Removable Speaker Assembly for Headworn Computer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current head-worn computing systems face challenges in providing effective and versatile speaker assemblies that are comfortable, adjustable, and easily replaceable, while also maintaining environmental awareness and interaction capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of a removable and replaceable speaker assembly for head-worn computers, featuring a magnetic attachment system and a vibratory system for haptic feedback, which allows for easy interchange of speaker types and accessories, enhancing user experience and modularity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed speaker assembly is integrated into the head-worn computer, then the device structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the adaptability and ease of replacement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker assembly is divided into a separate removable module that can be detached from the head-worn computer frame. This segmentation allows the speaker to be replaced with different types (earbud-style, ear-tip, etc.) while keeping the main device structure relatively simple. The attachment mechanism is designed as a separate interface component that facilitates easy connection and disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is designed to accommodate multiple types of speaker assemblies through a universal interface. The magnetic attachment system with alignment features can securely hold different speaker configurations (behind ear, in ear, etc.), making the head-worn computer compatible with various speaker types without requiring separate attachment mechanisms for each.
2Ease of operation
If a removable speaker assembly with magnetic attachment is used, then the ease of operation and replacement are improved, but the reliability of the connection may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism incorporates curved or contoured magnetic surfaces that provide multiple contact points for secure attachment. The magnetic elements are positioned to create a distributed attachment pattern that distributes mechanical and magnetic forces across multiple points, enhancing connection reliability while maintaining easy attachment and detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical fastening system (screws, clips, latches) is replaced with a magnetic attachment system. This substitution maintains strong holding force for reliable connection during use, while allowing for effortless attachment and detachment by simply bringing the speaker near the magnetic field, eliminating the need for complex mechanical operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple speaker types are supported through modularity, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed with adjustable parameters such as magnetic strength, attachment geometry, and interface dimensions that can be modified to accommodate different speaker types. By changing these parameters within the same basic design framework, the system can support various speaker configurations without requiring completely different attachment mechanisms for each type.
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 improved comfort and adjustability through the removable speaker assembly, while enabling enhanced user interaction and environmental awareness, facilitating easy swapping of speaker types and accessories for varied use cases.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic attachment system
Implementation Method 2
a vibratory system for haptic feedback
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to speaker assemblies for head worn computers, including speaker assemblies in a temple portion of a head-worn computer.