Earphone Sensor Sealing Structure for Optical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earphones lack effective integration of sensors that provide both acoustic sealing and optical coupling with minimal air gaps, which affects the stability and comfort of fit, as well as the accuracy of physiological monitoring.
Innovation Solution
An in-ear earphone design featuring a sensor module with an emitter and detector positioned near the skin, integrated into a sealing structure made of soft plastic that transmits specific wavelengths of light and attenuates others, ensuring minimal reflection and scattering, and forms an acoustic seal by applying pressure to the ear tissue, aligning with the tragus for optimal contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are integrated into earphones, then physiological monitoring capability is improved, but air gaps between sensor and skin increase, reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is designed to simultaneously perform acoustic sealing and optical coupling functions. By merging these two functions into a single integrated structure that contacts both the ear canal and the sensor, the patent eliminates the need for separate components, thereby reducing air gaps and improving measurement precision while maintaining physiological monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing structure acts as an intermediary element between the sensor and the skin. It provides optical coupling by being in direct contact with both the sensor and the skin surface, allowing light to pass through while eliminating air gaps that would otherwise interfere with optical measurements
2Reliability
If sealing structure is made tight against ear tissue, then acoustic seal quality is improved, but comfort and stability deteriorate due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure applies pressure selectively at specific locations where acoustic sealing is needed, rather than uniformly across the entire contact surface. This localized pressure application maintains acoustic seal quality while distributing pressure in a way that preserves comfort and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the compliance of soft plastic material to allow dynamic adjustment of pressure parameters. The material can deform to accommodate variations in ear tissue, maintaining adequate sealing pressure without exceeding comfort thresholds, thus balancing acoustic seal quality with user comfort
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 design achieves a stable, comfortable fit with precise physiological monitoring by minimizing air gaps and ensuring reliable optical and acoustic sealing, enhancing the accuracy of sensor readings and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing structure may be formed of a soft plastic that transmits light having the predetermined wavelength and attenuates light having at least some other wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
The sensor includes an emitter that emits light at a predetermined wavelength
Implementation Method 3
the nozzle including an acoustic passage to conduct sound waves to the ear canal of the wearer
Data Source
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AI summary
An in-ear earphone includes a body shaped to fit in the wearers ear, a nozzle extending from the body towards the ear canal of the wearers ear, the nozzle including an acoustic passage to conduct sound waves to the ear canal of the wearer, an ear canal sealing structure extending from the nozzle, and a sensor coupled to the nozzle. The sealing structure includes a thin sheet of material forming a hollow shape surrounding the nozzle and sensor, and the body, nozzle, sealing structure, and sensor are arranged such that when the earphone is located in the wearers ear, the sensor faces the tragus of the ear, and the sealing structure simultaneously forms an acoustic seal to the entrance to the ear canal and provides optical coupling between the sensor and the tragus with minimal air gaps between the sensor, the sealing structure, and the tragus.