Wireless Bone-Conduction Eyewear for Open-Ear Audio

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing listening devices, such as headphones and earbuds, block environmental sounds and are not suitable for noisy environments, posing safety risks and causing users to increase volume to unsafe levels, while also complicating the use of eyewear like sunglasses or vision correcting glasses.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication eyewear device with bone conduction transducers and a wireless module integrated into eyeglass frames, allowing audio transmission through the bones rather than blocking the ear canal, and using magnetic power couplers for connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional headphones or earbuds are used, then audio entertainment can be enjoyed, but environmental sounds are blocked and safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidblockage of environmental sounds

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The audio transmission path is segmented into two separate channels: bone conduction transducers for audio entertainment and open ear canals for environmental sounds. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without interference, resolving the contradiction between audio enjoyment and environmental awareness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bone conduction transducers act as an intermediary medium, transmitting audio vibrations through the skull bones directly to the inner ear, bypassing the ear canal. This intermediary approach allows environmental sounds to pass freely through the ear canal while audio entertainment is delivered through the bone conduction path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If volume is increased to overcome noisy environments, then audio can be heard, but unsafe listening levels are reached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio clarity in noisy environmentsVSAvoidunsafe volume levels

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical system of acoustic pressure waves through the ear canal is replaced with a vibration-based system using bone conduction transducers. This substitution allows direct mechanical vibration transmission to the inner ear, providing clear audio in noisy environments without requiring high volume levels that would be harmful.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate eyewear and listening devices are used, then both functions are available, but device management becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoiddevice management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The eyewear frame and listening device are merged into a single integrated unit. The bone conduction transducers, wireless module, and power source are incorporated directly into the eyewear structure, eliminating the need to manage separate devices and reducing complexity while maintaining both visual and audio functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The eyewear device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as vision correction/protection eyewear and as an audio listening device. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate products, simplifying device management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 safe audio listening in noisy environments without obstructing external sounds and simplifies the use of eyewear by integrating audio functionality seamlessly into eyeglass frames.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic power coupler may be in electronic communication with the power source, and the magnetic power coupler may be configured to be magnetically coupled to a magnetic coupling terminus of a power cord so that the magnetic power coupler provides electronic communication between the power source and the power cord

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

A first bone conduction transducer may be coupled to the first temple, and a second bone conduction transducer may be coupled to the second temple

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBone conduction: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12443057B2Wireless communication eyewear device

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 FOSTER BURGESS

AI summary

A wireless communication glasses device is provided that is configured to provide wireless communication with electronic devices. The device may include a first temple that may be pivotally coupled to a first rim, and a second temple may be pivotally coupled to a second rim. A first bone conduction transducer may be coupled to the first temple, and a second bone conduction transducer may be coupled to the second temple. A wireless module may be in electronic communication with the bone conduction transducers. A power source may be configured to provide power to the wireless module, and the wireless module may provide power to the bone conduction transducers. A magnetic power coupler may be in electronic communication with the power source, and the magnetic power coupler may be configured to be magnetically coupled to a power cord.