Wireless Earbuds with Neck-Cradle Charging and Hall Sensor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless sound equipment is cumbersome and inconvenient due to the presence of sound cables, which can get tangled and cause discomfort, and often requires constant wear even when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sound equipment design featuring wireless earbuds with a cradle that allows for cable-free operation, where the earbuds can be rested on a wearable cradle on the neck, providing portability and convenience, and includes a control system that notifies the user of events like calls without needing to wear the earbuds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless sound equipment uses sound cables for connection, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but user comfort deteriorates due to tangling and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sound cable from the system by implementing wireless communication between the earbud and terminal. The earbud includes a wireless communication unit that transmits audio signals wirelessly, eliminating the physical cable connection that causes tangling and discomfort while maintaining signal transmission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an electromagnetic wireless communication system. The earbud incorporates a wireless communication unit using electromagnetic waves to transmit audio signals, substituting the mechanical plug-and-cable interface with a contactless electromagnetic transmission mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If wireless earbuds are designed for portability, then mobility is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to battery and wireless components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the earbud can be stored within or attached to a carrying case that also serves as a charging station. The case contains a battery that wirelessly charges the earbud when placed inside, creating a compact integrated system that reduces the need for separate charging cables and accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrying case is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a protective case for the earbud, a wireless charging station using electromagnetic induction, and a portable power bank. This multi-functional design consolidates multiple components into a single unit, enhancing portability while managing device complexity.
3Reliability
If earbuds are worn continuously for notification, then event notification reliability is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to constant wear requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vibration motor as an intermediary notification mechanism in the earbud. When an event occurs (such as a call or message), the vibration motor provides tactile feedback to the user's ear without requiring the user to continuously wear or interact with the device. This passive tactile notification system maintains reliability while improving convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The earbud automatically detects and notifies events without requiring user intervention or continuous wear. The event detection unit monitors for calls, messages, and other notifications, and the vibration motor automatically provides feedback, allowing the system to serve itself in notifying the user without constant attention or wear.
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 eliminates the discomfort of tangled cables and enhances user convenience by allowing the earbuds to be easily stored and notifies the user of events without constant wear, improving portability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The holder may comprise a magnet, and the earbud may comprise a hall sensor for sensing the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless sound equipment includes a cradle including a pair of earbuds and a pair of holders having the earbuds coupled thereto. Each earbud includes an ear housing; a sound passage extended from a first surface of the ear housing; a sound output unit outputting sound via the sound passage; a wireless communication unit located in the ear housing; an earbud controller driving the sound output unit based on a signal transmitted by using the wireless communication unit; a main battery supplying an electric power; a plurality of earbud terminals exposed to the first surface of the ear housing and connected with the earbud controller; and a control button located in a second surface of the ear housing. The cradle also includes a cradle case in which the holders are formed; a plurality of cradle terminals provided in the holder and configured to contact with the earbud terminals; a sub battery located in the cradle case; and a cradle controller.