Wearable Audio Cable Assembly Using Adhesive Layering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices face challenges in providing a comfortable and discreet way to couple electronic components, especially in creating a robust stereo image without bulky form factors, as traditional configurations require speakers to be placed beneath or behind the ears, which are suboptimal for sound quality and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A cable assembly that connects an anterior pendant with a single combined audio output to a posterior pendant with separate audio outputs, using a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and conductive tape to manage cables, ensuring a thin, waterproof, and flexible strap that maintains a stereo image at the user's ears by combining audio signals from both pendants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional speaker configurations are used (placed beneath or behind ears), then robust stereo image can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and aesthetically suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system is segmented into two separate pendants (anterior and posterior), each containing its own speaker and audio output. This segmentation allows each pendant to be compact while collectively providing robust stereo imaging through spatial distribution around the user's head.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal speaker placement (beneath or behind ears) to a three-dimensional configuration where speakers are distributed in both anterior and posterior pendants. This spatial dimensionality change enables compact individual form factors while maintaining immersive stereo coverage.
2Reliability
If multiple cables are bundled together in a traditional manner, then electrical connections are established, but the cable assembly becomes thick and uncomfortable for wearable use
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system transitions from a conventional side-by-side cable arrangement to a layered configuration where cables are stacked vertically across multiple layers. This dimensional reorganization reduces the horizontal thickness of the cable assembly while maintaining all necessary electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin adhesive layers and flexible wrapping structures to bind multiple cables together in a compact arrangement. These thin film structures provide mechanical support and organization without adding significant thickness, enabling the cable assembly to remain thin and comfortable for wearable application.
3Ease of operation
If a thin and flexible strap is used to connect pendants, then comfort and aesthetics are improved, but waterproofing becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The strap is constructed as a composite structure combining flexible substrate materials with waterproof adhesive layers and protective wrappings. This composite approach maintains the flexibility and comfort needed for wearable use while integrating multiple functional layers that collectively provide waterproof protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin adhesive films and flexible wrapping layers to create a waterproof barrier within the strap structure. These thin film structures conform to the flexible strap geometry while providing water resistance, solving the contradiction between flexibility and waterproofing.
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 rich, enveloping stereo image that sounds as if it's located at the user's ears, while maintaining a sleek and stylish form factor, improving sound quality and user experience without the bulkiness of traditional configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensitive adhesive layer separating a first plurality of cables from a second plurality of cables
Data Source
AI summary
A cable assembly for a wearable electronic device includes a pressure sensitive adhesive layer separating a first plurality of cables from a second plurality of cables with each cable of the first plurality of cables abutting a first major surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer and each cable of the second plurality of cables abutting a second major surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer. The cable assembly includes at least one wrap of conductive tape encircling the first plurality of cables, the second plurality of cables, and the pressure sensitive adhesive layer. The cable assembly includes a conductive tape layer positioned on an exterior surface of the at least one wrap of conductive tape.