Headphone Crossfeed Speaker System Spatial Sound Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-channel headphones provide monotonous sound output and lack the ability to create a diversified sound environment and spatial sense of the sound field due to speakers being located on the same level.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a crossfeed speaker system with speakers arranged at a tilt and specific output paths, including longer and shorter paths for low and high pitch sounds, and a crossfeed output path that modifies sound time differences and frequencies through trench and hole designs, allowing both ears to hear sound channels and enhancing sound localization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If speakers are arranged on the same level in conventional multi-channel headphones, then the structure is simple, but the sound output is monotonous and lacks spatial sense

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound environment diversityVSAvoidspeaker arrangement structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement of speakers to a three-dimensional spatial configuration. Speakers are positioned at different depths (first layer structure and second layer structure) and angles (tilted arrangements), creating a multi-layered sound field that provides spatial sense and diversified sound environment while maintaining manageable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If speakers are arranged at a tilt with different output path lengths, then spatial sound localization is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound localization accuracyVSAvoidoutput path structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sound output system into segmented paths: first output path and second output path with different lengths, third output path and fourth output path for the second speaker. Each path is independently configured with specific trenches and holes, allowing precise control of sound arrival time and frequency at each ear, thereby improving sound localization accuracy while organizing structural complexity into manageable segments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a crossfeed speaker system with multiple output paths is implemented, then sound field immersion is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestereo sound experienceVSAvoidcrossfeed speaker system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The crossfeed speaker system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides crossfeed sound output, creates spatial localization, and contributes to overall stereo immersion. The shared trench and hole structures serve both acoustic output and structural support functions, allowing the system to deliver enhanced stereo experience while controlling the increase in device complexity through multi-functional design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3200477B1headphone
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 SINTAI OPTICAL SHENZHEN CO LTD
  • EP3200477B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3200477B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3200477B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

A headphone is provided. The headphone includes a housing, a first speaker and a second speaker. The housing includes a sound output side, a first layer structure, a first output path, a first trench, a first recess, and a second recess. The first speaker is disposed in the first recess, wherein the first speaker includes a first speaker orientation, and the first speaker orientation corresponds to the first output path. The second speaker is disposed in the second recess. The first output path includes the first trench, which is located at the first layer structure, that extends around the first speaker, and is connected to the sound output side.