Earbud Holder Identifier for Stereo Channel Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable sound equipment with wireless communication capabilities lacks the ability to seamlessly switch between right and left sound channels, leading to inconvenience in stereo sound appreciation when earbuds are worn on opposite sides.
Innovation Solution
A portable sound equipment system with a pair of earbuds and holders, where each earbud is equipped with a wireless communication module and a detecting unit that switches modes based on identifiers, such as magnets or protrusions, to ensure correct sound channel output when worn on either side, allowing for automatic switching of main and sub roles between earbuds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If earbuds are made wireless and detachable for portability, then mobility and use convenience are improved, but the ability to automatically distinguish right and left sound channels is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-equipping each holder with a unique identifier (first identifier in right holder, second identifier in left holder) before the earbud is used. When the earbud is placed in a holder, the detecting unit automatically detects the identifier in advance, enabling the controller to pre-determine the correct sound channel assignment (right or left) before the user actually wears the earbud. This preliminary detection and setup eliminates the need for manual configuration and ensures reliable sound channel output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the automatic detection and identification system. The detecting unit in the earbud autonomously detects the identifier in the holder, and the controller automatically switches between first mode and second mode based on the detected identifier. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for user intervention to configure sound channels, making the system both portable and reliable simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If earbuds lack automatic right/left identification, then device complexity is reduced, but manual adjustment is required for proper sound direction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the holder identifier and switching modes without user intervention. The detecting unit autonomously identifies whether the earbud is in the right or left holder, and the controller automatically configures the sound output mode, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining simple earbud structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback through the detecting unit that continuously monitors the holder identifier status. Based on the feedback from the detected identifier (first or second), the controller automatically adjusts the sound channel assignment. This feedback mechanism ensures correct sound output without requiring complex manual configuration procedures.
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
Enhances user convenience by ensuring correct stereo sound output regardless of earbud placement, providing improved sound quality and eliminating the need for manual adjustment of earbud positions for proper sound direction.
Implementation Method 1
The first identifier may include a first magnet having magnetic flux of first size. The detecting unit may include a hole sensor configured to detect the magnetic flux of the magnet.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a portable sound equipment. The present invention includes a body, first and second holders formed at the body, and a pair of earbuds, each earbud of the pair of earbuds detachably coupled with the first and second holders. And each earbud of the pair of the earbuds comprises a sound output unit , a wireless communication unit, a detecting unit configured to detect whether the earbud is coupled with the first holder or the second holder, and a controller configured to control the wireless communication unit and the sound output unit in first mode in response to detection of coupling of the earbud with the first holder, and control the wireless communication unit and the sound output unit in a second mode in response to detection of coupling of the earbud with the second holder.