Adjustable Headband Structure for Precise Headphone Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headphones lack a relatively large range of adjustable clamping force and precise adjustment of clamping force, failing to accommodate various activities and environments effectively.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable headphone design featuring a head band assembly with movable elongate pieces of varying bending strengths and a gear-gear rack mechanism to control clamping force, allowing for a wide range of adjustment and precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable headband is provided to suit the size of the wearer's head, then the headphone can accommodate different head sizes, but it cannot provide a relatively large range of adjustable clamping force nor provide a precise adjustment of the clamping force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustable clamping force rangeVSAvoidprecise adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the headband structure adjustable through a mechanical mechanism. The first and second elongate pieces can move relative to each other along the headband assembly, allowing the clamping force to be dynamically adjusted. This is achieved through a gear-rack mechanism where rotating the adjustment mechanism causes the elongate pieces to move, changing the clamping force applied to the wearer's head.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the bending strength along the length of the elongate pieces. The first length portion has a first bending strength while the second length portion has a second bending strength that is greater than the first. This gradient in bending strength allows for precise control and a large range of adjustable clamping force, as different portions of the elongate pieces can be engaged depending on the desired clamping level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a strong clamping is provided to prevent slipping off during exercise, then the headphone stays secure during physical activities, but it becomes uncomfortable for long-term wearing during lifestyle activities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fit during exerciseVSAvoidcomfort for long-term wearing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the user to switch between strong clamping for exercise and softer clamping for lifestyle activities. The movable elongate pieces enable the clamping force to be changed from a first state (stronger, for exercise security) to a second state (softer, for comfort during prolonged wear), accommodating different usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the bending strength parameter distribution and the position of the elongate pieces, the system can provide different clamping force levels. The varying bending strength along the elongate pieces allows precise control over the clamping force, enabling strong clamping when needed for reliability and softer clamping for comfort during extended wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a loose clamping is provided for comfortable long-term wearing during lifestyle activities, then the headphone is comfortable for extended use, but it cannot provide adequate sealing function in noisy environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfort for extended wearVSAvoidsealing function in noisy environments
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable mechanism allows the user to dynamically change the clamping force from a loose state (for comfort during lifestyle activities) to a moderate or strong state (for sealing in noisy environments). The gear-rack mechanism enables smooth transitions between different clamping levels, allowing the same headphone to serve multiple environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes parameter changes in the bending strength distribution and the position of the elongate pieces to provide a wide range of clamping forces. This allows the headphone to deliver comfortable loose clamping for extended wear while also being capable of providing moderate clamping for adequate sealing in noisy environments, thus satisfying both comfort and reliability requirements under different conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides a large range of adjustable clamping force and precise adjustment, ensuring comfort and sealing in different activities and environments.

Implementation Method 1

a gear located on the fixing frame... The first rack and the second rack are arranged oppositely and are meshed on the two sides of the gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

a first rack is arranged at one end. The right sliding steel sheet is located on the fixing frame in a sliding mode, and a second rack is arranged at one end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRack and pinion: Rack and Pinion

Implementation Method 3

The auxiliary band part which is coupled with the head band is made freely expandable and shrinkable by providing a spring material for a restoring force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 4

at least one of the elongate pieces is movable along the length of the head band assembly and comprises a first length portion and a second length portion having a larger bending strength than the first length portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBending strength:

Data Source

PatentEP4091335B1Adjustable headphone
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP4091335B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4091335B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4A
  • EP4091335B1 patent drawingFigure 4B~5

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an adjustable headphone, comprising: a head band assembly; and two earpieces attached to two ends of the head band assembly, respectively; wherein the head band assembly comprises: a first and second elongate pieces each extending over a portion of the length of the head band assembly, at least one of the elongate pieces is movable along the length of the head band assembly and comprises a first length portion and a second length portion having a larger bending strength than the first length portion.