Earphone Pressure-Strain Structure for Compact Multi-Direction Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earphones face challenges in reducing the overall size due to the large space occupied by strain sensing modules and function keys, which limits the shape and size of the earphone stem.
Innovation Solution
The earphone incorporates a pressure-strain structure within its housing, where two end portions of the structure are in stable contact with the inner wall, allowing the strain sensor to detect strain generated by squeezing the housing, enabling function key operations without the need for additional space-consuming components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a strain sensing module is attached to the housing and assisted positioning regions are added, then the sensing capability is improved, but the space area occupied by the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the strain sensing module with the housing structure by integrating the sensing elements directly into the housing wall, eliminating the need for separate assisted positioning regions. The housing itself becomes both the structural component and the sensing component, merging two previously separate functions into one unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, defines the earphone shape, and acts as the sensing element for detecting user interactions. The housing wall incorporates strain sensing capabilities, making it a multi-functional component that eliminates the need for dedicated sensing regions.
2Measurement precision
If the quantity of strain detection units is increased, then the sensing capability is improved, but the space area occupied by the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strain sensing function is segmented into multiple distributed sensing points within the housing structure. Instead of using fewer large sensing elements that require more space, the patent divides the sensing capability into multiple smaller detection units that can be distributed throughout the housing wall, achieving high sensing capability with compact arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the housing are equipped with strain detection units according to their specific functional requirements. The sensing capability is locally optimized in areas where user interaction is most likely to occur, while other regions maintain their structural functions without unnecessary sensing components, achieving efficient space utilization.
3Shape
If a plane assisted positioning region is added to the housing, then the shape design freedom is improved, but the space area occupied by the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assisted positioning region is merged with the housing structure itself. The housing wall is designed to provide both the mechanical structure and the positioning function for strain detection. By integrating these functions, the patent achieves shape design freedom without requiring additional space for separate positioning regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, defines the earphone shape, and creates the assisted positioning regions for sensing. The same housing structure that gives the earphone its shape also serves as the positioning framework for the strain detection system.
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 solution allows for the implementation of function keys through multi-directional pressing, reducing the overall size of the earphone by optimizing the use of cavity space within the housing.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
An inner side surface of the pressure-strain structure (that is, a concave surface of the pressure-strain structure) undergoes compressive deformation to generate negative strain
Implementation Method 3
An outer side surface of the pressure-strain structure (that is, a convex surface of the pressure-strain structure) undergoes stretch deformation to generate positive strain
Data Source
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.