Head-mounted support for self-injecting in-ear device fitment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in-ear devices require a trained technician for proper fitment and customization, which is not feasible in industry applications, and there is a need for a user-adjustable head-mounted support device for delivering a settable compound into inflatable in-ear devices without technical assistance.

Innovation Solution

A head-mounted support device with adjustable side sections and self-injection mechanisms allows users to properly position and inflate in-ear devices, featuring a main body with settable compound delivery devices and an earphone wire assembly for customizable and reusable in-ear device installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a trained technician is used for proper fitment and customization of in-ear devices, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase, and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproper fitmentVSAvoiduser self-customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to perform self-customization by injecting settable compound into inflatable in-ear devices using a head-mounted support device with integrated delivery mechanisms. The user can properly fit and customize the in-ear devices without requiring a trained technician, transforming a professional service into a self-service process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The head-mounted support device acts as an intermediary tool between the user and the in-ear device customization process. It provides the necessary support structure, positioning mechanisms, and compound delivery system that enables precise fitment while remaining accessible to untrained users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a head-mounted support device with self-injection mechanisms is provided, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser-adjustable positioningVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The head-mounted support device integrates multiple functions into a single system: it provides head mounting, positions the in-ear device, delivers settable compound, and maintains target pressure during inflation. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability while managing complexity through integration rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates adjustable side sections that can be positioned to accommodate different head shapes and ear canal configurations. The movable connection between side sections allows dynamic adaptation to various users while maintaining structural integrity through the gimbal connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable side sections with movable connections are used, then adaptability to different users is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The head-mounted support device is divided into modular segments including a main body, adjustable side sections, and separate in-ear device receptacles. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled together, simplifying production while maintaining adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable connection between side sections uses a gimbal connection mechanism that provides dynamic adjustment capability. This design allows the sections to move relative to each other for positioning while maintaining structural stability during use, balancing manufacturability with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If settable compound delivery systems are integrated, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and loss of substance increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistent resultsVSAvoidsettable compound

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The settable compound is pre-loaded into the delivery system in controlled amounts. The injection mechanism is designed to deliver the precise quantity needed for proper fitment, minimizing waste while ensuring consistent results across multiple uses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to minimize compound loss through precise delivery mechanisms. Any excess compound can be contained and recovered for future use, reducing material waste while maintaining reliability of the customization process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS9216114B2Head-mounted device for settable compound delivery system for inflatable in-ear device

Publication Date: 2015.12.22 EERS GLOBAL TECH

AI summary

A head-mounted support device for carrying at least one un-inflated inflatable or expandable inner portion of an in-ear device thereon includes a main body adjustably mountable on a user's head, with at least one settable compound delivery device mounted thereon, and a at least one receptacle to receive an inflatable in-ear device inner portion. The invention also refers to a head-mounted settable compound delivery system kit, along with the earphone wire assembly that receives the customized in-ear device inner portions thereon.