Earphone Nozzle-Integrated Structure With Drum Safety Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Earphones with integrated nozzle structures often apply increased pressure on the eardrum when worn, leading to discomfort and impaired sound quality due to the clogging of the ear canal, with existing solutions failing to effectively alleviate this pressure.
Innovation Solution
An earphone design incorporating a drum safety filter (DSF) structure with a DSF hole and mesh member in the communication path, which relieves eardrum pressure by filtering air and sound flow, reducing pressure on the eardrum through the integration of a penetrated sleeve, retainer, magnet, yoke, plate, voice coil, and diaphragm configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an integrated nozzle structure is used in the earphone housing, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the eardrum pressure increases causing discomfort and sound quality deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple functional sections: a main housing body and a separate nozzle portion that can be selectively positioned. The nozzle portion is detachably coupled to the housing body, allowing the user to configure whether the nozzle opens toward the eardrum or away from it. This segmentation enables the same housing structure to operate in different modes (integrated nozzle mode for compactness, separate nozzle mode for reduced eardrum pressure) without increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle portion is designed with dynamic positioning capability through detachable coupling mechanisms (such as magnetic attraction or snap-fit connections). This allows the nozzle to be repositioned between different configurations: coupled to the housing body for integrated operation, or separated to redirect the opening away from the eardrum. The dynamic nature of this coupling enables adaptive adjustment of eardrum pressure based on user comfort needs while maintaining the simplified integrated structure when desired.
2Reliability
If the earphone housing clogs the ear canal to maintain sound isolation, then sound quality is improved, but high pressure is formed inside the ear canal causing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle portion provides dynamic control over ear canal occlusion. When coupled to the housing body, the nozzle creates an integrated structure that seals the ear canal for optimal sound isolation and quality. When separated, the nozzle opening redirects away from the eardrum, creating a venting effect that reduces pressure buildup while maintaining acceptable sound transmission. This dynamic configuration allows users to switch between sound-isolated and pressure-relief modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is segmented into a main body and a detachable nozzle portion, enabling independent optimization of sound isolation and pressure management. The nozzle portion specifically handles the function of controlling ear canal occlusion, while the main housing body maintains the audio transduction components. This segmentation allows the nozzle to be positioned to either seal the canal (improving sound quality) or vent pressure (reducing discomfort) based on operational needs.
3Strength
If pressure is applied onto the eardrum during earphone use, then the earphone maintains secure positioning, but the eardrum vibration and sound transmission function are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable nozzle coupling mechanism provides dynamic adjustment of contact pressure on the eardrum. When the nozzle is coupled to the housing body, it creates a sealed fit that ensures secure positioning and stable wearing. When separated, the reduced contact area decreases pressure on the eardrum, allowing natural eardrum vibration and sound transmission while maintaining sufficient wearing stability through the main housing body's fit.
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 DSF structure effectively reduces eardrum pressure by filtering air and sound flow, enhancing comfort and sound quality by alleviating the pressure typically associated with wearing earphones with integrated nozzle structures.
Implementation Method 1
a mesh member is disposed below a portion of the retainer in which the DSF hole is formed
Implementation Method 2
a voice coil configured to be located on a side of the magnet and the plate, and to, when an electric signal having sound is applied, generate a magnetic field and vibrate through the interaction with the magnet
Implementation Method 3
a magnet configured to be fastened onto the retainer and to generate magnetic force
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an earphone having a nozzle-integrated structure with a DSF applied thereto. The earphone includes: a housing formed as a penetrated body, and configured such that a nozzle portion is provided therein; a retainer configured to be fastened inside the housing; a magnet configured to generate magnetic force; a yoke configured to concentrate magnetic force; a plate configured to collect magnetic force; a voice coil configured to generate a magnetic field and vibrate through the interaction with the magnet; and a diaphragm configured to vibrate and generate sound. A penetrated sleeve is provided inside the housing and forms a nozzle portion. A drum safety filter (DSF) hole is formed in one side of the edge of a seating surface and a mesh member is disposed below a portion of the retainer in which the DSF hole is formed.