Neckband Headphones with Memory Wire Adjustable Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neckband headphones lack a secure and comfortable fit for both daily wear and athletic activities, as they either provide insufficient stability for sports or discomfort during long periods of use due to fixed-curvature designs.
Innovation Solution
A headphone apparatus with a neckband featuring a combination of flexible and rigid sections made from memory materials, allowing for adjustable fit customization, incorporating a U-shaped design with memory wire and silicone rubber, enabling users to switch between loose and tight fits as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed-curvature band with tighter radius is used for athletic fit, then stability during sports is improved, but comfort for long wearing periods deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The neckband transitions from a static fixed-curvature design to a dynamic adjustable design where the curvature and tightness can be modified. The flexible section with memory wire allows the band to be bent into different shapes and maintain those shapes, enabling users to adjust the fit dynamically between loose (comfortable) and tight (stable) configurations based on activity level.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the neckband by introducing a flexible section with memory wire that can be bent to different degrees. This allows modification of the band's curvature radius and tightness parameter, enabling the same band to provide both comfortable loose fit for daily wear and stable tight fit for sports activities.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-curvature one-size-fits-all band is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different neck sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing multiple fixed-curvature bands for different sizes, the invention uses a single band design with a flexible section that can be dynamically adjusted. The memory wire allows the band to be bent and held in different configurations to accommodate various neck sizes and shapes, providing adaptability without complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The neckband is segmented into different functional sections: rigid sections for structural support and a flexible section with memory wire for adjustment. This segmentation allows the majority of the band to be manufactured simply while only a portion requires the more complex memory wire material, balancing ease of manufacture with adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If a loose fit band is used for all-day comfort, then comfort for long wearing periods is improved, but stability during sports deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The neckband enables dynamic adjustment of fit tightness by allowing users to bend the flexible section to different degrees. For all-day comfort, the band can be configured in a looser curvature, while for sports activities, the same band can be bent to create a tighter, more stable fit around the neck, providing both comfort and stability as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows changing the tightness parameter of the neckband configuration. By bending the flexible section with memory wire to different extents, users can adjust the effective tightness of the band around the neck, transitioning between loose (comfortable) and tight (stable) states to match different activity requirements.
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 adjustable fit accommodates various neck sizes, providing comfort for all-day wear and secure stability for athletic activities, enhancing user experience by allowing continuous adjustment for different usage scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The memory wire includes a memory material which is a bend-and-stay material capable of bending and maintaining a desired shape of the neckband
Data Source
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AI summary
A headphone apparatus includes a neckband having a first arm and a second arm joined by a central portion therebetween. The first and second arms each have a flexible section proximal to the central portion, the flexible sections including a memory material for dynamically creating and maintaining a desired shape of the neckband. The headphone apparatus further includes first and second earbuds connected to the neckband.