Headphone Headband Frame Segmentation for Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headphones face issues with off-axis momentum causing excessive wear on pivotal points and increased building height due to the placement of ball joints, which affect the ergonomic fit and durability.
Innovation Solution
A headphone design featuring an outer, middle, and inner frame with diametrically opposed pivotal hinge points allows for minimal off-axis momentum and reduced height, with the speaker centrally positioned on the inner frame, and a circumferential flange for even distribution of pressure forces, using foamed materials for controlled softness and spring-loaded stops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ball joint is provided between each earcup and the headband, then the earcup can adapt its position with respect to various head shapes, but the building height of the earcup in the direction away from the head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The earcup assembly is divided into multiple frame elements (first frame element, second frame element, third frame element) connected by pivotal links. This segmentation allows the earcup to achieve position adaptation through coordinated rotation of multiple segments rather than requiring a single ball joint, thereby reducing the overall building height while maintaining adaptability to various head shapes
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism transforms the adaptation from a single-degree-of-freedom ball joint rotation into a multi-degree-of-freedom system with pivotal links rotating about different axes. This dimensional transformation enables the earcup to reach the same adaptive positions through a different kinematic path that maintains a lower profile
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sole pivotal point is provided above the speakers for vertical axis rotation, then the earcup can pivot about the vertical axis, but off axis momentum is transferred to the pivotal point causing extra wear
Solution Approach 1:
The single pivotal point is segmented into multiple pivotal points distributed across different frame elements. The first pivotal link connects the first frame element to the headband, the second pivotal link connects the second frame element to the first frame element, and the third pivotal link connects the third frame element to the second frame element. This distribution of pivotal points reduces the concentration of off-axis momentum on any single point, thereby reducing wear and improving durability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pivotal links and frame elements are merged into an integrated linkage system that collectively supports the earcup's pivotal movements. The combined action of multiple pivotal points working together distributes the mechanical loads and momentum transfers across the entire linkage structure, preventing excessive wear on individual pivotal points
Data Source
AI summary
A headphone with a headband is provided where the headband is adapted to ensure contact between an earpad and the head or ear of the user, and with: a speaker unit; an outer frame comprising a proximal perimeter with two first pivotal hinge points at diametrically opposed positions with respect to the speaker; a middle frame, having a proximal and a distal perimeter, hinged for pivotal movement with respect to the outer frame about a first axis defined by a line through the two first hinge points, and where the middle frame comprises second pivotal hinge points at diametrically opposed positions with respect to the speaker; and an inner frame having a proximal and a distal perimeter hinged for pivotal movement with respect to the middle frame, about a second axis defined by a line through the two second hinge points.