Rotatable Earphone Mounting for On-Ear and Stowed Position Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headphones lack a convenient mechanism to switch between an on-ear position and a stowed position without removal, leading to discomfort and tedious storage, especially during temporary use or ear fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A headphone assembly with rotatably or pivotally coupled earphones to a support member, allowing easy switching between on-ear and stowed positions using a snap-fit mechanism with mating members and O-rings for secure and ergonomic fit, enabling the earphones to be moved away from the ears with minimal effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If headphones are designed with fixed earphones mounted on the headband, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the user cannot switch between on-ear and stowed positions without removing the headphones
Solution Approach 1:
The earphones are made rotatable relative to the headband through a rotation mechanism, allowing dynamic repositioning between on-ear and stowed positions. This transforms the static fixed mounting into a dynamic adjustable system, enabling users to switch positions without removing the headphones.
Solution Approach 2:
The headphone assembly is divided into separate components: the headband, the earphones, and a rotation mechanism connecting them. This segmentation allows the earphones to be independently rotated relative to the headband, providing positional flexibility while keeping the overall structure manageable.
2Ease of operation
If the earphones are tightly secured to ensure stable wear, then the fit is secure, but the user cannot easily move the earphones to stowed position
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism provides a dynamic connection that maintains secure fit during normal wear but allows easy rotation to stowed position. The mechanical joint between the earphone and headband is designed to be stable during listening but movable when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the earphone and headband. It transmits the secure mounting function during wear while enabling controlled movement to stowed position, mediating between the conflicting requirements of security and mobility.
3Ease of operation
If the headphone structure is made compact for easy storage, then storage is simple, but the user cannot maintain ergonomic fit during extended wear
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is made dynamically adjustable to accommodate different head sizes and ear contours. During extended wear, the user can adjust the support member to maintain optimal ergonomic fit, transforming a static structure into an adaptable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, accommodates different head sizes, and maintains ergonomic fit during extended wear. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components while addressing various user needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A headphone assembly that includes a support member for mounting the earphone, wherein the support member can be a headband or an ear loop. The earphones can be connected to the support member through a fixed member that can be supported on the head adjacent to the ear. The earphones are rotatably coupled to the fixed member, such as the earphones can be rotated between an on-ear position and a stowed position. In the on-ear position, the earphone is in contact with the ears of the wearer, and in the stowed position, the earphones can be rotated away from the ears.