Headphone Pivot and Earpiece Sync for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headphones suffer from bulkiness due to mechanical frames that hold earpieces, requiring manual alignment and often have power management issues with wireless models.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of earpiece synchronization components, such as cables or gears, within the headband to maintain synchronized distances between earpieces, use of spring-driven pivot mechanisms to control motion, and integration of orientation sensors to manage power and audio channel switching based on earpiece positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional mechanical frames with yokes are used to hold earpieces, then the structural stability is improved, but the overall bulk and portability deteriorate
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 overall volume and bulk of the headphones while maintaining the essential function of holding and positioning the earpieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The headband assembly is divided into modular components: a central headband, two separate pivot assemblies, and two earpieces. Each pivot assembly is further segmented into a stem, spring, and housing. This segmentation allows for a more compact arrangement compared to the monolithic yoke structure, reducing overall bulk while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed pivot points.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment verification is required for earpieces, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded stem that automatically positions and aligns the earpiece with the headband. When the earpiece is attached, the spring mechanism self-adjusts to the correct position and orientation, eliminating the need for manual alignment verification by the user. The system performs the alignment function autonomously through its mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The earpiece is pre-configured with the pivot mechanism during manufacturing, including the spring tension and stem length, so that when attached to the headband, the alignment is automatically established. This preliminary setup during manufacturing ensures precise alignment without requiring user intervention, combining manufacturing precision with ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If spring-driven pivot mechanisms are used to control earpiece motion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the pivot mechanism: the spring provides both the mounting function (holding the earpiece) and the motion control function (enabling rotation and positioning). The stem serves as both a structural support and a rotational axis. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components compared to more complex mechanisms, achieving ease of operation without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism uses a spring-loaded design that allows dynamic adjustment of the earpiece position and rotation angle. The spring tension can be engineered to provide optimal resistance and positioning, enabling smooth manual operation. The dynamic nature of the spring mechanism provides intuitive control while maintaining simplicity through the use of a single elastic element rather than multiple mechanical components.
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 comfort and convenience by reducing bulk, simplifying alignment, and optimizing power usage in headphones.
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.