Headphone Fork Rotation Axis Angle for Pressure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headphones often lack comfort, especially when worn for extended periods, due to uneven pressure distribution on the user's head.
Innovation Solution
A headphone design featuring a headband with rotatable forks that accommodate the auricles, allowing for a more uniform pressure distribution by adjusting the angle of the fork rotation axis relative to the auricle plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the fork rotation axis is positioned perpendicular to the fork plane (conventional design), then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pressure distribution on the user's head becomes uneven causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the fork rotation axis at a specific angle (2-6 degrees) relative to the fork plane, creating an asymmetric configuration that optimizes pressure distribution. This angular offset redistributes the contact forces between the earpiece and the user's head, transforming the harmful uneven pressure into a beneficial uniform pressure pattern across the temporal region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the fork rotation axis angle from the conventional perpendicular position (90 degrees) to a specific range (2-6 degrees relative to the fork plane). This parameter modification fundamentally alters the force transmission characteristics, resulting in improved pressure distribution and comfort during extended wear.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the fork rotation axis angle is optimized for uniform pressure distribution, then comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the fork rotation axis angle specifically at the contact point with the user's head, while maintaining the overall simple headband structure. This localized geometric adjustment achieves uniform pressure distribution without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire headphone system, thus improving comfort with minimal increase in device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the headband ends are curved with sliders for adjustment, then adaptability to different head sizes is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating sliders that enable dynamic adjustment of the headband ends along curved tracks. This allows the headphone to adapt to different head sizes and shapes by permitting positional adjustment, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one that maintains comfort across various users.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved headband with sliders provides multi-functionality by serving both as a structural support element and as an adjustment mechanism. This universal design allows the same component to accommodate different head sizes without requiring separate models, enhancing versatility while integrating the adjustment function into the existing headband structure.
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 design ensures a more uniform and comfortable pressure distribution across the user's head, reducing fatigue and improving overall wearability.
Implementation Method 1
headphones (100) having a headband (200) with a metal bracket (250) that acts as a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A headphone (100) is provided which comprises a headband (200) with a first and second headband end (210, 220) and a first and second fork (300) at the first and second headband ends (210, 220). The first and second fork (300) each have a first and second fork arm (310, 320). The first and second fork arms (310, 320) of the first fork (300) span a first fork plane and the first and second fork arms (310, 320) of the second fork (300) span a second fork plane. The headphone (100) has a first and second bracket rotation axis (330) which is provided in the region of a first end (340) of the fork (300) in a transition region to a headband (200) or a slider (500) in the region of the first and second headband. The fork (300) is coupled to a slider (500) or to a first or second end (210, 220) of the headband by means of a bracket rotation axis (330), wherein first and second auricles (400) are each pivotally coupled to second ends (350) of the first and second bracket. The first and second auricles (400) each have a first and second auricle side (410, 420). The first and second bracket rotation axis (330) each have an angle α to the first and second bracket plane in the direction of the first auricle side (410), wherein a is between 2 and 6°.