In-Ear Venting Structure for Adjustable Occlusion Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
TWS Bluetooth earphones cause discomfort due to ear occlusion and lack of ventilation, limiting wearing time and application scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An in-ear wearable device with a customized housing and a ventilation rate adjusting device that allows manual adjustment of ventilation to address ear occlusion and improve comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If standard size TWS Bluetooth earphones are used, then portability and no entanglement are achieved, but wearing comfort deteriorates after long time use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ventilation channel with an adjustable ventilation rate adjusting device that allows dynamic control of air flow through the acoustic meatus. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to different wearing durations and user comfort requirements, resolving the contradiction between extended wearing time and ear occlusion effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation rate adjusting device changes the ventilation parameter (air flow rate) to control the degree of ventilation in the acoustic meatus. By adjusting this parameter, the system can balance between maintaining ear occlusion for audio quality and providing sufficient ventilation for comfort during extended wear.
2Ease of manufacture
If the acoustic meatus is closed for audio playback, then sound quality is improved, but pressure balance and ventilation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the earphone housing into functional zones: a sealed audio playback chamber and a separate ventilation channel. This segmentation allows the main acoustic space to remain sealed for audio quality while providing a dedicated pathway for pressure equalization and ventilation through the adjustable ventilation device.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation channel acts as an intermediary structure that connects the internal acoustic space to the external environment. It mediates between the need for sealing (audio quality) and the need for pressure balance, allowing controlled air exchange without compromising the primary audio sealing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ventilation is added to the housing, then ear occlusion effect is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation rate adjusting device serves multiple functions: it provides ventilation to reduce ear occlusion effects, allows user adjustment of ventilation rate, and can be integrated into the housing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall device complexity while achieving the ventilation goal.
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
Enhances wearing comfort by allowing adjustment of ventilation to overcome ear occlusion, enabling longer wear times and versatile use scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
the ventilation channel is configured to fluidly connect the acoustic meatus of the user to the external environment
Implementation Method 2
the ventilation rate adjusting device is configured to be manually operable to adjust a ventilation rate of the ventilation channel
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an in-ear wearable device, including: a customized housing having a housing wall and an inner cavity; a panel; a ventilation hole at least partially disposed in the customized housing and partially formed in the housing wall; and a ventilation rate adjusting device mounted in the ventilation hole. When in use, the customized housing includes a first portion inserted into a user's acoustic meatus, and a second portion exposed to the external. The ventilation hole and the ventilation rate adjusting device constitute at least a part of a ventilation channel isolated from the inner cavity. The ventilation channel fluidly connects the acoustic meatus to the external when in use. The ventilation rate adjusting device includes an operating portion, and the ventilation rate of the ventilation channel may be manually adjusted via the operating portion to adjust audio characteristics of the in-ear wearable device.