Earmold Posterior Arch Compression for Secure Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small, in-ear headphones or earbuds tend to be dislodged during forceful movements like jogging or biking due to inadequate retention in the ear, despite their preference for smaller size and weight.
Innovation Solution
An earmold with a main body fitting the concha cavum, featuring a hollow sound channel and a posterior arch that compresses against the antihelix region to maintain secure positioning, made from a firm but flexible elastomeric material like silicon or rubber, with optional fins and struts for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If small-size earbuds are used to reduce weight and size, then portability and comfort are improved, but retention stability deteriorates during forceful movements
Solution Approach 1:
The earpiece system is divided into two functional components: a lightweight earbud unit for sound delivery and a separate earmold component for retention. The earmold acts as an independent retention mechanism that can be customized to fit individual ear anatomy, while the earbud itself remains small and light for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism transitions from relying solely on the earbud's physical fit within the ear canal to utilizing the earmold that extends into the concha bowl area. This adds a spatial dimension to retention by engaging multiple ear regions (concha bowl and ear canal) rather than just the ear canal alone.
2Reliability
If larger headphones are used to improve retention, then earpiece stability is improved, but weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The headphone system is segmented into a lightweight earbud component and a separate earmold component. The earmold provides the retention function that would otherwise require larger headphones, while the earbud itself remains compact and light for comfort during exercise.
Solution Approach 2:
Retention force is localized to specific regions of the ear through the earmold's anatomical features. The posterior arch engages the antihelix region, the flange engages the concha bowl rim, and the sound channel directs sound into the ear canal, distributing retention forces locally rather than requiring overall increased size.
3Reliability
If the earmold material is made firm to improve retention, then retention stability is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The earmold employs varying material firmness in different regions: firmer material in contact areas (posterior arch against antihelix, flange against concha rim) for stable retention, and softer material in non-contact or low-pressure areas for comfort. This spatial variation in material properties allows simultaneous achievement of retention and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the earmold are optimized by selecting elastomeric materials with specific durometer ranges that balance firmness for retention and softness for comfort. The material parameters are chosen to provide sufficient engagement force while remaining comfortable during extended wear during physical activity.
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 earmold effectively secures the earpiece in the ear during physical activities, ensuring comfort and retention without causing pressure discomfort, accommodating various ear shapes and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The earmold is formed from a firm but flexible elastomeric material, such as silicon or rubber
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for retaining an earpiece in the ear during physical movement and exercise. In various instances, the apparatus may include a thinned region a posterior arch and ribs to allow deformation of the earmold and facilitate securing of the earmold in the concha bowl of the ear.