Noise attenuating headphones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headphones are uncomfortable when used on one's side for extended periods, failing to effectively block environmental noise and deliver high-quality stereo sound due to design limitations.

Innovation Solution

Ergonomic noise attenuating headphones with a circumferential noise attenuating structure featuring first and second elastic portions of different material densities, housed within a pillow-like support structure, which surrounds the ear and includes a speaker for improved comfort and noise mitigation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional over-the-ear headphones are used, then noise blocking and stereo sound quality are improved, but comfort when laying on side is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental noise blockingVSAvoidcomfort when laying on side

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The headphone is divided into separate functional components: a headrest portion for support, ear pads for noise blocking, and a circumferential noise attenuating structure that surrounds the ear. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while working together to solve the comfort-noise blocking contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the headphone use different materials with specific properties: the headrest uses pillow-like material for comfort, the ear pads use noise-blocking material, and the circumferential structure uses elastic material with specific durometer ranges. This local quality approach ensures each area provides the specific function needed without compromising overall comfort or noise blocking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If headphones are designed for extended side-lying comfort, then ease of use is improved, but noise blocking capability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort for extended wearVSAvoidenvironmental noise blocking

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated headphone structure: the headrest provides comfort support, the ear pads deliver noise blocking, and the circumferential noise attenuating structure simultaneously provides additional noise blocking and structural support. This merging ensures both comfort and noise blocking are achieved together rather than traded off.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The headphone utilizes composite material construction with the circumferential noise attenuating structure made of elastic material having specific durometer ranges (10-40 Shore A, 40-70 Shore A, or 70-90 Shore A). This composite approach allows the structure to be sufficiently soft for comfort while maintaining enough rigidity to effectively block environmental noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform density material is used in noise attenuating structure, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but comfort and noise attenuation performance are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial consistencyVSAvoidcomfort and noise attenuation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The noise attenuating structure incorporates regions of different material densities within the same component. The first elastic portion has a first density and the second elastic portion has a second density, with the circumferential end having lower density than the first elastic portion. This local quality variation optimizes both comfort (softer regions) and noise attenuation (denser regions) within a single manufacturable structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 comfortable noise attenuation and high-quality stereo sound delivery while reducing environmental noise exposure, even when lying on one's side, by using silicone materials with varying firmness and a contoured design to distribute pressure and secure the headphones.

Implementation Method 1

the noise attenuating structure comprises a first and second elastic portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the second elastic portion has the circumferential end having a material density less than the first elastic portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDensity difference: Density Gradient

Implementation Method 3

a speaker coupled to the noise attenuating structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroacoustic transduction:

Implementation Method 4

noise attenuating structure housed within the ergonomic support structure having a circumferential end configured to surround an ear of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentUS11553270B2Noise attenuating headphones

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 JORDANOV MARTIN

AI summary

Ambient noise attenuating headphones are disclosed that may be used when a user is laying down on their side. The headphones include an ergonomic support structure, a noise attenuating structure housed within the ergonomic support structure having a circumferential end configured to surround an ear of the user, wherein the noise attenuating structure comprises a first and second elastic portion, and wherein the second elastic portion has the circumferential end having a material density less than the first elastic portion, and a speaker coupled to the noise attenuating structure.