Earphone Reflector Layout for Temperature Sensing and Audio Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earphones with integrated body temperature measurement modules suffer from audio performance degradation due to the limited space, as traditional FIR sensors are typically positioned vertically, obstructing the audio channel and reducing its effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The earphone design incorporates a reflector within the audio channel to redirect infrared light to a horizontally oriented temperature sensor, using a shaped inner surface and coating to reflect and converge light onto a temperature sensor, allowing for improved audio performance by minimizing obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a body temperature measurement module is integrated into the earphone, then temperature measurement functionality is added, but the audio channel is blocked and audio performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is oriented horizontally instead of vertically, changing the spatial dimension of sensor placement. This allows the sensor to detect infrared light from the ear canal while minimizing obstruction of the audio channel, thus maintaining both temperature measurement functionality and audio performance.
Solution Approach 2:
A reflector is introduced as an intermediary component to redirect infrared light from the ear canal onto the horizontally oriented temperature sensor. This mediator enables the sensor to receive sufficient infrared radiation without requiring direct line-of-sight placement that would block the audio channel.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is positioned vertically to detect infrared light, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but the audio channel is substantially blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is rotated from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation, utilizing a different spatial dimension for light reception. This dimensional change allows the sensor to maintain its ability to detect infrared radiation while occupying minimal space within the audio channel, preserving audio performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector acts as an intermediary that captures infrared light from the ear canal and redirects it onto the horizontally oriented temperature sensor. This mediator enables accurate temperature measurement without requiring the sensor to be positioned vertically, thus preserving the effective audio channel area.
3Reliability
If the audio channel is made larger to improve audio performance, then audio quality is enhanced, but the space available for integrating the temperature measurement module is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the orientation of the temperature sensor from vertical to horizontal, the solution exploits a different spatial dimension within the audio channel. This allows the audio channel to maintain its full size for optimal audio performance while the temperature measurement module is accommodated through the horizontal sensor placement and reflector mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector is positioned at a specific location within the audio channel to redirect infrared light onto the horizontal temperature sensor. This localized arrangement allows the temperature measurement functionality to be integrated into a specific region without requiring additional volume throughout the entire audio channel, thus preserving audio performance.
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 configuration maintains a large effective audio channel, enhancing audio performance by reducing sensor obstruction and improving sensitivity and accuracy of temperature measurement.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature sensor is configured to receive an infrared light transmitted through the audio opening and reflected by the reflector
Implementation Method 2
the body temperature measuring module comprising a reflector and a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor is configured to receive an infrared light transmitted through the audio opening and reflected by the reflector
Implementation Method 3
the optical filter is configured to allow IR light of selected wavelength to pass through while substantially absorbs light of other wavelength
Implementation Method 4
the shaped inner surface and the coating is of a curved surface and is configured to reflect and converge the infrared light onto the temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An earphone comprises a housing defining an audio opening; a speaker driver positioned within the housing; and a body temperature measuring module. The audio opening is configured to be positioned within or facing toward an ear canal of a wearer in a wearing position of the earphone. The speaker driver comprises a diaphragm facing toward the audio opening, defining an audio channel between the diaphragm and the opening. The body temperature measuring module is positioned within the audio channel, the and comprises a reflector, and a temperature sensor configured to receive an infrared light transmitted through the audio opening and reflected by the reflector.