Bone Conduction Headset for xEMU
Date: 12 weeks
# of People: 3 people (Team Echo)
Size: 9 x 12 x 2 in
Medium: Resin, polyester fabric, ribbed band, and bone conduction transducer
Problem Statement: NASA's new spacesuit, the xEMU, features embedded speakers and a microphone, replacing the old communication cap. However, this system causes echoing issues, as audio from the speakers is picked up by the microphones. Bone conduction headphones are being tested as a solution, aiming to combine them with over-the-ear protection to safeguard astronauts' hearing from suit noise. The design must ensure clear communication and comfort during long extravehicular activities (EVA)
Objective: The objective is to design an over-the-ear bone conduction headset that protects the astronaut’s hearing from noises generated inside the space suit while allowing clear communication through an 8-hour EVA.
Skills: Sewing, 3d modeling, 3d printing, AI illustrator, laser cutting.
The design focused on ergonomic aspects to fit on various head sizes and shapes through cut-out element. It doesn’t contain any metal structure for comfortness. Also, the bone conduction is embedded in the ear cup for clear communications.
Size Modularity
Adjustablity
User Testings and iterations were done to come up with the final model. Test Subjects with a head circumference of 21.5 - 25 in had three testing related to size adjustablility & security on head, comfortableness (for 8hr EVA), and clear audio (environment of 50db,60db,70db noise).
*Final prototype was sent out to NASA space center for real testing with astronauts.
Credit:
@TEAM ECHO
Brianna Blue / Chanbin Im / Yihang Xu