Wireless Headset Antenna Integration in Headband

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless headsets face challenges in signal reception due to the presence of the human body between the device and the antenna, and the limited space in earcups restricts the design of antennas, affecting signal quality and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The integration of antennas as part of the metal support structure in the headband, specifically a slotted loop structure, with electronic signal processing hardware electrically matched to the antenna, positioned between the center of the headband and the earcups, enhances radiation efficiency and reduces signal attenuation by optimizing polarization and scattering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the antenna is located in the earcup, then the wireless headset can be compact, but the antenna occupies valuable space and reduces radiation efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheadset volumeVSAvoidradiation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is relocated from the earcup (3D space constraint) to the headband (2D surface space), utilizing the headband's larger surface area to accommodate the antenna structure without compromising earcup volume for acoustic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna is integrated with the metal support structure of the headband, combining the mechanical support function with the electromagnetic radiation function into a single unified structure, eliminating the need for separate antenna components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of energy

If the antenna is integrated into the metal support structure of the headband, then radiation efficiency is improved, but the headband structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation efficiencyVSAvoidheadband structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is formed as an integral part of the metal support structure through manufacturing processes such as stamping or molding, creating a unified component that performs both structural support and electromagnetic radiation functions without requiring additional parts or assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The metal support structure of the headband serves dual purposes: providing mechanical support and structural integrity while simultaneously functioning as the antenna for wireless signal transmission and reception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the antenna is positioned between the center of the headband and one earcup, then signal transmission along the body surface is optimized, but the headband structure becomes asymmetric

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidheadband symmetry
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is deliberately positioned asymmetrically between the center of the headband and one earcup to optimize the electromagnetic field distribution and signal propagation path along the user's body surface, accepting the asymmetric appearance as a necessary trade-off for improved wireless performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

This configuration achieves a radiation efficiency of over 75% and reduces signal attenuation, providing improved wireless signal transmission and reception, especially when the headset is worn, by utilizing a dominant horizontal polarization that minimizes signal scattering along the body surface.

Implementation Method 1

The antenna is a slotted loop structure... When the headband is worn on the head the antenna may have dominant horizontal polarization... that it reduces scattering of the signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

When the headband is worn on the head the antenna may have dominant horizontal polarization referenced to the surface of the human body, and may exhibit low signal attenuation in the propagating path toward the source device along the front and back sides of the user's body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal scattering reduction through polarization optimization: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentEP3469809B1Wireless headset
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 BOSE CORP
  • EP3469809B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3469809B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3469809B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A wireless headset with a headband that is constructed and arranged to fit over a user's head. The headband includes an antenna that is adapted to transmit and receive wireless signals, and electronic signal processing hardware that is electrically matched to the antenna. The headset also includes earcups carried by the headband, each earcup arranged to sit on, over or near one ear of the user. Each earcup has an audio transducer.