Earbud Passageway Layout for Tympanic Sensing and Clear Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional earbuds with built-in tympanic temperature sensors face issues of sound wave obstruction and inaccurate temperature readings due to sensor placement, either obstructing sound paths or receiving irrelevant infrared radiation.
Innovation Solution
The earbud design separates infrared radiation and sound wave paths within the passageway, using an optical waveguide for temperature measurement and a funnel-shaped sound waveguide to maintain sound quality and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the tympanic temperature sensor is disposed in the sound passageway, then the sensor can receive infrared radiation from the eardrum, but the sound waves traveling through the sound passageway are obstructed by the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The passageway is divided into two separate paths: an infrared radiation path for the temperature sensor and a sound wave path for audio transmission. This segmentation allows both functions to operate independently without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between temperature measurement accuracy and sound wave obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by creating separate paths within the passageway structure. The infrared radiation path and sound wave path are positioned at different spatial locations, allowing both to coexist without interference. This dimensional separation enables the sensor to measure temperature accurately while sound waves travel unobstructed.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the tympanic temperature sensor is disposed in the cavity, then the sound passageway is not obstructed, but the sensor is distal from the opening of the sound passageway and receives a great amount of irrelevant infrared radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The passageway is segmented into distinct infrared radiation path and sound wave path, allowing the sensor to be positioned optimally for temperature measurement while preventing it from obstructing sound waves. The separation ensures the sensor receives only relevant infrared radiation from the eardrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide acts as an intermediary that guides infrared radiation from the eardrum to the temperature sensor along a controlled path. This intermediary structure ensures the sensor receives only the intended infrared radiation while blocking irrelevant radiation from other sources.
3Device complexity
If a single path is used for both infrared radiation and sound waves, then the structure is simpler, but the paths are not separated and temperature measurement accuracy and sound quality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The passageway is divided into functionally separate infrared radiation path and sound wave path, achieving both structural organization and functional performance. This segmentation maintains relative simplicity while enabling accurate temperature measurement and high-quality sound transmission simultaneously.
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
Accurate body temperature measurement and enhanced sound quality are achieved by isolating radiation and sound paths, with improved infrared reflection and increased sound pressure levels.
Implementation Method 1
The thermometer module is adapted to receive infrared radiation from an eardrum of the user via the passageway to determine a body temperature of the user
Implementation Method 2
The optical waveguide is configured as a tube, and is disposed in the passageway... The optical waveguide defines an infrared radiation path therein
Implementation Method 3
The speaker module is operable to generate sound waves that travel through the passageway toward the eardrum
Data Source
AI summary
An earbud includes a housing, a thermometer module and a speaker module. The housing defines a passageway having a passageway opening. The thermometer module is disposed in the housing, and receives infrared radiation from an eardrum via the passageway. The speaker module is disposed in the housing, and is operable to generate sound waves that travel through the passageway toward the eardrum. The speaker module cooperates with the housing and the thermometer module to define an infrared radiation path and a sound wave path within the passageway that are separated from each other and that are for the infrared radiation from the eardrum and the sound waves generated by the speaker module to respectively travel therethrough.