Modular Headset Pivotable Boom Clutch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio communication headsets lack the ability to adjust the microphone boom to a desired angle and reliably lock it in position, are prone to malfunction and breakage, and lack modularity, limiting user options for component characteristics, repair, and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A modular headset with a selectively pivotable microphone boom and speaker module that can rotate along a single axis relative to a headband module, using a clutch mechanism to secure the boom and speaker module, allowing adjustment without losing electrical contact, and featuring a removable battery with a backup power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the joint between the headband and microphone boom is made fixed to ensure structural stability, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the adaptability of the headset for different ears and orientations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a pivotable joint between the headband and microphone boom assembly, allowing the boom to rotate along a single axis. This dynamic joint enables the headset to adapt to different orientations and ears while maintaining reliable electrical connection through sliding contacts that remain engaged during rotation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the microphone boom is made fully rotatable to improve adaptability, then the versatility for different orientations is improved, but the reliability of maintaining stable electrical connection is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sliding electrical contacts as an intermediary mechanism between the rotating microphone boom and the fixed headband. These contacts slide along conductive surfaces during rotation, maintaining continuous electrical connection without requiring a fixed joint, thus enabling both adaptability and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mechanisms are added to allow boom position adjustment, then the adaptability for different use positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a simple pivotable joint that allows the microphone boom to rotate along a single axis, providing adjustable positioning without complex mechanisms. This single-axis rotation capability enables users to adjust the boom to desired angles while maintaining a relatively simple structural design.
4Ease of repair
If modular components are implemented to improve ease of repair and maintenance, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the headset into distinct modular components: a headband module and a separate microphone boom module with integrated speaker. These modules can be independently replaced or maintained, improving ease of repair while the integration of speaker and microphone in a single boom module helps minimize overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular headset with a microphone boom module selectively engageable with a headband module. The microphone boom module has a speaker housing, a microphone boom, a microphone retained by the microphone boom, and a speaker retained by the speaker housing. An annular hub projects from the speaker housing, and an aperture is disposed in the headband module for receiving the hub in a pivotable engagement. Positive and negative electrical contact surfaces, such as conductive rings, are disposed over the hub, and electrical contacts project from the aperture to travel along the electrical contact surfaces. The microphone boom module has an active angular zone Za wherein the microphone boom module is active and a mute angular zone Zm. The mute angular zone Zm can include a range of angles encompassing alignment of a longitudinal orientation of the microphone boom module with a plane of the headband.