Headset Conductive Power System for Accessory Runtime

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of a uniform means to power accessory devices such as lights, GPS, and night vision devices in military and law enforcement settings, and existing headsets do not effectively extend the runtime of these devices by augmenting the onboard power source.

Innovation Solution

An electronic headset with a headband and earcups that can be removably and rotatably coupled, featuring an electronic circuit with a power source and conductive connections to power both earcups and accessories, along with a secondary power source that can be remotely positioned, allowing for extended operation of electrically powered accessories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single conductively connected power source is used to power accessory devices, then the devices can be powered uniformly, but the runtime of the accessory devices is limited by the onboard power source capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunified power solution for accessoriesVSAvoidruntime of accessory devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power system is segmented into multiple independent power sources: a primary onboard power source and one or more removable secondary power sources. This allows the system to provide unified power to accessories while extending runtime by allowing users to attach additional power sources as needed, without requiring a completely different power architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable power source is designed to nest within or attach to the headset structure, with conductive connections that interface with the existing mounting bracket and earcup assembly. This nested configuration enables the power source to be integrated into the headset without adding significant bulk or complexity to the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If a removable and rotatable earcup mounting system is implemented, then the earcups can be securely coupled to the headband, but the structural complexity of the mounting system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremovable and rotatable earcup couplingVSAvoidmounting system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket and earcup mounting hub are merged into a single integrated assembly that combines the mounting function with the electrical connection function. This unified structure simplifies the overall system by eliminating separate mounting mechanisms while still providing secure, removable, and rotatable coupling of the earcups to the headband.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conductive connections are provided between mounting brackets and earcup mounting hubs, then electronic earcups can be powered, but the reliability of electrical connection during movement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery to electronic earcupsVSAvoidelectrical connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection system is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, using flexible conductive elements that maintain electrical contact between the mounting bracket and earcup mounting hub during normal movement and adjustment. This dynamic connection approach allows the headset to adapt to user movements while maintaining reliable power delivery to electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The electronic headset provides a unified power solution for various accessories, extending their runtime and ensuring consistent operation in military and law enforcement environments.

Implementation Method 1

each earcup mounting hub may be configured to conductively interface with a mounting bracket when coupled thereto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20180139539A1Electronic headset

Publication Date: 2018.05.17 UNITY TACTICAL LLC

AI summary

Implementations of an electronic headset are provided. In some implementations, the electronic headset may be configured to be worn on the head of a user. In some implementations, the electronic headset may be configured so that two earcups can be removably and/or rotatably coupled to a headband thereof. In some implementation, the electronic headset may be configured to power attached electronic earcups and/or other electrically powered accessories (e.g., a light, etc.) conductively coupled thereto. In some implementations, an electronic headset may comprise a headband having a mounting bracket on each end thereof, two earcup mounting hubs, and an electronic circuitry comprising a power source. In some implementations, each earcup mounting hub may be configured to conductively interface with a mounting bracket when coupled thereto. In this way, the electronic earcups may be powered by the electronic headset.