Headset Side Support with Metal Reinforcement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headsets with side supports and speaker modules connected by resilient springs face issues where the side support may detach due to rough handling, especially when the user adjusts the length of the spring element.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a metal core with a transversely extending reinforcement at the side support, embedded in a polymer material, which provides additional strength and disperses pressure, ensuring the side support remains attached and protecting the battery, while allowing for comfortable wear and easy battery replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the side support is made detachable to allow adjustment of spring length, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as the side support may come away from the spring during rough handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment of spring lengthVSAvoidattachment of side support to spring
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The side support is divided into a polymer material portion and a separate metal re-enforcement portion. The metal re-enforcement is embedded in the polymer material and provides a secure attachment point for the spring, while the polymer material provides comfort and adjustability. This segmentation allows the support to be both easily adjustable and reliably attached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side support uses a composite structure combining polymer material and metal re-enforcement. The metal re-enforcement is embedded in the polymer material to create a hybrid component that leverages the advantages of both materials: the polymer provides comfort and adjustability, while the metal provides strength and secure spring attachment, preventing detachment during rough handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If the side support uses only polymer material for comfort, then ease of operation is improved, but strength deteriorates making it susceptible to bending forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfort during wearVSAvoidresistance to bending forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The side support combines polymer material and metal re-enforcement in a composite structure. The polymer material contacts the user's head providing comfort, while the embedded metal re-enforcement provides structural strength and resistance to bending forces. This composite approach allows both comfort and strength to coexist in the same component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The metal re-enforcement is strategically embedded only in specific regions of the side support where strength is needed, particularly where the spring attaches and where bending forces are most likely to occur. The polymer material remains dominant in areas contacting the user's head to maintain comfort. This localized application of different material properties optimizes both comfort and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively secures the side support and speaker module together, preventing detachment during handling, provides balanced weight distribution, and ensures the battery is protected and easily replaceable, while maintaining comfort and strength.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient spring such that the speaker module and the side support are placeable at each their side of a users head and where the spring provides a holding force which presses the speaker module and the side support in a direction towards each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A dispersion of the pressure force from the spring is also facilitated by the transversely extending re-enforcement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure distribution:

Implementation Method 3

an elongated resilient spring such that the spring provides a holding force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy storage in elastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2352307B1Headset with side support
Publication Date: 2012.08.29 SENNHEISER COMM
  • EP2352307B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2352307B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2352307B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A headset with side support is provided, where a speaker module is coupled to a side support by means of an elongate resilient spring such that the speaker module and the side support are placeable at each their side of a users head and where the spring provides a holding force which presses the speaker module and the side support in a direction towards each other wherein the spring comprises a metal core and this core comprises a re-enforcement at the side support which extends transversely to the length direction of the elongate spring.