Earpiece Nozzle Chimney Layout for Stable Feedback ANR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-ear headphones face challenges in reducing size while maintaining effective feedback active noise reduction (ANR) performance, as sizing adjustments to the nozzle can negatively impact ANR performance and stability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a chimney structure that positions the effective input port of the feedback microphone closer to the exit opening of the nozzle, coupled with a flexible printed circuit board and stiffener plate, to mitigate the adverse effects of nozzle size reduction on ANR performance and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the nozzle size is reduced to make the earpiece smaller, then the earpiece size is improved, but the ANR performance and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a chimney structure that extends the acoustic pathway in a new spatial dimension. By adding this vertical extension component, the effective port is positioned closer to the exit opening without increasing the horizontal footprint of the earpiece, thus improving ANR performance while maintaining compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The chimney acts as an intermediary structure between the microphone port and the exit opening. It mediates the acoustic coupling by providing an extended pathway that positions the effective port closer to the exit opening, thereby improving feedback ANR performance without requiring a larger nozzle.
2Volume of moving object
If the nozzle size is reduced to make the earpiece smaller, then the earpiece size is improved, but the noise cancellation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chimney structure extends the acoustic pathway in the vertical dimension, positioning the effective port closer to the exit opening. This dimensional extension allows for improved noise cancellation accuracy by better capturing acoustic feedback without increasing the horizontal size of the earpiece.
Solution Approach 2:
The chimney serves as an intermediary that enhances the acoustic coupling between the microphone and the ear canal environment. By providing this intermediate structure, the system achieves more accurate noise cancellation measurements despite the reduced nozzle size.
3Volume of moving object
If the nozzle size is reduced to make the earpiece smaller, then the earpiece size is improved, but the feedback ANR stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By extending the acoustic pathway in the vertical dimension through the chimney structure, the patent stabilizes the feedback ANR system. This dimensional extension provides a more reliable acoustic coupling that maintains stability even when the nozzle size is reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The chimney acts as a stabilizing intermediary structure that maintains consistent acoustic coupling between the microphone and the ear canal. This intermediate structure ensures that feedback ANR stability is preserved despite the reduced dimensions of the nozzle and overall earpiece.
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
Enhances ANR performance by improving noise cancellation accuracy and stability, allowing for smaller headphone designs without compromising feedback ANR effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The chimney acoustically couples the microphone port to the exit opening of the nozzle and at least partially defines an effective port for the microphone
Implementation Method 2
an electro-acoustic transducer, a housing that encloses the electro-acoustic transducer
Implementation Method 3
The nozzle is coupled to the housing and is configured to direct acoustic energy from the electro-acoustic transducer toward a user's ear canal when the earpiece is worn
Data Source
AI summary
An earpiece includes an electro-acoustic transducer, a housing that encloses the electro-acoustic transducer, and a nozzle. The nozzle is coupled to the housing and is configured to direct acoustic energy from the transducer toward a user's ear canal when the earpiece is worn. The nozzle defines an inlet opening, an exit opening, and an acoustic pathway extending therebetween. A microphone is disposed within the nozzle and includes a microphone port. A chimney acoustically couples the microphone port to the exit opening and at least partially defines an effective port for the microphone. The inlet opening is closer to the electro-acoustic transducer than the exit opening such that acoustic energy radiated by the electro-acoustic transducer travels from the inlet opening toward the exit opening. The effective port is closer to the exit opening than the microphone port. The effective port is spaced from an exit opening of the nozzle.