Integrated Earbud Frame for Compact Acoustic Driver
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Solution Overview
Problem
The size of earbuds is limited by the frame of the acoustic driver, preventing them from fitting smaller ears and protruding less from the ear, as the frame occupies significant space and requires separate packaging.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the frame of the acoustic driver with the earbud itself, eliminating the need for a separate frame, and using the earbud as the structure to hold the magnetic circuit and diaphragm, thereby reducing the overall size and allowing the earbud to fit smaller ears and protrude less.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a separate frame is used for the acoustic driver, then the acoustic driver can be properly structured and assembled, but the overall size of the earbud increases and it cannot fit smaller ears
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the acoustic driver frame with the earbud housing into a single integrated structure. The earbud housing itself serves as the frame for the acoustic driver, eliminating the need for a separate frame component. This integration reduces the overall volume of the earbud while maintaining the structural integrity needed for acoustic driver assembly and operation.
2Length of moving object
If a separate frame is used for the acoustic driver, then the acoustic driver components can be properly positioned, but the earbud protrudes more from the ear
Solution Approach 1:
The earbud housing is designed to directly contain and position the acoustic driver components (magnetic circuit, diaphragm, voice coil) without requiring a separate frame. The housing walls serve as the structural boundaries for the acoustic chamber and component mounting, reducing the z-height and protrusion while maintaining assembly feasibility through integrated molding or construction.
3Volume of moving object
If the frame size is reduced to fit smaller ears, then the earbud can fit smaller ears, but the diaphragm size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the frame function into the earbud housing, the patent eliminates the space required for a separate frame structure. This freed-up space allows for a larger diaphragm area within the same overall earbud volume, or enables the earbud to be smaller while maintaining the same diaphragm size. The housing directly defines the acoustic chamber volume available for the diaphragm.
Data Source
AI summary
An earbud may include an acoustic driver. The acoustic driver may include a diaphragm and a magnetic circuit. A frame of the acoustic driver may be integrated with the earbud.