Headphone Pivot Mechanism for Compact Storage and Auto Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headphones suffer from bulkiness due to mechanical frames that hold earpieces, require manual alignment with ears, and face issues with power management and incorrect audio channel assignment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of earpiece synchronization components, spring-driven pivot mechanisms, and orientation sensors to synchronize earpiece movement, reduce bulk, and manage power efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical frames with yokes are used to hold earpieces, then the earpieces are securely held against the user's ears, but the overall bulk of each earpiece increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conventional yoke structure that surrounded the periphery of each earpiece and replaces it with a simplified pivot mechanism consisting of a stem and spring assembly. This extraction of the bulky yoke component directly reduces the volume of the earpiece while maintaining the essential function of holding the earpiece against the user's ear through the pivot mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the mechanical frame into separate functional components: a headband, a stem connecting the headband to the earpiece, and a spring mechanism for providing force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall bulk while maintaining reliability of earpiece positioning.
2Measurement precision
If manual alignment verification is required for earpieces, then the user can ensure correct positioning, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors (such as orientation sensors or position sensors) that automatically detect and verify the alignment of earpieces with the user's ears. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual alignment verification by the user, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining alignment accuracy through automated sensing and feedback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback systems where sensors detect earpiece position and provide information to the control system, which can then adjust or confirm proper alignment. This feedback loop ensures accurate alignment verification without requiring manual intervention from the user.
3Volume of moving object
If headphones are designed for compact storage, then portability is improved, but the mechanical complexity for achieving folding or rolling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic mechanical structures such as folding hinges or rolling mechanisms that allow the headphones to transition between extended and compact states. The spring mechanism provides the necessary force for folding operations, enabling compact storage while managing mechanical complexity through the use of standardized folding/rolling components rather than complex multi-mechanism systems.
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
Enhances user experience by providing compact storage, automatic alignment, and power-saving features.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to oppose a rotation of the earpiece housing with respect to the stem
Implementation Method 2
a headband coupling the first and second earpieces together and being configured to synchronize a movement of the first earpiece with a movement of the second earpiece
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that reduce the size of headphones and allow for small form-factor storage configurations are discussed. User convenience features that include synchronizing earpiece stem positions and automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.