Earpiece Elastomer with Phase Change Materials for Thermal Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Earpieces often cause discomfort due to in-ear pressure, heat, and moisture buildup, with existing designs either being too hard and uncomfortable or too soft and lacking shape, and there is a need for a solution to regulate temperature effectively.
Innovation Solution
A composition combining an elastomer with phase change materials that change from solid to liquid at specific temperatures, providing a hardness range of 5 to 50 Shore A and containing 10% to 40% phase change material by weight, which absorbs and releases heat to regulate temperature and reduce discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the earpiece material is made harder to maintain shape, then structural integrity is improved, but comfort is worsened due to increased pressure and heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates phase change materials that transition from solid to liquid at body temperature (around 37°C), absorbing heat and reducing temperature buildup in the ear canal. This phase transition mechanism allows the material to maintain structural integrity while actively cooling the ear canal, resolving the contradiction between shape maintenance and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials combining elastomers with phase change materials and cooling agents. This composite structure provides both the shape maintenance needed for functional performance and the cooling effect required for comfort, allowing simultaneous optimization of both parameters.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the earpiece material is made softer to improve comfort, then discomfort is reduced, but shape maintenance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change materials provide a unique solution where the material remains solid at room temperature for shape maintenance but transitions to liquid at body temperature to provide cooling and comfort. This temperature-dependent phase transition allows the material to exhibit different mechanical properties at different temperatures, resolving the contradiction between softness for comfort and hardness for shape maintenance.
3Temperature
If traditional cooling methods are added to the earpiece, then temperature regulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The earpiece employs self-service cooling through phase change materials that automatically absorb excess heat when temperature rises, without requiring external cooling systems, sensors, or power sources. The material inherently regulates temperature through its phase transition properties, eliminating the need for complex active cooling mechanisms while achieving effective temperature regulation.
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 composition effectively reduces discomfort by maintaining shape and providing a cooling effect, ensuring the earpiece remains comfortable and functional.
Implementation Method 1
one or more phase change materials having a phase change ability from solid to liquid state at a phase-change temperature
Implementation Method 2
the phase change material can absorb heat as temperature rises by using the heat energy to melt the solid to liquid
Implementation Method 3
As the temperature cools, the phase change material releases the heat and changes back to a solid
Implementation Method 4
the phase change material releases the heat and changes back to a solid
Implementation Method 5
the phase change material can absorb heat as temperature rises by using the heat energy to melt the solid to liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure is related to compositions having an elastomer and phase change materials, materials having an ability to provide one or more sensations upon contact with a person's skin, or a combination thereof. The compositions are suitable for use in earpieces such as in-ear earpieces.