Earphone Pressure-Strain Structure for Multi-Directional Squeeze Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earphones, particularly wireless ones, face the challenge of occupying a large space area due to the strain sensing module and function keys, limiting their shape and size, and offering monotonous operation options.
Innovation Solution
The earphone incorporates a pressure-strain structure within the housing, with strain sensors detecting strain generated by bidirectional squeezing, allowing multiple operation triggers without additional space-consuming components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a strain sensing module is arranged in the housing cavity and attached to the inner side of the housing, then function keys for power control and media playback can be implemented, but the space area occupied by the housing increases, limiting the shape and size of the earphone
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-strain structure integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the sensing element for detecting pressing operations and the structural support within the housing cavity. The strain sensor is directly mounted on this structure, eliminating the need for separate sensing modules and their associated mounting spaces, thereby reducing overall housing volume while maintaining full operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-strain structure with strain sensor serves multiple purposes: it detects pressing operations for power control, media playback, and other functions, while also providing structural support within the housing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated space-consuming components, allowing the earphone to maintain compact dimensions while offering versatile operation capabilities through single and double pressing gestures.
2Ease of operation
If the strain sensing module is attached to the housing inner side, then pressing detection for function keys is enabled, but the housing requires additional space for the sensing module and assisted positioning region
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-strain structure merges the sensing function with the housing structure itself. The strain sensor is directly mounted on this integrated structure, which is positioned within the housing cavity. This eliminates the need for separate sensing modules and their associated mounting spaces, thereby reducing overall housing volume while maintaining full operational functionality.
3Measurement precision
If a plane assisted positioning region is added to the housing or the quantity of strain detection units is increased, then the sensing capability of the strain sensing module is improved, but the space area occupied by the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-strain structure is designed to utilize the housing cavity space for its own positioning and support. The structure's geometry and placement within the cavity allow it to be self-supported by the housing walls, eliminating the need for additional plane assisted positioning regions. This self-positioning capability maintains sensing precision while minimizing the space required within the housing.
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 reduces the overall size of the earphone by utilizing the existing cavity space effectively and enables flexible, multi-directional operation triggers, enhancing user convenience and experience.
Implementation Method 1
A strain sensor is arranged on the pressure-strain structure. In a case that the housing is squeezed, the pressure-strain structure generates strain, and the strain sensor is configured to sense the strain generated by the pressure-strain structure.
Data Source
Figure 1A(a)~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
This application provides an earphone, which can resolve a problem that a strain sensing module in the earphone and for implementing function keys occupies a large space area, thereby implementing the function keys of the earphone through pressing in multiple directions and reducing an overall size of the earphone. The earphone includes a housing and a pressure-strain structure arranged in a cavity formed by the housing. Two end portions of the pressure-strain structure are both in stable contact with an inner wall of the housing. A strain sensor is arranged on the pressure-strain structure. In a case that the housing is squeezed, the pressure-strain structure generates strain, and the strain sensor is configured to sense the strain generated by the pressure-strain structure.