Open-Ear Earphone Housing Layout for Sound Output Without Canal Blockage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing open earphones struggle with output performance, as they often block the ear canal, compromising user comfort and safety by obstructing external sound access.
Innovation Solution
An open earphone design featuring a sound production component with a housing and an ear hook that positions the sound outlet near the ear canal without blocking it, utilizing a specific ratio of sound outlet area to housing area, and incorporating a transducer with a magnetic circuit assembly to enhance sound guidance and minimize leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sound production component is positioned near the ear canal to improve sound output performance, then the sound quality is enhanced, but the ear canal may be blocked, compromising user comfort and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ear hook as an intermediary structure that connects the sound production component to the ear without requiring direct insertion into the ear canal. The ear hook hangs on the auricle and positions the sound production component near the ear canal opening, allowing sound transmission while maintaining ear canal patency and preventing blockage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional in-ear positioning (inserting into the ear canal) to an open-ear positioning system using the ear hook. This dimensional change positions the sound production component in a different spatial location - near the ear canal opening but not inside it - thereby achieving sound output without blockage.
2Measurement precision
If the sound outlet area is increased to improve sound output, then acoustic performance is enhanced, but far-field leakage increases, reducing sound isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the sound outlet area parameter to a specific range (2.87 mm² to 46.10 mm²) that balances sound output performance with leakage control. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient acoustic performance while minimizing far-field sound leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the sound outlet on the inner side surface of the housing facing the auricle, creating a localized sound guidance path. This local quality enhancement directs sound waves toward the ear canal while containing them within the housing structure, reducing far-field leakage.
3Measurement precision
If the housing is designed to accommodate the transducer with proper spacing, then manufacturing complexity increases, but sound guidance and leakage reduction are improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for housing dimensions and component spacing, including distance from the sound outlet to the lower side surface (4.05 mm to 6.05 mm) and to the rear side surface (8.15 mm to 12.25 mm). These parameter specifications enable standardized manufacturing while achieving optimal sound guidance and leakage reduction.
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 improves user comfort by allowing external sound access while enhancing sound quality and reducing far-field leakage, ensuring a balanced acoustic experience.
Implementation Method 1
a sound production component including a transducer and a housing accommodating the transducer
Implementation Method 2
a sound outlet on an inner side surface towards the auricle for guiding a sound generated by the transducer out of the housing and to the ear canal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an open earphone comprising: a sound production component including a transducer and a housing accommodating the transducer and an ear hook. In a wearing state, a portion of the ear hook is hung between an auricle and a user's head, and the other portion of the ear hook extends towards a side of the auricle away from the head and connects to the sound production component to place the sound production component in a position near an ear canal but not blocking the ear canal. The housing is provided with a sound outlet on an inner side surface towards the auricle for guiding a sound generated by the transducer out of the housing and to the ear canal, and a ratio of an area of the sound outlet to an area of the inner side surface is between 0.015 and 0.25.