Waterproof Earplug with Wireless Audio and Acoustic Vent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional earplugs lack wireless audio communication capabilities and are not effectively waterproof, failing to provide reliable sound output in wet conditions.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof earplug design featuring a housing with a receiver coil for wireless audio signal reception, a speaker for audible sound output, a projection for sound channeling, and an acoustic vent with a waterproof membrane to prevent water ingress, ensuring sound transmission even in wet environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional earplugs are used, then basic sound blocking is provided, but wireless audio communication capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges traditional earplug functionality with wireless audio communication components (receiver coil, speaker, battery) into a single integrated device. The housing contains both the acoustic sealing elements and the electronic wireless communication components, allowing the earplug to simultaneously provide noise blocking and wireless audio playback capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The earplug is designed to perform multiple functions: it blocks external noise, provides wireless audio reception through the receiver coil, outputs sound through the speaker, and maintains waterproof protection. This multi-functional design transforms a simple noise-blocking device into a versatile audio communication tool.
2Reliability
If conventional earplugs are used, then basic noise blocking is provided, but effective waterproof protection is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a waterproof membrane that extends across the sound channel opening, creating a flexible barrier that blocks water ingress while allowing acoustic transmission. This thin film approach provides reliable waterproof protection without compromising the acoustic functionality of the earplug.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof protection is segmented into multiple components: the waterproof membrane in the sound channel, the sealed housing structure, and the waterproof seal around the speaker assembly. This segmented approach ensures comprehensive water protection across all potential ingress points.
3Reliability
If a waterproof membrane is added to protect against water ingress, then waterproof reliability is improved, but sound transmission quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof membrane is designed with porous characteristics that allow acoustic waves to pass through while blocking water molecules. This porous structure enables the membrane to maintain both waterproof protection and adequate sound transmission quality, resolving the contradiction between water blocking and audio fidelity.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof membrane is strategically positioned only at the sound channel opening where water ingress is most likely, while other areas maintain open acoustic pathways. This localized approach provides waterproof protection precisely where needed without unnecessarily restricting sound transmission throughout the entire earplug structure.
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
Enables wireless audio communication and maintains sound output in wet conditions by creating a waterproof seal, protecting internal components from water immersion up to IP68 standards.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver positioned in the housing, the receiver configured to receive a wireless audio signal from an audio source external to the earplug and convert the wireless audio signal to an electrical audio signal
Implementation Method 2
a speaker positioned in the housing and configured to receive the electrical audio signal from the receiver and convert the electrical audio signal into audible sound output from a speaker port of the speaker
Implementation Method 3
the membrane repels water to protect the earplug against immersion up to at least IP68 standards
Data Source
AI summary
An earplug includes a housing and a receiver positioned in the housing. The receiver may be configured to receive a wireless audio signal from an audio source external to the earplug and convert the wireless audio signal to an electrical audio signal. The earplug may include a speaker configured to receive electrical audio signal from the receiver and convert the electrical audio signal into audible sound output from a speaker port. The earplug may include a projection including an opening that defines at least a portion of a sound channel from the speaker. The projection may receive the audible sound output from the speaker and output the audible sound out of the earplug. The earplug may include earplug padding configured to form a seal with a user's ear canal. The earplug may include an acoustic vent positioned in the sound channel, including a waterproof membrane extending across the channel.