Adaptable Headphone Fit via Slidable Cable Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headphones face challenges in fitting a wide range of ear sizes, compromising sound quality when smaller structures are used for better fit, and compatibility issues with head-wearable display devices due to varying form factors.
Innovation Solution
A headphone assembly with adjustable cable length and ergonomic design, featuring a housing with a channel and bridge mechanism that allows for customizable fit, and compatibility with head-wearable devices through specific cable lengths and connection structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If smaller headphone structures are used to improve fit, then fit quality is improved, but sound quality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The headphone system is divided into separate components: a head-wearable display device with integrated audio output and a standalone headphone assembly with adjustable cable. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the display device provides structural support and power while the headphone assembly focuses on acoustic performance and ergonomic fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The headphone cable incorporates an adjustable length mechanism with a loop that can be extended or retracted. This dynamic adjustment allows users to customize the cable length to match different ear sizes and head shapes, optimizing both fit quality and acoustic performance for each user's specific anatomy.
2Device complexity
If fixed cable length is used in headphones, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different head sizes and display device form factors is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cable incorporates an adjustable length mechanism with a loop that can be extended or retracted. This dynamic adjustment allows users to customize the cable length to match different ear sizes and head shapes, optimizing both fit quality and acoustic performance for each user's specific anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The headphone assembly is designed with universal compatibility in mind, featuring a standardized connection interface that can interface with various head-wearable display device form factors. The adjustable cable length further enhances universality by accommodating different spatial requirements of various display device configurations.
3Reliability
If cable loop is extended to engage more of the ear, then retention is improved, but the cable length available for connection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable incorporates an adjustable length mechanism with a loop that can be extended or retracted. This dynamic adjustment allows users to customize the cable length to match different ear sizes and head shapes, optimizing both fit quality and acoustic performance for each user's specific anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable loop is pre-configured with a specific extension that can be adjusted before use. Users can pre-adjust the loop to the desired length and position it on their ear before connecting to the display device, ensuring proper retention while maintaining adequate connection length.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable audio component includes a first cable and an audio source in electrical communication with the first cable. A housing defines an interior and an exterior, the audio source being contained within the interior thereof. The exterior includes an ear engaging surface, an outer surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the front and outer surfaces. The peripheral surface includes a channel open along a length to surrounding portions of the peripheral surface and having a depth to extend partially between the front and outer surfaces. A portion of the channel is covered by a bridge member that defines an aperture between and open to adjacent portions of the channel. The cable is connected with the housing at a first location disposed within the channel remote from the bridge member and is captured in so as to extend through the aperture in a slidable engagement therewith.