Headphone Earcup Joint Integrating Rotation and Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headphones require large yokes for adjustable earcups, which are not integral to the headband design and do not allow for efficient folding, making them bulky and difficult to store.
Innovation Solution
A joint system that integrates the earcup and headband, enabling 90-degree rotation and translation along the vertical axis, with additional rotation capability about a horizontal axis, allowing the earcups to fold flat against the headband, thus reducing the headphones' depth and facilitating storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If yokes are used to connect the headband to the earcups, then the earcups can be adjusted for rotation and translation, but the headphones become bulky and difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the adjustment mechanism directly into the earcup structure by merging the pivot member with the earcup shell, eliminating the need for separate yokes. The pivot member is formed as an integral part of the earcup assembly, combining the functions of rotation and translation adjustment within the earcup itself, thereby reducing overall headphone bulk while maintaining adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a pivot member with arc-shaped surface for rotation, a slider for translation along the vertical axis, and detent members for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring large structural elements like traditional yokes
2Ease of operation
If traditional yokes are used for earcup connection, then rotation and translation are enabled, but the headphones cannot fold flat against the headband
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot member is integrated directly into the earcup shell structure, with the arc-shaped surface formed as part of the earcup assembly. This merging allows the earcup to rotate smoothly while maintaining a compact form that can fold flat against the headband, eliminating the protruding structure of traditional yokes
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot member features an arc-shaped surface that contacts the bearing member, enabling smooth rotation through curved geometry. This curved design allows the earcup to rotate about the vertical axis while maintaining a compact profile that folds flat, combining rotational capability with space-efficient shape
3Adaptability or versatility
If yokes are used to connect earcups, then adjustability is achieved, but the joint structure becomes complex and non-integral
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment functions are merged into a single integrated joint structure. The pivot member combines rotation about the vertical axis, translation along the vertical axis via the slider, and rotation about the horizontal axis all within one compact assembly that is integral to the earcup, eliminating the need for separate yoke components
Solution Approach 2:
The joint structure is designed as a multi-functional unit that performs rotation, translation, and positioning functions simultaneously. The pivot member with its arc-shaped surface enables rotation, the slider enables translation, and detent members enable precise positioning, all within a single integrated component that serves multiple adjustment purposes
Data Source
AI summary
A headphone that includes a headband and one or two earcups. The earcups are movably coupled to the headband by a joint that is constructed and arranged to allow translation of the earcup relative to the headband along a translational axis, and rotation of the earcup from a neutral position in both directions about the translational axis, where in a first direction the rotation extends for at least about 90 degrees from the neutral position. The joint is further constructed and arranged to accommodate an electrical cable.