Headphone Joint with Dual-Axis Rotation and Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headphones lack an integrated earcup-to-headband joint that allows for adjustable rotation about two axes and translation along one axis, compromising comfort and fit for diverse head sizes and shapes.

Innovation Solution

A joint design that couples the earcup to the headband, enabling constrained rotation about two mutually perpendicular axes and translation along one axis, utilizing a projection with a partially spherical surface and conical top, along with a detent spring mechanism for customizable fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If yokes are used to couple earcups to headband, then rotation about two axes and translation along one axis is enabled, but device size increases and integration into headband design is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidintegration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the yoke structure with the headband by making the yoke integral to the headband assembly. The headband includes a yoke portion that is directly formed as part of the headband structure, eliminating the need for separate yoke components and improving integration while maintaining the required rotational and translational adjustability of the earcups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If earcups are made adjustable for diverse head sizes and shapes, then adaptability improves, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit accommodationVSAvoidjoint structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustability through a joint mechanism that allows the earcups to rotate about two mutually perpendicular axes and translate along one axis. The joint includes a pivot assembly with rotational degrees of freedom and a telescopic component for translational adjustment, enabling the structure to adapt dynamically to different head sizes and shapes while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3427490B1Headphone joint
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 BOSE CORP
  • EP3427490B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3427490B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3427490B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A headphone with a headband and at least one earcup. The at least one earcup is rnovably coupled to the headband by a joint that is structured to allow rotation of the earcup relative to the headband about two mutually perpendicular axes, and translation along one of these axes.