Headphone Audio Input Unit Positioning for Eardrum Noise Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noise cancellation systems in headphones have limited effectiveness due to the microphone being far from the eardrum, resulting in suboptimal noise canceling performance.
Innovation Solution
A headphone device with a holding unit that positions the audio input unit close to the eardrum, using a wired connection and signal processing to generate noise cancellation signals, allowing for improved noise cancellation by placing the cancellation point near the eardrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the microphone is provided in the housing of headphones, then the device structure is simple, but the cancellation point is far from the eardrum resulting in limited noise canceling performance
Solution Approach 1:
The headphone device is divided into separate functional modules: the housing containing the audio output unit, and the audio input unit (microphone) positioned separately closer to the eardrum. This segmentation allows the microphone to be optimally positioned for noise cancellation without complicating the main housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A holding unit acts as an intermediary component that positions the audio input unit in the optimal location (closer to the eardrum) while maintaining connection to the housing through a wired connection unit. This intermediary structure enables improved noise cancellation without directly modifying the housing design.
2Reliability
If the audio input unit is positioned closer to the eardrum, then the noise cancellation performance is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The audio input unit is separated from the housing as an independent module, allowing it to be positioned optimally near the eardrum. This segmentation enables improved noise cancellation performance while managing structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding unit serves as an intermediary that secures the audio input unit in the optimal position closer to the eardrum. This intermediary structure provides the necessary positioning functionality without requiring complex integration into the housing itself.
3Reliability
If a holding unit is added to position the audio input unit, then the cancellation point is closer to the eardrum, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding unit is introduced as a dedicated intermediary component whose sole function is to position the audio input unit optimally. This specialized intermediary enables precise positioning for improved noise cancellation while keeping the overall device structure manageable through functional specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components including the housing, audio input unit, holding unit, and wired connection unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the holding unit specifically designed to achieve optimal microphone positioning.
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
This configuration enhances noise canceling performance by locating the cancellation point closer to the eardrum, reducing ambient noise and improving sound quality while maintaining open ear canal functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an audio input unit that is arranged to be separated from the housing and collects audio to generate an audio signal
Implementation Method 2
a signal processing unit that generates a noise cancellation signal for an external sound based on the audio signal generated by the audio input unit
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a headphone device including a housing, an audio input unit that is arranged to be separated from the housing and collects audio to generate an audio signal, a holding unit that abuts on a cavum concha or an inner wall of an ear canal of a user and holds the audio input unit in a space closer to an eardrum side than a tragus, in a state of being worn by the user, a wired connection unit that connects the housing and the audio input unit in a wired manner, a signal processing unit that generates a noise cancellation signal for an external sound based on the audio signal generated by the audio input unit, and generates an output signal based on the generated noise cancellation signal, and an audio output unit that outputs audio based on the output signal.