Wireless Earphone Charging Case with Detachable Hooks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless earphones face issues with battery depletion leading to non-functional usage, especially when charging is required, and users experience discomfort due to earphone contact, limiting their convenience and enjoyment.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable wireless earphone system with detachable ear hooks and a controller connected via cables, along with a charging case that allows for continued use even when batteries are depleted, using a 3.5 mm AUX to micro USB cable for audio and power connection, and incorporating illuminating features for enhanced user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless earphones use a battery to provide power, then wireless operation is enabled, but the earphones become nonfunctional when the battery is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The charging case pre-charges the earphones before they are needed by continuously maintaining a charged state through automatic charging contacts. When earphones are placed in the case, charging occurs automatically without user intervention, ensuring the earphones are ready for immediate wireless use.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging case acts as an intermediary power source between the external power outlet and the earphones. It contains a rechargeable battery that stores power and transfers it to the earphones through charging contacts, eliminating the need for direct cable connections during normal use.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a charging cable is connected to the earphones for charging, then the battery can be recharged, but the use of the earphones is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The charging function is segmented from the usage function. The charging case handles all charging operations internally through contactless power transfer, while the earphones remain dedicated to audio playback. This separation allows charging to occur without blocking the earphones' primary function.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connection of a charging cable is replaced with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic connector allows for contactless power transfer when the earphones are placed in the charging case, eliminating the need for manual cable insertion and removal that would interrupt usage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the earphones are designed to provide wireless operation, then flexibility is improved, but charging becomes inconvenient when no charging outlet is available
Solution Approach 1:
The charging case serves multiple functions: it charges the earphones, stores them when not in use, and provides a portable power source. The case's rechargeable battery can be charged from any power outlet and then used to charge the earphones anywhere, making the system universally applicable regardless of location.
Solution Approach 2:
The earphones are nested within the charging case, which contains a rechargeable battery. This nested structure allows the smaller earphones to be powered by the larger case's battery, creating a portable charging solution that can be carried anywhere and used when needed.
4Reliability
If the earphones maintain contact with the user's ear, then audio transmission is effective, but user comfort and enjoyment decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The earphones incorporate flexible, thin ear hooks made of elastomeric material that can conform to the user's ear shape. These flexible structures maintain secure contact for effective audio transmission while reducing pressure points and discomfort compared to rigid earphone designs.
Data Source
AI summary
Rechargeable wireless earphone systems and charging cases are disclosed. The rechargeable charging case, which doubles as a storage case for the earphone components, includes externally accessible charging ports adapted to charge the rechargeable battery contained therein as well as for charging other electronic devices. The earphones are configured such that they may be used even when charging or when the earphone system battery is depleted. An alignment and positioning mechanism is provided to align and electrically connect charging contacts of a controller housing of the earphone system with charging contacts provided in the charging case to better secure and facilitate the charging process when the controller is received within the charging case. Reversibly detachable ear hooks and ear canal plugs are uniquely designed and configured to be independently attached to the earphone housing and compliantly adjustable to the desired shape for user comfort. The ear hooks and plugs may be configured such that the ear hooks at least partially encircle the ear plugs when both are attached to the earphone housing and either the ear hooks and/or ear plugs may be detachable from the earphone without removal of the other. Illuminated ear hooks and cable are also disclosed.