Patent Application
20180338195
Commercial earbuds have been developed to improve on earbud retention and comfort for a wider range of ear sizes and shapes by custom fitting or variable sizes. Some earbud products incorporate a geometric feature that fits into the general shape of the outer ear, but variation in user ear sizes and shapes causes difficulty achieving desired and comfortable fits for all users. Some ear devices use over, on, or around ear features to hold the device in place, but these designs have disadvantages (e.g., larger size, may interfere with clothing or gear on head, etc.)
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an earbud device that is configured to insert into a user's ear. Embodiments of the disclosure further relate to the earbud device conforming to the user's unique ear geometry to improve earbud retention and comfort. Embodiments of the disclosure further relate to the earbud device gripping the user's ear such that the earbud does not fall out of the user's ear.
In an embodiment, a gripping ear-insert includes a sealed membrane having conformable material therein (e.g., within a cavity). The sealed membrane is configured to form a shape conforming to a section of the human ear upon insertion. The gripping ear-insert also includes a port configured to allow for adjustment of air pressure within the sealed membrane. In response to the port being activated, the port evacuates air from a cavity of the sealed membrane, such that the sealed membrane retains its shape after evacuation of the air.
In embodiments, pressure applied against the sealed membrane causes activation of the port, pushing air from the cavity of the sealed membrane through the port.
In embodiments, the port can be a miniaturized valve.
In an embodiment, the gripping ear-insert can also include a control coupled with the port, configured such that in response to the control being activated, the port evacuates air from a cavity of the sealed membrane, such that the sealed membrane retains its shape after evacuation of the air. The control can be a mechanical button or electronic button. The control can be activated in response to a wireless signal. The control can be activated in response to positioning the gripping ear-insert within the section of the human ear. The sealed membrane can be sized to fit and configured to form conforming to the shape of a human concha.
In an embodiment, the gripping ear-insert can further include an audio controller and speaker. The gripping ear-insert can also further include a wireless network controller.
In an embodiment, air pressure from soundwaves produced by the speaker can push air out of the membrane through the port. Air pressure from soundwaves produced by the speaker can cause the control to be activated.
In an embodiment, the gripping ear-insert also includes a second control coupled with the port, such that in response to the second control being activated, air enters the cavity of the sealed membrane of the gripping ear-insert. The air can enter until air pressure within the cavity is approximately equal to the environment outside of the cavity.
In an embodiment, the gripping ear-insert can include a outer layer of the sealed membrane formed of Z-Man gecko material.
In an embodiment, a method includes positioning a gripping ear-insert within at least one section of a human ear, causing a sealed membrane of the gripping ear-insert to form a shape based on a portion of the section of the human ear. The sealed membrane having conformable material therein (e.g., within a cavity). In response to activation of a control of the ear-gripping insert, the method evacuates air from a cavity of the sealed membrane of the gripping ear-insert through a port of the gripping ear-insert, such that the sealed membrane retains its shape after evacuation of the air.
A description of example embodiments follows.
Current earbuds and in-ear earphones require custom plastic moldings to fit the unique shape of a user's ear. Custom molding is an expensive process, however, so consumer earbuds and earphones are offered in one size, or come with variable size attachments (e.g., small, medium, or large). However, even with variable sizing, current earbuds or in-ear earphones do not conform to the unique shape of the user's ear. Embodiments of the present disclosure solve this problem by providing a earbud or in-ear earphone that conforms to the user's ear upon insertion and uses a jamming grip to stay within the user's ear.
Jamming grips are currently used by universal robotic end effectors. Such jamming grips in universal robotic end effectors are capable of conforming around, gripping, and lifting/moving small, delicate, or irregularly shaped objects. These robotic systems physically apply the universal robotic end effectors to the object to be moved, and remove air (e.g., apply a vacuum to) from end effector. The removal of air from the end effector creates a hard grip between the end effector and the object. Pressure can be restored within the end effector to release the object. However, such universal robotic arm end effectors are large, and traditionally employ powered vacuum pumps or other large and powered means for reducing or restoring pressure.
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a gripping ear-insert that employs a jamming grip having granular, porous, or conformable material to mold to and retain the shape of a user's outer ear (e.g., the concha, the tragus, the anti-tragus), for the purpose of fitting and securing an earbud device in place. The jamming grip includes a sealed elastic membrane filled with granular material (e.g., coffee grounds) or other conformable material (e.g., memory foam or cotton). In response to the jamming grip being inserted into the user's ear, the jamming grip conforms to the unique shape of the user's ear. After a control is activated, a port evacuates air in the jamming grip, causing the material to “reversibly harden” in the same shape conforming to the user's ear. In embodiments, after evacuation, the cavity of the jamming grip can be a vacuum or a partial vacuum. A one-way air flow valve in the jamming grip prevents air from returning inside the cavity of the membrane, allowing the material to remain “hardened” and to maintain its molded geometry. Adjustments to the amount of air within the jamming grip can be maintained with passive or active devices.
In operation, embodiments of the jamming grip conform to each individual user's ear (e.g., the concha region) and are capable of maintaining a molded shape for an extended period of time (e.g., as long as the vacuum or partial vacuum is maintained within the sealed membrane). Embodiments of the jamming grip hold the earbud device in place and provide comfort and fit to a wide range of users.
Embodiments of the jamming grip utilize the compressibility and/or jamming phase behavior of the system to alter the rigidity of the earbud as it is in use. This approach takes advantage of both the conformable and rigid states of the system.
In embodiments of the present disclosure, the jamming grip can be removed, restored to its original conformable state, and reused to custom fit another user's ear. The jamming grip can further provide a custom fit to any user. The jamming grip can further minimizes the need to provide multiple sizes (e.g., small (S), medium (M), large (L)) to fit users. The jamming grip can further provide a compatible solution with helmets or other head gear with which headphones would interfere regularly.
In other embodiments, the jamming grip can also include (1) ear clips, (2) active springs, (3) spring elements incorporated into an earbud to press against parts of outer ear, (4) rubber earbud material that extends to more of the ear to both brace against other parts of the ear geometry and to increase contact surface area in general, or (5) material variation, such as use of multiple materials of varied durometer (e.g., plastic/rubber, memory foam, etc.) and granular/conformable materials (material type, packing density, etc.).
In other embodiments, the jamming grip may include and be integrated with ear device electronics. Other embodiments may feature an optimized shape for the elastic membrane and incorporate Zman gecko features into the elastic membrane. Zman gecko is further described in the following patent applications:
The teachings of the above applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
The jamming grip 102 includes a sealed membrane having granular or conformable material within, and a vacuum valve 106 that is configured to allow air to be removed from the sealed membrane to form a vacuum or partial vacuum. A partial vacuum reduces air pressure being a particular threshold that enables gripping with the jamming grip 102. Upon evacuation of air to be a vacuum or partial vacuum, the granular or conformable material within the sealed membrane locks into place, and the jamming grip 102 holds its shape. When the jamming grip 102 is in contact with another object, it takes a shape conforming to that object, and also has strong gripping properties to that particular object due to its conforming shape. In the example of
The vacuum valve 106 can be an umbrella valve 110a or 110b having a valve seat 112a-d and a valve ports 114a-d. The umbrella valve 110a shows the valve in the closed state, allowing no air flow through the valve ports 114a-b. The umbrella valve 110b is in an open state, allowing one way flow of air out of the sealed membrane through the uncovered ports 112c-d.
In another embodiment, the jamming grip 102 can include a second valve configured in reverse, such that activation allows air flow into the sealed membrane until the air pressure is equal or approximately equal to air pressure of the environment of the sealed membrane, and de-activation stops the flow of any air into the sealed membrane.
As described above, embodiments of the jamming grip 302 can reversibly harden and become conformable. The jamming grip 302 removes air from and refills air to the sealed cavity in a controlled, intentional manner using a port. In embodiments, controls can activate the port for removing air from the sealed cavity and refilling the sealed cavity with air. In other embodiments, air can be removed from the sealed cavity after application of pressure to the sealed cavity, such as from a speaker of the in-ear device, or a finger applying pressure to the sealed cavity.
A person of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that in other embodiments, the jamming grip 402 and vacuum valve/port 406 can be configured such that sound waves 412 do not trigger evacuation of air, however.
The jamming grip 502 includes an activating vacuum control 504. In response to activating vacuum control 504 being activated, air is released from the sealed membrane cavity of the jamming grip 502.
The jamming grip 502 further includes a restoring air pressure control 506.
The jamming grip 502 further can include a spring or foam portion 508. The spring or foam portion 508 can be between the activating vacuum control 504 and restoring air pressure control 506, and provide a physical buffer between the two controls 504 and 506.
Applicant further notes that while the above disclosure is directed to the human ear, other parts of the human body could be employed. For example, ski masks or a protective face mask could be secured to a face during athletic activity using similar miniature valves to control air pressure of the sealed membrane cavity. In another embodiment, orthotics such as orthopedic braces and air casts can further help patients by more securely conforming said orthotics to the patient.
The teachings of all patents, published applications and references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
While example embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the embodiments encompassed by the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/506,986, filed on May 16, 2017. The entire teachings of the above application are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62506986 | May 2017 | US |
