Audio Transducer Holding Device for Acoustic and Electromagnetic Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio transducers and holding devices face challenges in simultaneously meeting both acoustic and electromagnetic compliance standards, particularly with artificial ears like the Type 3.3 standard, which is closer to human usage, leading to inconsistent performance and the need for separate filter networks that increase costs and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a mechanical structure with a rigid housing, an audio driver plate, a front plate, and a fixing gasket that allows air passage and acoustic leakage pathways, enabling the same filter to pass both acoustic and electromagnetic compliance standards by adjusting the mechanical design to align with Type 3.3 artificial ear usage without altering the electromagnetic frequency response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic compliance standards are met using Type 3.3 artificial ear testing, then acoustic performance accuracy is improved, but electromagnetic compliance becomes harder to achieve simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acoustic coupling mechanism by introducing a separate acoustically transparent electromagnetic coupling element. This allows independent optimization of acoustic pathways (for Type 3.3 compliance) and electromagnetic pathways (for hearing aid compatibility), resolving the contradiction between accurate acoustic measurement and electromagnetic compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an acoustically transparent electromagnetic coupling element as an intermediary component. This mediator allows electromagnetic signals to pass through while maintaining acoustic integrity, enabling simultaneous compliance with both acoustic performance standards using Type 3.3 artificial ear and electromagnetic compatibility standards for hearing aids.
2Reliability
If separate filter networks are used for acoustic and electromagnetic compliance, then compliance reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the acoustic and electromagnetic coupling functions into a single integrated structure. The acoustically transparent electromagnetic coupling element combines both acoustic transparency and electromagnetic signal transmission properties, eliminating the need for separate filter networks and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining compliance reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal coupling element that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides acoustic coupling for Type 3.3 artificial ear testing, enables electromagnetic signal transmission for hearing aid compatibility, and maintains compliance with both acoustic and electromagnetic standards. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized components.
3Measurement precision
If conventional acoustic coupling methods are used, then acoustic performance is improved, but electromagnetic signal transmission to hearing aids deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different acoustic and electromagnetic properties within the coupling structure. The acoustically transparent electromagnetic coupling element has localized properties that allow acoustic waves to pass through while simultaneously enabling electromagnetic signal transmission, providing different qualities in different aspects of the same component.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises i) an audio transducer; ii) an audio driver plate having an ear-facing side and a non-ear-facing side; iii) a rigid housing substantially circumferentially surrounding the audio driver plate without substantially covering the ear-facing side and non-ear-facing side of the audio driver plate; iv) a front plate mounted on the ear-facing side of the audio driver plate and spaced apart from the audio driver plate; and v) a fixing gasket affixed to the non-ear-facing side of the audio driver plate. In addition, the front plate is adapted to be compressed against an ear-facing portion of an audio transducer holding device and the fixing gasket adapted to be compressed against a non-ear-facing portion of the audio transducer holding device, whereby the audio transducer is adapted to be held within the audio transducer holding device by compressive force on both the fixing gasket and the front plate.