Rotatable Ventilation Switch for Ear Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ear protection devices do not allow users to easily switch between ventilation and noise attenuation without removing the device, leading to discomfort and difficulties in communication.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable switch that allows users to toggle between ventilation and noise attenuation by rotating the switch to expose or cover ventilation holes, enabling comfortable ventilation and effective noise reduction without removing the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If ventilation holes are provided in the ear protection device, then user comfort is improved, but noise attenuation performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidnoise attenuation performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a rotatable switch mechanism that dynamically opens or closes ventilation holes based on user needs. The switch can rotate between positions to either expose ventilation holes for comfort or cover them for noise attenuation, allowing the device to adapt its ventilation state dynamically rather than being fixed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a switch mechanism is added to control ventilation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation control capabilityVSAvoidswitch mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable switch is designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring external power sources, complex electronics, or additional control systems. The user simply rotates the switch to the desired position, and the mechanism passively opens or closes the ventilation holes through mechanical action, making the system self-service and avoiding added complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 users with the ability to ventilate their ears for comfort and turn off noise attenuation when needed, all while maintaining effective noise protection that meets EN352 standards.

Implementation Method 1

a rotatable switch (1), wherein the switch (1) is rotatable in relation to the shell (2) and the ear cushion (6)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Implementation Method 2

at least one sound-absorbing element (3, 4) arranged between the shell (2) and the ear cushion (6)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentUS12274602B2Ear protection device

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 FISKARS FINLAND OY AB

AI summary

The present invention relates to an ear protection device, which comprises an ear cushion for contacting around an ear to seal off an interior space of the ear protection device from surroundings, a switch comprising a holder portion and a shaft with a guide, a shell comprising an interior section and a shell aperture wherein edges of the shell aperture engage with the guide of the switch, and said shell is provided between the ear cushion and the switch. The switch is rotatable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position ventilation holes are exposed from the interior section of the shell allowing air to flow inside the interior space, and in the second position the ventilation holes are covered inside the interior section of shell preventing the air to flow inside the interior space.