Rotating Headphone Adapter for VR Headsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted devices often have inadequate built-in audio solutions, leading to cumbersome integration with external headphone devices due to size, weight, and interference issues, and lack effective passive noise cancellation.
Innovation Solution
A headphone adapter system with a first element, second element, and third element, allowing for secure and adjustable attachment of headphone devices to head-mounted devices, enabling effective passive noise cancellation and comfortable fit through rotational couplings and ergonomic design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If speakers are pushed against the user's ears using a small spring force, then audio content can be provided, but the speakers may touch the user's ears causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical structure (headphone adapter with coupling mechanisms) between the speaker and the user's ear. This adapter includes adjustable arms and connection elements that mediate the force transmission, allowing audio delivery while preventing direct uncomfortable contact through controlled mechanical coupling.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If passive noise cancellation requires quite a lot of force to close air compartments of user's ears, then noise blocking can be achieved, but it is very difficult to generate enough force if the headphone device is supported only to a headband
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force generation system into multiple components: the headband provides base support, while the headphone adapter with its adjustable arms and coupling mechanisms provides additional force vectors. This segmentation allows distributed force application that achieves the necessary compression for noise cancellation without overloading a single support point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable arms and adjustable coupling mechanisms in the headphone adapter. These dynamic elements allow the system to adapt force application in real-time, enabling sufficient force generation for noise cancellation while maintaining comfort and adaptability to different user needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If earpads/earpieces are worn over the user's head along with a head-mounted device, then headphone functionality is provided, but the earpads/earpieces often interfere with the head-mounted device
Solution Approach 1:
The headphone adapter serves as an intermediary device that physically and functionally separates the headphone earpads from direct contact with the head-mounted device. The adapter's coupling mechanisms and structural elements act as mediators that prevent interference while maintaining both the head-mounted device and headphone functionality simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the headphone adapter integrates with the head-mounted device structure, and the earpads are positioned within the adapter's framework. This nesting hierarchy organizes the components to minimize spatial interference while maintaining all required functionalities.
4Ease of operation
If the headphone device is detachably attached to the head-mounted device, then ease of use is improved, but secure attachment becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic coupling mechanisms that adapt during attachment and use. The adjustable arms and connection elements can transition between locked and unlocked states, providing secure attachment when engaged and easy release when needed. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between security and ease of detachment.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a headphone adapter (100, 204) having: first element (102) having first part (104) and second part (106) attached to first part, wherein recess (108) is defined between first part and second part; second element (110) having first end (112), second end (114) opposite to first end, and at least one third part (116) extending between first end and second end, wherein second element is rotatably attached to first element at first end; and third element (118) having fourth part (120) and attachment parts (122, 124) extending from fourth part, wherein fourth part is rotatably attached to second element at second end, and wherein headphone adapter, in use, enables attachment of a headphone device (216, 302) to a head-mounted device (208, 306) such that headband (206, 304) of head-mounted device passes through the recess defined in first element, and headband (214) of headphone device is attached to third element.