Earphone Diaphragm Venting for Pressure Equalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing earphones with pressure adjustment holes on both sides of the housing complicate the structure and increase manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

An earphone design with a through-membrane hole in the diaphragm and an adjustment hole in the housing wall opposite to the nozzle, allowing pressure equalization without additional flow paths, simplifying the housing configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pressure adjustment holes are provided on both sides of the housing, then internal pressure can be adjusted, but the housing structure becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure adjustmentVSAvoidhousing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pressure adjustment function with the existing diaphragm structure by forming a through-hole directly in the diaphragm. This merges two separate components (diaphragm and pressure adjustment mechanism) into one, eliminating the need for separate pressure adjustment holes in the housing while maintaining the pressure equalization function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The diaphragm with through-hole acts as an intermediary element that enables pressure adjustment without requiring direct modification of the housing structure. The through-hole in the diaphragm serves as a mediator that allows pressure equalization between the upper and lower chambers while keeping the housing configuration simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If pressure adjustment holes are provided on both sides of the housing, then internal pressure can be adjusted, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure adjustmentVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the pressure adjustment function from the housing structure and relocates it to the diaphragm. By forming a through-hole directly in the diaphragm, the pressure adjustment capability is separated from the housing manufacturing process, simplifying housing production and reducing overall manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the diaphragm divides the housing space, then sound can be emitted through the nozzle, but pressure equalization becomes difficult without complicating the housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound emissionVSAvoidhousing configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pressure equalization function with the diaphragm structure by incorporating a through-hole directly in the diaphragm. This allows the diaphragm to simultaneously serve as both the sound-emitting component and the pressure equalization mechanism, eliminating the need for additional housing modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The diaphragm is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as the sound-emitting membrane, divides the housing into upper and lower chambers, and provides a pressure equalization path through its through-hole. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pressure adjustment holes in the housing, maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Simplifies the earphone structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and maintains sound quality by balancing internal pressures effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a diaphragm that is provided so as to divide a space inside the housing into two, and vibrates in accordance with a potential difference generated between the diaphragm and the fixed pole facing each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

a through-membrane hole penetrating the diaphragm is formed in the portion of the diaphragm... adjusts a pressure inside the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12538069B2Earphone

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 AUDIO TECHNICA CORP

AI summary

An earphone includes a housing that is connected with a nozzle for emitting sound to the outside, a fixed pole that is fixed inside the housing, a diaphragm that is provided so as to divide a space inside the housing into two, and vibrates in accordance with a potential difference generated between the diaphragm and the fixed pole facing each other, a support part that supports the diaphragm such that a portion of the diaphragm is in contact with the fixed pole, and an adjustment hole that is formed so as to penetrate a wall of the housing on a side opposite to the one having the nozzle, from the perspective of the diaphragm, and adjusts a pressure inside the housing. A through-membrane hole penetrating the diaphragm is formed in the portion of the diaphragm.