Ear-Clip Earbud Geometry for Stable and Comfortable Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ear-clip earphones suffer from poor wearing comfort and stability, which are critical evaluation indicators for users.
Innovation Solution
The earphone design includes a sound-generating portion, an abutment portion, and an ear hook that form a clamping state on the helix of the user's ear, with specific geometric configurations such as defined reference points and angles to ensure proper fitting and minimize contact with the ear structure, thereby enhancing stability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the earphone uses a conventional clamping structure on the helix, then the wearing stability is improved, but the wearing comfort deteriorates due to excessive contact with the ear structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional two-dimensional clamping approach to a three-dimensional spatial configuration. By defining specific geometric parameters (first connecting line length: 11-19mm, second connecting line length: 10.5-18.4mm, angle between lines: 20°-65°), the inner contour is positioned in a optimized three-dimensional space that bypasses the helix while maintaining clamping effectiveness through spatial arrangement rather than direct contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved geometric configurations in the inner contour design. The arc-to-chord ratio is specifically controlled (1.02-1.16) to create a curved path that smoothly bypasses the helix structure. This curvature allows the earphone to follow the natural contours of the ear while maintaining distance from the helix, reducing contact and improving comfort without compromising stability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the inner contour is designed to bypass the helix maximally, then the wearing comfort is improved, but the wearing stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple geometric parameters simultaneously to achieve the desired balance. The first connecting line length is set to 11-19mm, the second connecting line length to 10.5-18.4mm, and the angle between them to 20°-65°. These parameter ranges were carefully selected to ensure the inner contour bypasses the helix maximally while maintaining sufficient clamping force and structural stability through precise dimensional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary geometric configuration during the design stage by pre-calculating and fixing the critical dimensions (connecting line lengths and angles) before manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that the final product inherently possesses the optimal balance between bypassing the helix and maintaining stability, eliminating the need for post-production adjustments.
3Volume of moving object
If the earphone structure is simplified to reduce volume and mass, then the wearing comfort is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the earphone structure into distinct functional segments: the sound-generating portion, the abutment portion, and the ear hook, each with specific geometric constraints. This segmentation allows for simplified overall design and reduced volume while maintaining precise control over critical dimensions through modular manufacturing of each component followed by assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
An earphone (200), including a sound-generating portion (210), an abutment portion (220), and an ear hook (230). The ear hook (230) is connected to the sound-generating portion (210) and the abutment portion (220); in a reference cross-section (B-B) in a length direction of the ear hook (230) and in a natural state, the midpoint of the shortest connection line between an outer wall surface of the sound-generating portion (210) and an outer wall surface of the abutment portion (220) serves as a first reference point (O) or the midpoint of an arc formed by a contact region between the outer wall surface of the sound-generating portion (210) and the outer wall surface of the abutment portion (220) serves as a first reference point (O); the ear hook (230), the sound-generating portion (210) and the abutment portion (220) have an inner contour; the inner contour has a second reference point (C) farthest from the first reference point (O); the inner contour further has a third reference point (E) located on the side of the second reference point (C) facing the sound-generating portion (210); a first connection line (CO) is formed between the first reference point (O) and the second reference point (C); a second connection line (CE) is formed between the second reference point (C) and the third reference point (E); the length of the first connection line (CO) ranges from 11 mm to 19 mm; the angle between the first connection line (CO) and the second connection line (CE) ranges from 20° to 65°; and the length of the second connection line (CE) ranges from 10.5 mm to 18.4 mm. By means of the method, the wearing comfort and wearing stability of the earphone (200) can be effectively improved.