Raised Earbud Body Feature for Anti-Helix Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-ear devices often become unstable or uncomfortable for users, especially when they are active or when the fit is improper.
Innovation Solution
A retention member with a leg shaped to follow the anti-helix of the ear, comprising segments with varying thicknesses and a thin web, providing additional stability and comfort by buckling and adding stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a smooth surface design is used for the in-ear device, then the device is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, but the device becomes unstable and difficult to keep properly placed in the ear
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member is divided into multiple functional segments: a base portion that attaches to the device body, a leg portion that extends to engage the ear, and a curved portion that follows the anti-helix contour. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall device stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member features a curved portion that is specifically shaped to follow the natural contour of the anti-helix in the human ear. This curvature enables the device to conform to the ear's anatomy, providing stable retention without altering the smooth surface design of the main device body.
2Volume of moving object
If the device size is reduced to make it compact and portable, then portability is improved, but the device becomes less stable and more difficult to retain in the ear
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member extends the device's interaction with the ear into a new spatial dimension by incorporating a leg that reaches outward to engage the anti-helix. This additional dimensional extension provides stable retention without increasing the main body volume of the in-ear device.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member is designed as a thin, flexible structure that can be integrated into compact devices. Its slender profile allows it to extend beyond the small device body to provide stable engagement with the ear's anti-helix, maintaining portability while improving retention.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a retention member is added to improve stability, then device retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member is designed to be integrally formed as a single piece, merging the base portion, leg portion, and curved portion into one continuous structure. This reduces assembly complexity while providing multi-functional retention capabilities that engage different parts of the ear simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, engages the anti-helix for stable retention, and conforms to the ear's anatomy for comfort. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated component rather than multiple separate parts, minimizing added complexity.
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
Enhances the stability and comfort of in-ear devices by securely fitting them in the ear, allowing for a more secure and comfortable experience.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second segments have a greater thickness than the web
Implementation Method 2
a web disposed between the first and second segments. The first and second segments have a greater thickness than the web
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects describe a retaining member of an in-ear audio output device to help stabilize and add comfort to a user wearing the device. Aspects describe a device comprising an earbud housing shaped to fit in a concha of an ear of a wearer of the device, and a body coupled to the earbud housing, the body extending away from an ear canal of the wearer and oriented outside of the ear when the device is worn, and a retention member comprising a leg that is curved to generally follow the curve of the anti-helix at the rear of the concha of a user's ear. The leg comprises a first segment, a second segment, and a web disposed between the first and second segments. The first and second segments have a greater thickness than the web.