In-Ear Stabilizer Compression Strut for Secure Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-ear communication devices face stability and comfort issues due to varying ear sizes and shapes, as they do not adapt effectively to different users, leading to instability and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An in-ear communication device equipped with a compression strut that fits into the lower concha of the ear and extends across the crus of the helix, exerting pressure under the antihelix to securely hold the device in place, using a mechanical spring mechanism for stability and adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a one-size-fits-all earphone design is used, then manufacturing cost and simplicity are improved, but stability and comfort deteriorate due to varying ear sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The earphone system is divided into two separate components: a universal earphone unit and an individualized stabilizer component. The stabilizer is segmented to fit specific anatomical features of the user's ear (antihelix, crus of helix, concha), allowing customization for stability while keeping the main earphone unit standardized for easy manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer acts as an intermediary component between the universal earphone and the user's ear. It mediates the connection by adapting to individual ear anatomy and providing the necessary stabilization, while the earphone itself remains a standardized, easily manufacturable unit.
2Stability of the object's composition
If stabilization devices are added to hold the headset in place, then device stability is improved, but device complexity and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer incorporates a compression spring that provides dynamic, adjustable stabilization. The spring mechanism allows the stabilizer to adapt to different ear sizes and shapes automatically, providing the necessary stabilization force without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple size variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring changes its compression parameter based on the individual ear's anatomy, automatically adjusting the stabilization force and position. This parameter adaptation provides effective stabilization across different users without increasing structural complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If current stabilization techniques are used, then some stability is achieved, but user adaptation and comfort deteriorate due to lack of adaptability to different ear sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is designed with different structural features at different locations to interact with specific anatomical features of the ear. The upper portion engages with the antihelix and crus of helix, while the lower portion engages with the concha, providing localized adaptation to individual ear anatomy for both stability and comfort.
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 provides a comfortable, secure, and adaptable fit for different ear sizes, ensuring the device remains stable and comfortable, allowing for single-handed insertion and adjustment, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The compression spring, when extended across the crus of the helix of the human ear, fits securely under the antihelix in the upper concha of the ear. The compression spring exerts outward pressure against the antihelix of the ear, when under compression, thereby comfortably holding the in-ear device in place through pressure on the lower and upper concha of the human ear.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-ear stabilizer with a compression strut securely holds an in-ear communications device within the human ear. The in-ear stabilizer comprises an in-ear device housing which fits into the human ear and has a receiver and speaker. Attached to the in-ear device housing is a compression strut which extends, when in the human ear, across the crus of helix and fits securely under the antihelix in the upper concha of the ear. The housing of the in-ear device fits into the lower concha of the human ear. The compression strut exerts outward pressure when compressed, comfortably holding the in-ear device in place through pressure on the lower and upper concha of the human ear.