Earbud Turn Wheel Control With Charging Case for Battery Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless earbuds face limitations such as limited battery life, difficulty in managing sound file playback without a connected device, and potential loss during charging, which detract from the desired personalized sound experience.
Innovation Solution
The invention provides wireless earbuds with a charge case, each earbud featuring a rotatable turn wheel for control, an ear cushion for secure fit, and a charging coil for inductive power transfer, along with a push button for additional control, ensuring seamless operation and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If wireless earbuds are made lightweight and compact for personalization, then portability and comfort are improved, but battery life becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two parts: the lightweight earbuds for portability and a separate charging case for extended power. The earbuds contain a first power source for immediate use, while the charging case contains a second power source that replenishes the earbuds when not in use, effectively extending total battery life without increasing earbud weight.
2Ease of operation
If control features are added to manage sound file playback, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions (play/pause, track skipping, volume control) are merged into a single rotary control interface. The rotary control can be rotated for one function (e.g., track selection) and pressed for another function (e.g., play/pause), consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate buttons or controls into one unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary control serves multiple functions depending on the state of playback and the specific interaction (rotation vs. press). A single control element handles track navigation, playback control, and potentially volume adjustment, making the control system universal rather than requiring dedicated controls for each function.
3Duration of action of moving object
If charging case is provided for extended battery life, then duration of action is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging case automatically detects when earbuds are placed within it and initiates charging without user intervention. The system self-manages the power transfer from the second power source in the charging case to the first power source in the earbuds, eliminating the need for manual charging operations or complex user interfaces.
4Reliability
If friction between ear cushion and ear canal is increased for secure fit, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty rotating turn wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is separated from the ear cushion that contacts the ear canal. The turn wheel is positioned on the outer surface of the earbud body, physically detached from the ear cushion interface. This segmentation allows the ear cushion to provide secure retention through friction while the turn wheel remains freely rotatable for control operations without being affected by the friction at the ear canal interface.
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 enhances user control and convenience by allowing wireless operation, extended battery life through charging, and reduces the risk of loss, providing a more desirable sound listening experience.
Implementation Method 1
a charging coil for inductive power transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A body supports a speaker and an ear cushion adjacent a proximal portion thereof. The ear cushion is sized to fit within an ear canal of a user for holding of the earbud in position and directing sound from the speaker into the ear of the user. A distal end of the body supports a turn wheel in a rotational fashion relative to the body. The turn wheel has frictional resistance to rotation relative to the body which is less than friction force between the ear cushion and the inner ear of the user, such that torque applied to the turn wheel causes the turn wheel to rotate relative to the body. Rotation of the turn wheel causes at least one characteristic of sound emanating from the speaker of the earbud to be modified. A charger box is also provided which can contain and wirelessly charge a pair of earbuds.