Elastomeric Grommet Earpiece Mount for Headphone Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing personal acoustic systems that comfortably fit a wide range of users is challenging due to variations in head shape and size, and existing mechanical assemblies can be prone to wear and are costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastomeric grommet with a lower modulus of elasticity than the band and earpiece, which flexes to adjust the position and orientation of the earpiece relative to the band, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid mechanical linkages are used to connect the band to the earpiece, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with a flexible material connection. The earpiece is directly coupled to the band through a flexible material that provides the necessary connection without requiring additional mechanical components such as hinges, joints, or fasteners, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible material to connect the earpiece to the band. This flexible material acts as a compliant connection element that allows relative movement between the earpiece and band while maintaining a secure attachment, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanical linkages are used to adjust earpiece position, then the adaptability to different head shapes is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces adjustable mechanical linkages with a flexible material connection that inherently provides adaptability. The flexible material allows the earpiece to move and adjust to different head shapes and sizes without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic connection between the earpiece and band using a flexible material. This flexible connection allows the earpiece to move freely and adapt to various positions and orientations based on the user's head shape, providing adjustability without the need for complex mechanical adjustment systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If the earpiece is rigidly fixed to the band, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the user comfort and fit quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible material to connect the earpiece to the band, creating a compliant connection that allows the earpiece to move and adapt to the user's ear and head shape. This flexible connection significantly improves user comfort and fit quality compared to rigid fixation, while still maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static, rigid connection to a dynamic, flexible connection between the earpiece and band. The flexible material enables the earpiece to move and conform to different positions, improving user comfort while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple compared to complex mechanical adjustment systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If flexible materials are used to connect the band to the earpiece, then the user comfort and adaptability are improved, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible material with appropriate mechanical properties to connect the earpiece to the band. The flexible material is selected and designed to provide sufficient connection strength while maintaining the necessary flexibility for comfort and adaptability. The material properties and connection geometry are optimized to balance strength and flexibility requirements.
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 elastomeric grommet enhances user comfort and fit by allowing the earpiece to adjust to different head shapes and sizes without wear, while simplifying the assembly and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric grommet can be flexible—more flexible than the headband or earpiece—such that the elastomeric grommet will flex or deform in response to small external forces and loads
Data Source
AI summary
A personal acoustic system and flexible mount for the same are disclosed. The flexible mount is comprised of an elastomeric material. The personal acoustic system further includes a band comprising a first mount and an earpiece comprising a second mount. An acoustic element is housed within the earpiece. The elastomeric mount is positioned intermediate the first mount and the second mount to flexibly connect the band to the earpiece.