Headband Assembly Spring Member Clamping Force Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headband assemblies for headphones often fail to provide a sufficient clamping force to maintain the headphones in place comfortably and securely on different head sizes and shapes while also being aesthetically pleasing.

Innovation Solution

A headband assembly featuring a continuous curved compliant spring member coupled with a cushion member and a spine, which is integrated with a cap to provide adjustable earcup positioning and a uniform appearance, using materials like biocompatible silicone and spring steel for comfort and clamping force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a rigid headband structure is used to provide sufficient clamping force, then the headphones can be securely maintained on the head, but the comfort and adaptability to different head sizes and shapes deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidadaptability to different head sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The headband incorporates a spring member that enables dynamic adjustment of the clamping force. The spring member can compress and expand to adapt to different head sizes and shapes while maintaining sufficient clamping force, transforming the rigid structure into a dynamic, adaptable system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring member changes its physical state (compression/expansion) to adjust the clamping force parameter. This allows the headband to provide different levels of clamping force for different head sizes and shapes, resolving the contradiction between maintaining sufficient force and adapting to versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid headband structure is used to maintain secure positioning, then the headphones stay in place, but the comfort and visual appeal deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidcomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The headband uses a flexible spring member instead of a rigid structure. This flexible component can deform to match the contours of the user's head, providing both secure positioning and enhanced comfort, while also improving visual appeal through a more ergonomic design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex adjustment mechanism is added to provide adjustable earcup positioning, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustable earcup positioningVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the adjustment functionality into the existing headband structure by utilizing the spring member's inherent flexibility. This merging of adjustment capability with the basic headband structure provides adaptable earcup positioning without adding separate complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution ensures a comfortable, secure fit on various head sizes, maintains earcup contact, and presents a visually appealing design by providing adjustable clamping pressure and alignment between the cushion and spring members.

Implementation Method 1

curved compliant spring member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3834431B1Headband assembly
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 BOSE CORP
  • EP3834431B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3834431B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3834431B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A headband assembly (10) that is constructed and arranged to be worn on or over a head of a user, having a curved compliant spring member (20), a cushion member (40) that is configured to be in contact with or proximate the head of the user when the headband assembly (10) is worn by the user, a spine (60) that is coupled to both the cushion member (40) and the spring member (20), and a cap (80) that at least partially overlies the spring member (20) and the spine (60).