Actuatable Acoustic Valve for Hearing Device Vent Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing devices lack the ability to dynamically adjust their acoustic characteristics without removing them from the user's ear, limiting their flexibility in responding to different listening environments and user preferences.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an actuatable acoustic valve that can change between open and closed states, allowing the hearing device to adjust its internal volumes and acoustic impedance, thereby altering its acoustic output and response to suit various listening scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hearing device is kept in place for continuous use, then convenience and comfort are improved, but the ability to adjust acoustic characteristics is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by incorporating an actuatable acoustic valve that can dynamically change between open and closed states while the device remains in place. This allows the acoustic characteristics to be adjusted on-demand without requiring removal of the device from the user's ear, resolving the contradiction between continuous convenience and adaptability.
2Power
If the acoustic valve is closed to increase sound output, then sound transmission is improved, but occlusion effect increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the dynamics principle by enabling the acoustic valve to transition between closed and open states based on listening needs. When the valve is closed, sound output is enhanced; when opened, occlusion effect is reduced. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different user requirements and resolve the contradiction between sound output and occlusion effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the acoustic impedance and internal volume parameters through valve actuation. Changing the valve state alters these physical parameters, enabling the device to switch between high sound output mode (closed) and low occlusion mode (open), thus resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hearing device is removed for adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but ease of use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the hearing device to adjust its own acoustic characteristics through an integrated actuatable acoustic valve. The device serves itself by allowing users to modify acoustic properties without external intervention or removal from the ear, thereby maintaining ease of use while improving adaptability.
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
Enables the hearing device to enhance or reduce sound output based on user needs, improving sound transmission and reducing occlusion, while maintaining comfort and ease of use by allowing adjustments without removing the device from the ear.
Implementation Method 1
actuation of the valve changes an acoustic characteristic of the hearing device
Implementation Method 2
opening the acoustic valve to acoustically couple the internal volume with an effectively unbounded volume external to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing device such as a hearing aid, ear pod, headphone, or other wearable is provided, whose components include the following: an acoustic transducer with a vent port operable to produce sound, a housing of the acoustic transducer with a sound opening, and an actuatable acoustic valve disposed in the housing, where the acoustic valve is actuatable to alter passage of sound through the acoustic vent to change the state of the hearing device between an open vent state and a closed vent state, so that actuation of the valve changes an acoustic characteristic of the hearing device.