Open-Ear Headphone Concha Positioning for Clamp-Free Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Open-ear headphones face challenges in achieving high-quality sound, stability, comfort, and aesthetics, as they typically require clamping on the outer ear, which can be uncomfortable and unattractive.
Innovation Solution
The open-ear headphone design features an acoustic module located in the cavum conchae of the outer ear with a sound-emitting opening proximate the ear canal, a body passing over the anti-helix/helix/lobule, and a distal portion behind the ear, maintaining stability without clamping, and incorporating a center of gravity between the module and distal portion for comfort and style.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If open-ear headphones clamp on the outer ear to achieve stability, then stability is improved, but comfort and aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical clamping system with a gravity-based suspension system. The headphone utilizes the user's ear anatomy (concha cavity) to naturally hold the device in place through gravitational force, eliminating the need for clamps or tight fitting mechanisms that cause discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The headphone design allows the user's own ear structure to serve as the stabilizing mechanism. The concha cavity naturally cradles the acoustic module, and the ear's own shape provides the retention force, making the system self-stabilizing without external clamping structures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If open-ear headphones clamp on the outer ear to achieve stability, then stability is improved, but aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing visible clamps and tight-fitting structures with a gravity-based suspension system, the design achieves a cleaner, more aesthetic appearance. The acoustic module simply rests in the concha cavity without visible fastening mechanisms, creating a more stylish and unobtrusive look.
3Measurement precision
If sound-emitting opening is placed close to ear canal for high-quality sound, then sound quality is improved, but risk of water/contaminant entry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary protective structure between the sound-emitting opening and the ear canal. This intermediate position allows sound to be delivered effectively while creating a buffer zone that protects against direct water or contaminant contact with the ear canal opening.
4Measurement precision
If acoustic module is positioned in cavum conchae for optimal sound emission, then sound quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic module is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides sound emission, utilizes the ear's concha cavity for natural positioning and stability, and leverages gravity for retention. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional stabilization mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the optimized positioning.
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 design provides high-quality sound, stability, and comfort for long-term wear while being unobtrusive and stylish, with sound emission patterns reducing spillage and incorporating microphones for improved voice pickup.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic transducer with a sound-emitting opening that is configured to emit sound produced by the acoustic transducer
Data Source
AI summary
An open-ear headphone includes an acoustic module, a battery housing, and a body coupled to the acoustic module. The acoustic module includes a portion that is configured to sit in a cavum conchae of an outer ear of a user, an acoustic transducer, and a first sound-emitting opening that is configured to emit sound produced by the acoustic transducer. The battery housing is configured to be located behind the outer ear and contains a battery power source. The body is coupled to the acoustic module and includes a first portion that is configured to pass over an outer side of at least one of an anti-helix and a helix and a lobule of the outer ear, and a second portion comprising the battery housing.