Adjustable Acousto-Mechanical Earplug for Dynamic Noise Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing protection devices, such as passive and active earplugs, face challenges in providing tailored sound attenuation levels and maintaining sound quality, especially for users who need to communicate in noisy environments.
Innovation Solution
A hearing protection device featuring an adjustable acousto-mechanical element with a piezoelectric actuation portion, allowing for controlled variation of the sound path dimensions to adjust acoustic loss and maintain sound quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If passive earplugs are used to attenuate sound, then hearing protection is provided, but sound quality is reduced and communication is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The earplug incorporates a movable second portion that can dynamically adjust the opening dimensions in response to acoustic pressure variations, enabling real-time adaptation of attenuation levels to maintain both hearing protection and sound quality
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of the opening dimension is changed by the movement of the second portion, which varies the acoustic loss parameter to provide different levels of attenuation based on incident sound conditions
2Reliability
If fixed attenuation earplugs are used, then hearing protection is consistent, but user convenience is reduced due to frequent removal for communication
Solution Approach 1:
The earplug transitions from a fixed attenuation design to a dynamic system where the second portion moves in response to acoustic conditions, automatically adjusting protection levels without requiring user intervention or removal
Solution Approach 2:
The earplug system serves itself by using the incident acoustic energy to drive the movement of the second portion, automatically regulating its own attenuation level based on the acoustic environment without external control
3Adaptability or versatility
If acousto-mechanical elements are made adjustable, then sound path dimensions can be controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the incident sound pressure itself as the actuating force to move the second portion, eliminating the need for external motors, sensors, or power sources that would increase device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a direct mechanical coupling where acoustic pressure forces the movement of the second portion, achieving adjustability through pure acoustic-mechanical interaction
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 device provides customizable sound attenuation, reducing noise-induced hearing loss while preserving sound quality, and is more cost-effective and compact compared to devices with complex electronic circuitry.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation portion configured to exert a force on the second portion
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing protection device for insertion into an ear canal of a mammalian subject, comprising a first adjustable acousto-mechanical element. The first acousto-mechanical element comprises: a first portion having an opening which forms at least part of a sound path; a second portion configured to at least partially close the opening; and an actuation portion configured to exert a force on the second portion. The force exerted by the actuation portion causes at least part of the second portion to move towards/away from the first portion, varying the dimensions of the opening to alter an acoustic response of the sound path.