Earpiece Positioning Structure for Rotation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earpieces with wireless electronics modules face challenges in achieving stable and comfortable positioning within the ear due to the absence of wires, which complicates orientation and stability, often leading to discomfort and instability.
Innovation Solution
The earpiece incorporates a positioning and retaining structure with an outer leg and inner leg attached at a joined end, providing multiple modes of prevention against clockwise rotation and utilizing different materials for the outlet and inner sections to achieve optimal stiffness and comfort, ensuring the earpiece remains securely positioned without ear hooks or click locks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wireless electronics modules are used without wires, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but stability and positioning reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The earpiece body is divided into functional sections with different material properties: a softer outlet section for comfort and a harder inner section for structural support. The positioning structure includes separate outer and inner legs that engage with different ear anatomical features, distributing the stabilization function across multiple segmented elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the earpiece have locally optimized properties: the outlet section uses softer material (16 Shore A) for comfort against the ear canal, while the inner section uses harder material (70 Shore A) for structural rigidity. The positioning legs are strategically positioned to engage specific ear features (anti-helix, concha) for optimal stability.
2Reliability
If the positioning structure is made stiffer to prevent rotation, then stability is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to increased pressure on the ear
Solution Approach 1:
The earpiece employs a gradient material structure where the outlet section contacting the ear canal is made of softer material (16 Shore A) to reduce pressure and discomfort, while the inner section providing rotational stability is made of harder material (70 Shore A). This local differentiation allows the structure to be stiff where needed for stability and soft where needed for comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: the outlet section for comfort, the inner section for structural support, and the positioning legs for stabilization. Each segment has optimized material properties and geometric features to perform its specific function while minimizing negative effects on the user.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the earpiece design is customized for different ear sizes and geometries, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning structure with its outer and inner legs serves multiple functions simultaneously: it prevents clockwise rotation, engages with various ear anatomical features (anti-helix, concha, anti-tragus), and accommodates different ear sizes and geometries. This multi-functional design achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning legs are designed with asymmetric geometry and material properties to match the asymmetric anatomy of the human ear. The outer leg engages the anti-helix while the inner leg engages the concha region, creating an asymmetric configuration that naturally adapts to various ear geometries while maintaining stable positioning.
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 enhances the stability and comfort of the earpiece by providing multiple modes of secure positioning, reducing pressure on the ear, and maintaining uniform orientation across various ear sizes and geometries, ensuring effective acoustic energy transmission.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic driver for transducing the received audio signals to acoustic energy
Implementation Method 2
a microphone for transducing sound into outgoing audio signals
Data Source
AI summary
An earpiece. The earpiece includes an electronics module for wirelessly receiving incoming audio signals from an external source. The earpiece further includes a positioning and retaining structure comprising at least an outer leg and an inner leg, each of the outer leg and inner leg being attached at an attachment end to the body and attached at a joined end to each other. The outer leg lies in a plane. The positioning and retaining structure is substantially stiffer in one direction than in another. In its intended position, one of the two legs contacts the anti-helix at the rear of the concha, the joined end is under the anti-helix; a planar portion of the body contacts the concha; and a portion of the body is under the anti-tragus.