DESIGN NAME: BuddyPhones InFlight
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Kids Headphones
INSPIRATION: Traveling with kids is seldom hassle free and served as inspiration to create headphones that withstand being crammed into backpacks in chaotic situations, offer a 3-volume setting of 75db, 85db and 94db to tackle noisy situation such as travelling by airplane, allowing parents to control the volume depending on environment. The BuddyPhones In-Flight are designed for little travellers to enjoy their trip, protect their hearing, share with buddies, and buy mom and dad a little peace and quiet.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: With a volume limiting circuitry that caps at 85db, as recommended by the WHO for kids, InFlight BuddyPhones offer a 3 volume setting of 75db, 85db and 94db, allowing parents to control the volume. While 94db is great for louder situations, 75db is viable for children with sensitive hearing, attention deficits and autism. Durable, comfortable with soft ear pads, two prong plug, foldable handles, and can be adjusted to fit. Four audio cables can connect to one device for sharing.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The simple design makes them easy to use. Plug into a host device using the 3.5mm cable or two-prong plug, the unique circuitry can be capped at three different volume levels. A child-proof twist is used to change the volume, easily adjusted by an adult. The BuddyCable with built-in audio splitter allows 4 audio cables to connect to one device so friends can join the fun. They can be adjusted to fit, come with foldable handles for easy packing, fit into small handbags and are easy to travel with.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in June 2015 and finished in February 2016 in Hong Kong.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: BuddyPhones are made from robust materials, ABS housing and headband made of specially calibrated polyproplene that bends. We designed them to be capped at 3 volume levels for different enviromental settings. To change volume we use a a child-proof twist resembling a medical bottle safety cap, that can be easily adjusted by an adult. A detachable cord provides less entanglement risk as it plugs out of the headphones if pulled. The BuddyCable allows up to 4 headphones to connect to one device.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: DRIVER UNIT 30mm Neodyminum. IMPEDANCE 32oHM. SENSITIVITY 75 at 1mW 1kHz 85 at 1mW 1kHz 94 at 1mW 1kHz. FREQUENCY 20-20kHz. CORD 0.8m. PLUG Gold Pated 3.5mm. WEIGHT 109g. DIMENSION Width 170 x 55mm, Height 150mm Unfolded Width 110 x 55mm, Height 150mm Folded. FEATURE For Safe Kids Listening. 3 Steps Steps of Sound levels. Durable ABS PP Housing. Anti-Allergic Earpads. In-Line Microphone w.answering button. BuddyCable for sharing. Colouring Sticker x5. Decorative Sticker x5.
TAGS: Headphones, Kids, Safety, Sharing, Children, Kidsheadphones, Volumelimiting, Buddyphones, onanoff,
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: We researched the market and found a gap for kids headphones with volume control that would a tackle noisy situation like airplanes. Once we had a prototype we gave headphones to 20 kids aged 3 to 13, travelling by air. The results from first tests were positive, the kids were happy to be able to share their device and drown out the noise. Parents were pleased to be able to control the volume for different situations, and expressed gratification for allowing their kids to share a device.
CHALLENGE: Achieving the durability we wanted and reach our standard of safety. After first testing we worked with acoustic experts and local audiologists to get the best quality sound. Based on feedback the PU cushioning was made anti-allergic for kids sensitive skin and foldable headbands less likely to snap if they are sat on, dropped or twisted. It took time to get the formula right, plastic had to be strong but not so brittle it would break. Soft and flexible to withstand pulling yet sturdy enough to hold its shape.
ADDED DATE: 2016-02-28 16:26:23
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Petur Hannes Olafsson, 2015.
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: CN103026731
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