effects leading to discomfort and loss of audio quality due to incomplete sealing, or they block external noise but compromise on mid-range frequency reproduction and comfort.
Innovation Solution
The ear tip features a hollow main body with wedge-shaped apertures around its peripheral portion, allowing for an un-occluded air path and improved acoustic coupling, enhancing mid-range frequency perception while maintaining lower frequencies and comfort through elastomer materials and strategic design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional ear tips substantially seal the entrance of the ear canal to block external noise, then noise isolation is improved, but occlusion effect occurs causing discomfort and loss of audio quality
Solution Approach 1:
The ear tip is segmented with multiple aperture types: first apertures in the peripheral portion for noise isolation, and second apertures in the main body for ventilation and audio quality. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different functions, blocking external noise while preventing occlusion effect through the second apertures.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the ear tip have different aperture characteristics. The peripheral portion has first apertures optimized for noise blocking, while the main body has second apertures optimized for maintaining audio quality and reducing occlusion. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between noise isolation and comfort.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional ear tips have an incomplete seal to prevent occlusion effect, then comfort is improved, but audio quality is lost particularly in lower frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture system is segmented into first apertures for noise isolation and second apertures for audio quality maintenance. The second apertures in the main body are specifically designed to preserve lower frequency audio while the first apertures in the peripheral portion provide the sealing needed to prevent occlusion effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The second apertures act as intermediary channels that allow controlled air flow to maintain audio quality and prevent occlusion effect, while the first apertures provide the primary sealing function. This intermediary structure enables both incomplete sealing for comfort and audio quality preservation.
3Reliability
If conventional ear tips seal the ear canal to deliver sound, then audio delivery is improved, but pressure and heat build-up occurs causing discomfort for extended wear
Solution Approach 1:
The ear tip is divided into peripheral portion with first apertures for audio delivery and main body with second apertures for ventilation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain audio delivery through the first apertures while enabling heat and pressure relief through the second apertures.
Solution Approach 2:
The second apertures provide continuous ventilation to prevent heat and pressure build-up during extended wear, while the first apertures continuously deliver audio. This continuous dual-function operation resolves the contradiction between audio delivery and thermal comfort.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional ear tips seal the ear canal for sound isolation, then noise blocking is improved, but mid-range frequency reproduction is emphasized over vocals and lead instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture system is segmented with first apertures in the peripheral portion for noise blocking and second apertures in the main body for mid-range frequency enhancement. This segmentation allows noise isolation while preserving and enhancing vocal and lead instrument frequencies through the second apertures.
Solution Approach 2:
Different aperture locations provide different acoustic functions. The first apertures in the peripheral portion provide noise blocking, while the second apertures in the main body are positioned to specifically enhance mid-range frequencies, resolving the contradiction between noise isolation and vocal/lead instrument reproduction.
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
The solution effectively reduces occlusion effects, increases mid-range frequency sound pressure levels, and maintains lower frequencies, providing a comfortable listening experience for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
The peripheral portion has an outer edge with a plurality of wedge-shaped apertures formed integrally and spaced around the outer edge... allowing for an un-occluded air path
Implementation Method 2
The second opening and/or the coupling portion of the housing are adapted to be acoustically coupled with each other... delivering sound when placed within human ears
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the present invention, an ear tip for increasing mid-range frequency perception of an earpiece is provided. The ear tip includes a hollow main body having a first end defining a first opening and a second end defining a second opening for coupling to a coupling portion of a housing of the earpiece, and a peripheral portion integrally coupled to an outer surface of the first opening and shaped to conform to a surface of an ear canal. The peripheral portion has an outer edge with a plurality of wedge-shaped apertures formed integrally and spaced around the outer edge. The second opening and/or the coupling portion of the housing are adapted to be acoustically coupled with each other.