Wearable Sound Speaker System with Directional Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional personal sound speaker systems that block external noise can pose safety risks during activities like cycling or jogging, as they prevent users from hearing important environmental sounds, leading to restrictions in certain events.
Innovation Solution
A wearable personal sound speaker system integrated into a visor, cap, or headband with flexible fabric speakers and an amplifier, allowing sound to be directed towards the ears without blocking external noise, using adjustable attachments and directional speakers to ensure sound fidelity and volume while maintaining awareness of the surroundings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If personal sound speaker systems block external noise, then sound fidelity and volume are improved, but safety and environmental awareness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sound delivery system is segmented into multiple directional speakers positioned at different locations (bill, sides, back of head) rather than a single blocking earphone. This segmentation allows sound to be delivered through multiple paths while leaving ear canals open for environmental awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces directional speakers as intermediary devices that deliver sound through air conduction to the ear canal opening, rather than directly blocking the ear canal with traditional earphones. This intermediary approach allows sound transmission while maintaining environmental awareness.
2Measurement precision
If earphones are inserted into or cover ears, then sound delivery is improved, but compliance with race regulations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting speakers into the ear canal as with traditional earphones, the patent inverts the approach by positioning speakers externally (bill, sides, back of head) and directing sound toward the ear canal opening, thereby achieving sound delivery without ear insertion or contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional ear canal insertion to three-dimensional external positioning around the head, using multiple speakers at different spatial locations to deliver sound without contacting the ears, thus complying with race regulations.
3Measurement precision
If traditional headphones are used, then sound isolation is improved, but environmental awareness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sound delivery function from the ear canal blocking mechanism. By removing the need to block the ear canal for sound delivery, the system allows environmental sounds to reach the user while still providing personal audio through externally positioned directional speakers.
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 users to enjoy music or communicate while being aware of their environment, enhancing safety during activities by allowing external sounds to be heard without obstructing them, as demonstrated by the system's ability to direct sound precisely towards the ears without contact.
Implementation Method 1
an amplifier including a signal input, the amplifier removably attached to the headband and coupled to the speaker
Implementation Method 2
a flexible fabric sound speaker integrally formed within the bill
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a wearable personal sound speaker system kit. The kit includes a speaker housing adapted to securely hold a speaker; an attachment mechanism adapted to secure the kit to a worn item; and a connector adapted to couple the speaker housing to the attachment mechanism. The kit is adapted to support the speaker proximate to a user's ear without contacting the ear. Numerous additional features are disclosed.