Reconfigurable Speaker Module for Earbud and In-Ear Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headphones are not universally comfortable and convenient for various use-cases, leading to the need for multiple devices, which is costly and environmentally impactful.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable speaker module that can switch between earbud and in-ear states, utilizing a configuration circuit to adjust driver settings and sensor detection for automated state recognition, enabling a single device for multiple configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different headphones are acquired for different use-cases, then comfort and suitability for specific activities is improved, but cost increases and environmental impact worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for different use-casesVSAvoidnumber of headphones

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The speaker module is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between different operational states. A single device can function as both earbuds and in-ear headphones through reconfiguration of the driver circuit and acoustic chamber, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing both cost and environmental impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The speaker module incorporates dynamic reconfiguration capabilities through a configuration circuit that can change the operational state of the driver circuit. The system transitions between different acoustic configurations (open resonance chamber for earbuds, closed resonance chamber for in-ear) based on detected usage conditions, making the device adaptable without requiring multiple physical products.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different headphones are acquired for different use-cases, then comfort and suitability for specific activities is improved, but device complexity and storage requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for different use-casesVSAvoidnumber of devices to manage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The speaker module integrates multiple headphone functions into a single device through reconfigurable driver circuitry. The configuration circuit enables the same physical device to adapt to different usage scenarios (workout, casual listening, audiobook), eliminating the need for users to acquire, store, and manage multiple specialized headphones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automatic state detection through sensor circuits that identify usage conditions and autonomously reconfigure the driver circuit accordingly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for users to manually switch between devices or configurations, simplifying device management while maintaining adaptability to different use-cases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If headphones are designed for specific use-cases, then comfort and performance for that specific purpose is improved, but adaptability to other situations worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort for specific use-caseVSAvoidsuitability for different situations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The speaker module employs dynamic reconfiguration of the driver circuit between different operational states. The configuration circuit responds to detected usage conditions and switches between earbud mode (with open resonance chamber) and in-ear mode (with closed resonance chamber), allowing the device to maintain optimal comfort and performance for the current situation while remaining adaptable to future situations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes physical parameters of the acoustic system by reconfiguring the driver circuit operation. The resonance chamber transitions between open and closed states, altering acoustic impedance and frequency response to match different usage scenarios. This parameter change enables the single device to provide use-case-specific performance without sacrificing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260067605A1Speaker module

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 MARSHALL GRP AB

AI summary

A speaker module (100), is presented. The speaker module (100) comprises a speaker element (110), an interface (120) for receiving audio, a configurable driver circuit (130) configured to drive the speaker element (110) based on audio provided from the interface (120), and a configuration circuit (140) operatively connected to the configurable driver circuit (130). The configurable driver circuit (130) is configured to operate at a first configuration responsive to the configuration circuit (140) indicating a first state of the speaker module (100) and at a second configuration responsive to the configuration circuit (140) detecting a second state of the speaker module (100). The first state is an earbud state, and the second state is an in-ear state.