Power-Saving Earphone Elastic Sheath Grounding Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional earphones with touch sensitive keys face high power consumption issues due to constant power supply needed for the touch control chip, especially when not in use, which shortens the battery life and complicates design with mechanical key drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
A power-saving earphone design featuring a casing with first and second grounding paths, an audio member, and an elastic soft sheath that forms an open circuit when not in use, enabling the sensing member to function only when worn by electrically connecting the paths upon deformation, thus reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a touch sensitive key is used to replace mechanical key, then the earphone can have compact components and light/thin appearance, but the touch control chip needs constant power supply which increases power consumption and shortens battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the grounding path configurable through software control. The switching element dynamically changes the electrical connection state of the second grounding path based on operational mode (touch control mode vs. power saving mode), allowing the system to adapt its power consumption characteristics while maintaining touch sensitivity functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (grounding connection state) of the touch control circuit by controlling the switching element. When the switching element is in the first state, the second grounding path is connected, enabling touch control. When in the second state, the connection is断开, putting the touch control chip in a low-power state while preserving its touch sensing capability.
2Ease of operation
If the touch control chip operates constantly to maintain touch key functionality, then the touch control function is always available, but the battery life is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state by controlling the switching element to connect or disconnect the second grounding path. This allows the touch control chip to switch between full operational mode (when touch control is needed) and low-power standby mode (when not in use), thereby extending battery life while maintaining functionality on demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic activation of the touch control chip by controlling the switching element to enable the second grounding path only during periods when touch control functionality is required. This periodic operation pattern allows the chip to remain in a low-power state during intervals when touch control is not needed, reducing overall power consumption while ensuring availability when required.
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
This design effectively lowers power consumption when the earphone is not in use, prolonging battery life and allowing for more design flexibility by enabling the touch sensitive key functionality only when needed.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic soft sheath is disposed on the periphery of the casing and capable of being elastically deformed by an external force. When the elastic soft sheath is elastically deformed by the external force, the first grounding path is electrically connected with the second grounding path through the elastic soft sheath
Data Source
AI summary
A power-saving earphone includes a casing, an audio member, a sensing member, and an elastic soft sheath. The casing has first and second grounding paths provided separately. The audio member is disposed in the casing and includes a processing unit electrically connected with the first grounding path. The sensing member includes a controlling unit electrically connected with the second grounding path. The elastic soft sheath is disposed on the casing and capable of being elastically deformed by an external force. When the elastic soft sheath is not deformed, the first and second grounding paths form an open circuit. When the elastic soft sheath is elastically deformed by the external force, the elastic soft sheath electrically connects the first and second grounding paths, enabling the sensing member to function.