Fin Earplug With Stem Air Pockets for Noise Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Finned nonfoam earplugs have a lower noise reduction rating compared to foam earplugs, and existing finned earplugs do not effectively block sound, limiting their usability.
Innovation Solution
A nonfoam earplug design featuring a stem with air pockets and stubby, radially extending fins, where the air pockets occupy less than 25% of the cross-sectional area, providing enhanced noise attenuation without compromising structural integrity for reusability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If finned nonfoam earplugs are used, then reusability is improved, but noise reduction rating deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air pockets within the stem of the finned nonfoam earplug, creating a porous internal structure. This porous design allows the nonfoam material to achieve noise reduction ratings comparable to foam earplugs (NRR 34) while maintaining the reusability advantage of nonfoam materials. The air pockets scatter and absorb sound waves, enhancing noise attenuation without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The earplug combines nonfoam elastomeric material with an internal air pocket structure, creating a composite design. The solid nonfoam material provides durability and reusability, while the integrated air pockets provide superior sound blocking. This composite approach allows the earplug to achieve both reusability and high noise reduction rating simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If foam earplugs are used, then noise reduction rating is improved, but reusability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates air pockets within the nonfoam earplug stem, creating a controlled porous structure. This allows the nonfoam material to achieve foam-like noise reduction performance (NRR 34) while maintaining the structural integrity and reusability of solid nonfoam material. The porous design scatters sound waves effectively without the material degradation issues of foam.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the internal structure parameter of nonfoam material by introducing air pockets, transforming it from a solid homogeneous structure to a porous heterogeneous structure. This parameter change enables the material to achieve sound blocking performance comparable to foam while retaining the reusability advantages of nonfoam elastomeric material.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If air pockets occupy large area in stem, then noise attenuation is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent strategically positions air pockets within a central band region of the stem, leaving the outer peripheral regions as solid nonfoam material. This local differentiation allows the central region to provide noise attenuation through sound scattering in the air pockets, while the outer solid regions maintain structural integrity and mechanical strength. The peripheral stem parts extend at a constant rearward and radially-inward incline, providing structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air pockets as a porous element within the solid nonfoam stem material. This creates a heterogeneous structure where the porous air pockets provide sound scattering and noise attenuation, while the surrounding solid nonfoam material provides structural support and maintains integrity. The air pockets occupy less than half of the band area, ensuring sufficient solid material remains for strength.
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 achieves a higher noise reduction rating, comparable to foam earplugs, while maintaining comfort and reusability, with over 90% of air pocket volume concentrated in a central region, significantly reducing sound passage through the stem and fins.
Implementation Method 1
The stem has a multiplicity of air pockets lying within an imaginary band that is centered on the earplug axis... with solid material (no air pockets) occupying a majority of the band area... significantly reducing sound passage through the stem and fins
Data Source
AI summary
An earplug with a stem (22) and with fins (31-34) extending at rearward and radially-outward inclines from the stem, is constructed for comfort and for high noise blocking. The stem has a multiplicity of air pockets (60) lying in an imaginary band (62) that lies on the earplug axis (20). The band has opposite band sides (64, 66) spaced radially inward of the periphery (40) of the stem, the air pockets helping to block the passage of noise. A plurality of the fins are of constant thickness with parallel front and rear surfaces (50, 52), and with the fins being stubby with a fin thickness (T) at least 20% of the fin length (E), and with the front surface (50) of each fin being at least 20% longer than the fin length (E), all as seen in a sectional view taken along the earplug axis (20). Stem peripheral parts (80) that lie between adjacent fins, extend continuously at rearward and radially inward inclines of more than 15°.