Integrated Acoustic Assembly for Ear Canal Feedback Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound detector and emitter assemblies are bulky and heavy due to separate housings and require additional space for amplifiers, which complicates miniaturization and can lead to feedback issues when used in ear canal applications.
Innovation Solution
The assembly integrates sound detectors and emitters with shared housing walls and an amplifying circuit within the emitter housing, reducing size and weight, and includes positioning means to manage sound direction and feedback within the ear canal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate housings are used for sound detectors and emitters, then each component can be independently manufactured and assembled, but the overall assembly becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sound detectors and emitters into a single integrated housing structure. The housing serves as a common enclosure for all acoustic components, eliminating the need for separate housings for each component. This merging approach reduces the overall assembly weight and volume while maintaining independent manufacturing capability through modular component design that can be assembled within the unified housing.
2Ease of operation
If separate amplifiers are provided for each sound detector, then each detector can be independently amplified, but additional space is required increasing assembly size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single amplifying circuit that serves multiple sound detectors simultaneously. This multi-functional amplifier can process signals from different detectors, enabling independent signal processing capability while occupying minimal space. The universal design allows the same amplifying component to handle multiple input sources, eliminating the need for separate amplifiers for each detector and significantly reducing the overall assembly volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used in ear canal applications, then functional requirements can be met, but feedback and occlusion issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions sound detectors and emitters in a nested or closely integrated configuration within the same housing. The detectors are arranged to face directions that minimize feedback paths to the emitter, and the compact integrated structure allows precise spatial arrangement that reduces occlusion effects. This nested positioning enables the system to meet functional requirements while minimizing harmful feedback and occlusion issues in ear canal applications.
4Volume of stationary object
If the assembly is miniaturized by integrating components, then size and weight are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple acoustic components into a single housing while maintaining segmentation of functional modules. Each sound detector and emitter remains as a distinct module that can be manufactured separately using standard techniques, then assembled into the integrated housing. This segmentation approach allows miniaturization through integration while keeping manufacturing complexity manageable by preserving modular component design and standardized assembly procedures.
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
This integration results in a smaller, lighter assembly that effectively reduces feedback and occlusion while allowing for efficient sound processing and calibration, suitable for both in-ear and external applications.
Implementation Method 1
a sound emitter (12) having a sound output (14), each of two sound detectors (16, 20) having a sound receiving opening (18, 22)
Implementation Method 2
each of two sound detectors (16, 20) having a sound receiving opening (18, 22)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly comprising a sound emitter and at least two sound detectors fixed to each other, wherein each detector has a sound receiving opening. The sound receiving openings of at least two of the detectors point in opposite directions.