Swim Cap Audio System With Serpentine Wire Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swim goggle audio systems are uncomfortable, create drag, and compromise watertight seals due to their placement on the back of the head, have large batteries for radio connections that are prone to interference, and tangled audio wires with goggles.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof audio system integrated into a swim cap with serpentine-disposed wires that are embedded in elastic conduits, allowing the cap to stretch without affecting functionality, and a player pocket for secure audio device placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the audio system is placed on the back of the head, then the audio device can be secured, but it creates additional drag and may compromise the goggles' watertight seal
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system is divided into separate components: the audio player is integrated into the swim cap while the earbuds are positioned independently in the ears, connected by flexible wires. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned without compromising the other, eliminating drag and seal issues while maintaining secure audio delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio wires are nested within serpentine grooves molded into the swim cap structure. The grooves provide a protective channel that guides the wires from the earbuds to the audio player, preventing tangling and maintaining organization while allowing the cap to stretch and move with the swimmer.
2Ease of operation
If a radio connection is used, then the swimmer can receive audio wirelessly, but the battery becomes prohibitively large and radio connection may be compromised by water interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic radio transmission system with a direct electrical connection system using wired earbuds. This substitution eliminates the need for large batteries and radio antennas, reducing weight and eliminating water interference issues while maintaining reliable audio delivery through the wired connection.
3Reliability
If audio wires are tied to goggle straps, then the audio system can be secured, but the wires create drag, become tangled, and are difficult to untangle
Solution Approach 1:
The audio wire management system is merged with the swim cap structure itself. The serpentine grooves are molded directly into the cap, providing an integrated pathway for the wires. This integration eliminates the need for separate wire management systems and ensures the wires remain organized and tangle-free during swimming.
Solution Approach 2:
The wires are designed with flexibility to dynamically adapt to the swimmer's movements and the cap's stretching. The serpentine groove configuration allows the wires to flex and move with the cap rather than resisting the motion, preventing tangling and reducing drag while maintaining secure connections.
4Ease of operation
If the swim cap is stretched to fit the head, then the cap can be worn comfortably, but the wires may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The swim cap is constructed from flexible elastic material that can stretch and conform to the swimmer's head without compromising the embedded wire connections. The serpentine grooves are molded into this flexible material, allowing the entire wire management system to expand and contract with the cap, maintaining wire integrity during stretching and movement.
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 a comfortable, drag-free, and interference-resistant swim goggle audio system that is easy to use and manufacture, capable of extended functionality without compromising audio quality or watertight seals.
Implementation Method 1
serpentine-disposed wires that are embedded in elastic conduits, allowing the cap to stretch without affecting functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A waterproof audio system having an audio plug electrically connected to a y-adapter, a left coiled wire having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said y-adapter and said second end connected to a left ear bud speaker; and a right coiled wire having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said y-adapter and said second end connected to a right ear bud speaker, wherein said left coiled wire is releasably affixed to a left section of a stretchable goggle cord and said right coiled wire is releasably affixed to a right section of said stretchable goggle cord.