Stretchable Goggle Strap Antenna for Above-Water RF Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aquatic environments, radio frequency (RF) reception is typically poor due to signal absorption and attenuation, and existing solutions for audio playback in these environments often rely on locally stored files and lack effective RF integration.
Innovation Solution
A goggle strap with an integrated RF antenna, capable of stretching to secure the goggles on a wearer's head, improves RF reception by positioning the antenna above the water's surface. The strap can also include a built-in digital media player and speakers for audio playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water-proof headphones are used in aquatic environments, then audio playback is enabled, but RF reception becomes poor due to signal absorption and attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the antenna in a different spatial dimension - above the water surface - to escape the harmful RF-absorbing aquatic environment. The goggle strap extends upward to position the antenna where RF signals can propagate effectively, separating the antenna from the water-immersed headphones and creating a dimensional solution to the signal attenuation problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The goggle strap acts as an intermediary structure that connects the water-proof headphones (in water) to the RF antenna (above water). This intermediary allows the system to simultaneously maintain audio functionality in the aquatic environment while enabling RF communication above the water surface, bridging the gap between these two functional requirements.
2Reliability
If the antenna is integrated with the elastomeric strap, then RF reception is improved by positioning above water, but the antenna must be able to stretch with the strap
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to stretch and flex as the elastomeric strap expands when put on the head. The antenna structure can dynamically adjust its configuration to maintain electrical connectivity and RF functionality while accommodating the elastic deformation of the strap material.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is integrated into the elastomeric strap using flexible materials and structures that can bend and stretch. The antenna conductor is embedded or attached to the flexible strap material in a way that maintains electrical continuity while allowing the strap to expand and contract, utilizing the flexible nature of both the strap and antenna integration method.
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 integrated RF antenna significantly enhances RF reception in aquatic environments, allowing for clearer audio signals and real-time connectivity to RF communication devices, while the built-in media player and speakers provide convenient audio playback.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna is configured to stretch upon expansion of the elastomeric strap, and to receive radio frequency (RF) signals
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric strap configured for being coupled with each of the eye shields of the pair of googles and for being expanded around a wearer's head to secure and position the pair of goggles to the wearer
Data Source
AI summary
An audio player device for a pair of goggles having two eye shields. The audio player device includes an elastomeric strap configured for being coupled with each of the eye shields of the pair of googles and for being expanded around a wearer's head to secure and position the pair of goggles to the wearer. The device further includes an antenna integrated with at least a portion of the elastomeric strap. The antenna is configured to stretch upon expansion of the elastomeric strap, and to receive radio frequency (RF) signals. The device further includes an audio player device attached with the elastomeric strap and connected to the antenna to receive and play the RF signals.