Hearing Device Acoustic Pathway Drying by Vibration Pressure Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices face challenges in efficiently clearing liquid from their acoustic pathways, which can lead to audio performance issues, discomfort, and potential infection due to trapped moisture, with existing methods being slow, unpredictable, and potentially damaging.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device configured to activate its acoustic transducer to generate vibration and positive pressure within the acoustic pathway, effectively clearing liquid through a combination of sound waves and vibration, utilizing specific frequencies and durations to enhance the liquid removal process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional methods (shaking, blowing, waiting) are used to clear liquid from the acoustic pathway, then the device can be simple in structure, but the time required is long and unpredictable (hours to days)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by activating the acoustic transducer to generate vibrations that physically agitate and move liquid from the acoustic pathway. This vibration mechanism rapidly clears liquid without requiring complex additional components, resolving the contradiction between fast liquid removal and device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic pressure by activating the acoustic transducer to generate positive pressure waves that push liquid out of the acoustic pathway. This hydraulic/pneumatic approach enables rapid liquid clearance through pressure-driven flow, achieving fast clearing time without complicating the device structure.
2Productivity
If the acoustic transducer is activated at high power to clear liquid quickly, then the liquid clearing speed increases, but the risk of damaging the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by activating the acoustic transducer in controlled cycles rather than continuously at maximum power. The controller activates the transducer for specific durations (e.g., 5-30 seconds) and can pause or adjust, which maintains high clearing speed while preventing thermal damage and mechanical stress on the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the controller monitors the liquid clearing process and adjusts the acoustic transducer activation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the transducer operates at optimal power levels to clear liquid efficiently while preventing excessive power that could damage the device, thus balancing productivity and reliability.
3Productivity
If the acoustic transducer is activated to generate strong vibrations and pressure, then liquid is cleared more effectively, but audio quality during the clearing process may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by activating the acoustic transducer in controlled cycles for liquid clearing rather than continuously. During clearing operations, the transducer is activated for specific durations and can be paused, which maintains effective liquid removal while minimizing continuous audio output that could affect audio quality perception during the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the acoustic transducer activation adaptable and variable. The controller adjusts the activation parameters dynamically based on the clearing process needs, allowing the system to optimize between clearing effectiveness and audio quality by varying power levels, duration, and timing of activation.
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
The solution rapidly and effectively clears liquid from the acoustic pathway within seconds to minutes, ensuring rapid audio performance restoration and preventing moisture-related issues without damaging the device.
Implementation Method 1
activating an acoustic transducer of the hearing device to cause vibration in the hearing device and generate positive pressure within the acoustic pathway
Implementation Method 2
generate positive pressure within the acoustic pathway sufficient to clear liquid from the acoustic pathway
Implementation Method 3
activating an acoustic transducer of the hearing device to cause vibration in the hearing device
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing device comprises a controller, audio circuitry coupled to the controller, and an acoustic transducer coupled to the audio circuitry. The acoustic transducer is fluidically coupled to an acoustic pathway between the acoustic transducer and an exterior surface of the hearing device. The controller is configured to activate the acoustic transducer to cause vibration in the hearing device and generate positive pressure within the acoustic pathway sufficient to clear liquid from the acoustic pathway.