Audio device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio devices worn on the body, such as earphones, face challenges in fitting well and remaining in place due to the variability of human anatomy, requiring a solution that ensures comfort and maintains the transducer at a desired location relative to the ear.
Innovation Solution
A wearable audio device with a body configured to contact the outer ear and head, featuring shape memory materials that change shape upon application of a stimulus, such as heat, and a control system to control the stimulus, ensuring a secure fit across different anatomies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed rigid body structure is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different ear anatomies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies shape memory materials that can dynamically change their shape in response to applied stimuli (heat, electricity). The body transitions from an initial shape during insertion to a second shape after stimulus application, enabling the same device to adapt to different ear anatomies while maintaining precise transducer positioning when activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and shape parameters of the body material through stimulus application. The shape memory material undergoes reversible shape transformation when exposed to predetermined stimuli, allowing the device to switch between different configurations to match various anatomical structures while preserving manufacturing precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a compliant body structure is used, then adaptability to different ear anatomies is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The body exhibits dynamic behavior by maintaining a first shape during insertion (compliant state) and transitioning to a second, more rigid shape after stimulus application. This dynamic shape control allows the device to be compliant during fitting while achieving precise transducer positioning when the shape memory effect is activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with shape memory materials that will automatically transition to the desired final shape when exposed to predetermined stimuli. This preliminary configuration allows the body to be inserted in a compliant state while ensuring that precise positioning is achieved automatically through the pre-programmed shape memory response.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shape memory materials are used, then adaptability to different ear anatomies is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory materials are designed to automatically transition between shapes when exposed to predetermined stimuli from the environment or simple triggers. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex control systems, as the material inherently responds to stimuli without requiring sophisticated sensing or actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition properties of shape memory materials that change their physical state in response to stimuli such as heat or electrical fields. This phase transition mechanism provides a simple, reliable way to achieve shape change without complex mechanical or electronic control systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
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 device achieves a secure and comfortable fit on various ear shapes by using shape memory materials to adjust its shape and position, maintaining the acoustic module in the optimal location, thereby staying in place during movement.
Implementation Method 1
the body comprises at least at a first portion proximate the upper region of the outer ear helix and a second portion proximate the otobasion inferius, and wherein at least one of the first and second portions of the body are configured to change shape upon application of a predetermined stimulus
Implementation Method 2
Heat may be applied to the shape memory material by resistive heating
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable audio device includes a body configured to be worn on or abutting an outer ear of a user. The body is configured to contact at least one of the outer ear and the portion of the head that abuts the outer ear. The body comprises at least at a first portion proximate the upper region of the outer ear helix and a second portion proximate the otobasion inferius. At least one of the first and second portions of the body are configured to change shape upon application of a predetermined stimulus. An acoustic module is carried by the body and is configured to locate a sound-emitting opening proximate the user's ear when the body is worn on or abutting the ear of the user.