Earplug Earphone Elastic Support Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Earplug-type earphones tend to become loose or displace due to external forces, leading to instability and varying volume, especially during exercise, and existing solutions compromise on convenience and comfort.
Innovation Solution
An earplug-type earphone design featuring an elastic support on the sidewall, which is attached via adhesive or latching mechanisms, providing shock absorption and stability by deforming to securely hold the earplug in the ear canal, and optionally incorporating a vital signs measurement device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an ear hook is added to the earphone to fit around the top of the wearer's ear, then the stability of the earphone is improved, but the convenience and comfort deteriorate due to friction between the hook and the helix of the ear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using an elastic support structure that flexibly adapts to the ear canal geometry. The elastic material allows the support to deform during insertion and then maintain a secure fit through its recovery force, providing stability without the rigid friction of traditional ear hooks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the support structure by using an elastic material with specific mechanical properties. The elastic support can deform under small forces (such as during insertion or when subjected to gravity) and then recover to maintain a stable position, adapting to different ear canal shapes and sizes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the connection wire is subject to small forces such as gravity or touching, then the earplug may become loose or displace, but adding structural support to prevent displacement increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic support acts as a flexible structural element that passively responds to external forces. When small forces are applied to the connection wire or earplug, the elastic support deforms and absorbs these forces, then returns to its original shape, maintaining the sealed position without requiring active control mechanisms or complex structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic support provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-loaded with elastic energy. This allows it to absorb subsequent external forces (such as gravity or touching forces on the connection wire) that would otherwise cause the earplug to become loose or displace, maintaining stability without complex active compensation systems.
3Ease of operation
If the earplug is designed to be small and lightweight for convenience, then comfort is improved, but the earplug may become loose or displace more easily
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic support compensates for the small size and light weight of the earplug by providing active mechanical engagement with the ear canal. The elastic material deforms during insertion to pass through the ear canal opening, then recovers to create a securing force that prevents displacement, allowing the earplug body to remain small and comfortable.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic support creates an asymmetric force distribution that enhances stability. The support structure is designed to engage specifically with the contours of the ear canal, creating directional retention forces that prevent displacement in critical directions while maintaining comfort and small overall dimensions.
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 design ensures stable and secure fit, preventing sliding or falling, maintaining sound quality and allowing for shock absorption during movement, while also enabling accurate vital signs monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic support positioned on a sidewall of the earplug can be deformed. When the earplug is in position, the elastic support releases the resilience and applies the force on the pinna
Implementation Method 2
the elastic support is attached to the earplug by an adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
An earplug-type earphone is disclosed including: an earplug (10) for producing sound and an elastic support (30). The earplug (10) includes a front housing (200) and a rear housing (500) connected in that order. The elastic support (30) is positioned on an outer side of the rear housing (500). When the earplug (10) is inserted in the external auditory canal, the elastic support (30) is pressed and deformed and then applies resilience to the helix, by which the earplug can be stably positioned in the external auditory canal.