Headphone Knuckle Mechanism for Adjustable Ear Pod Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustable headphone designs with fixed ear pods relative to the headband are complex and require additional structures for adjustment, complicating the routing of wired connections and increasing assembly complexity.

Innovation Solution

A knuckle mechanism that slidably couples to the headband and rotatably couples to the ear pod, allowing for adjustable positioning and tilt, simplifying the adjustment process and reducing assembly complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ear pods are fixed relative to the headband ends with separate adjustment structures, then adjustment functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment functionalityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple adjustment functions (sliding along the headband and rotating relative to the ear pod) into a single knuckle component. This merges what would otherwise require separate adjustment structures into one integrated mechanism, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining full adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The knuckle serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a sliding guide along the headband, a rotational joint for the ear pod, and a structural connector. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment structures, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If ear pods are fixed relative to the headband ends, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adjustment capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidadjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The knuckle introduces dynamic adjustment capability into an otherwise simple structure. The sliding and rotating movements allow the ear pod position to be dynamically adjusted while maintaining a clean, simple external appearance. The adjustment mechanism is contained within the knuckle, preserving structural simplicity externally while enabling full adjustability internally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If separate adjustment structures are added for ear pod movement, then adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The knuckle merges sliding and rotating adjustment mechanisms into a single component, achieving precise positioning through coordinated movements. This integration maintains adjustment precision while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate adjustment structures working in conjunction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9596532B2Headphone device and a knuckle for facilitating an adjustable connection between an ear pod and headband

Publication Date: 2017.03.14 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC

AI summary

The present invention provides a knuckle for facilitating an adjustable connection between an ear pod and a headband, and/or a headphone device. The knuckle includes a first end slidably coupled to the headband, the first end being adapted for being received within and traveling along a slot in the headband. The knuckle further includes a second end rotatably coupled to the ear pod proximate the point along the slot that the first end of the knuckle is currently located.