Open-Ear Earphone Structure for Stable Fit and Natural Sound Intake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound output devices struggle to maintain a stable and comfortable wearing state while allowing natural intake of external sound, particularly when used outdoors, due to design configurations that can obstruct external sound or become unstable on the ear.
Innovation Solution
The sound output device is designed with an annular drive unit and electric unit configuration, featuring an intake hole and attachment assist body, which allows secure fitting into the ear's cavum concha and cymba concha, ensuring stability and comfort regardless of ear size or shape, with optional lids to control sound intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a through hole is formed in the housing to allow external sound intake, then external sound can be naturally taken in, but the diaphragm obstructs the external sound path affecting natural sound intake
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sound transmission path into two separate channels: one for generated sound (through the diaphragm) and one for external sound (through the through hole directly to the ear canal). This segmentation allows both sound types to transmit without mutual obstruction, resolving the contradiction between sound output function and external sound intake.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the housing is inserted into the cavum concha for stable wearing, then wearing stability is improved, but external sound intake is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented with a through hole that creates a dedicated external sound intake channel independent of the wearing stability function. The insertion portion maintains stable contact with the ear concha while the through hole allows external sound to bypass the housing structure and reach the ear canal directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The through hole acts as an intermediary passage that mediates between the housing structure (which provides stability) and the ear canal (which receives external sound). This intermediary channel allows external sound to pass through the housing without compromising the housing's stabilizing function.
3Ease of operation
If the tubular portion protrudes outward from the ear to accommodate the speaker unit, then sound output function is achieved, but wearing stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the speaker unit protrude outward from the ear (traditional design), the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning the speaker unit within the ear concha space. The housing is inserted into the cavum concha with the speaker unit arranged inside, reversing the conventional outward-protruding configuration to improve wearing stability.
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 device provides a stable, comfortable, and secure fit that allows simultaneous natural intake of external sound, enhancing usability and safety by minimizing discomfort and ensuring sound quality regardless of the environment.
Implementation Method 1
a speaker unit having a diaphragm and a magnetic circuit is arranged inside a housing
Implementation Method 2
The external sound taken into the inside of the housing through the through hole goes to the external auditory canal through the diaphragm
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a sound output device including a drive unit that has a sound output section inside and that is formed in an annular shape and an electric unit that has a drive control section inside and that is coupled to the drive unit. A space inside the drive unit is formed as an intake hole that takes in an external sound. The sound output device is attached to an ear with the drive unit inserted into a cavum concha. Accordingly, in a state in which the electric unit is coupled to the drive unit and the drive unit is inserted into the cavum concha to be attached to the ear, an external sound taken in from the intake hole that is the space inside the drive unit goes to the external auditory canal. Therefore, a stable and favorable wearing state on the ear can be ensured, and at the same time, a state in which an external sound is taken in naturally can be ensured.