Rotatable Headphone Input Mechanism for Comfort and Noise Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headphones are often bulky and uncomfortable due to large earpiece pads and poorly designed headband connections, leading to inadequate fit and increased noise from user input controls.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates off-center pivoting earpieces with a spring-driven pivot mechanism for a consistent pressure distribution, variable thickness earpiece cushions for better sealing, and vibration-dampening materials to reduce noise from input controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If large earpiece pads are used to improve sealing and noise reduction, then external noise reduction is improved, but comfort and fit are worsened due to bulkiness
Solution Approach 1:
The earpiece cushions are designed with variable thickness, featuring a thicker posterior portion for sealing and noise reduction, and a thinner anterior portion for comfort. This local differentiation allows the cushion to provide enhanced noise isolation where needed while maintaining comfort in contact areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The earpiece cushion exhibits asymmetric geometry with different thicknesses at different locations. The posterior portion is thicker to provide effective sealing against the ear, while the anterior portion is thinner to reduce bulkiness and improve comfort, breaking the symmetry of conventional uniform cushions.
2Device complexity
If traditional headband connections are used to attach earpieces, then structural simplicity is maintained, but comfort and fit are worsened due to poor pressure distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism is positioned off-center rather than at the traditional center point, creating an asymmetric attachment geometry. This dimensional repositioning allows the earpiece to be mounted higher on the headband, improving pressure distribution across the head and enhancing comfort while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional input controls are used in headphones, then basic functionality is provided, but noise is increased due to lack of vibration dampening
Solution Approach 1:
Vibration dampening materials are introduced as intermediary elements between the input control components and the earpiece housing. These materials absorb and dissipate vibrations generated during control operation, effectively reducing the noise transmitted to the user while preserving full control functionality.
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 enhances comfort, reduces external noise, and provides a more secure fit by distributing pressure evenly across the user's head while minimizing noise from input controls.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring positioned to apply a force to the pivot mechanism
Implementation Method 2
vibration-dampening materials to reduce noise from input controls
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that enhance user comfort and improve user control of the headphones are discussed. Various sensor configurations and electronic component positions are also discussed. User convenience features that include detachable cushions and automatically detecting the donning and doffing of headphones are also discussed.