Audiometry Earphone Resonance Cancellation and Safety Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audiometry earphones face issues such as safety hazards from exposed electrical prongs, bulky and expensive circuit boards, and the need for different circuit boards for various impedance levels, which increase manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a miniature plug-and-socket arrangement to protect users from electrical hazards, replaces the complex back tube design with a simpler 'water tub' resonance cancellation assembly, and uses a single circuit board capable of supporting multiple impedance levels, including 10 Ohms, 50 Ohms, and 300 Ohms, by optimizing the acoustic and electrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exposed electrical prongs are used for power connection, then electrical power can be delivered to the receiver, but safety hazards occur for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrical connector with a female receptacle that serves as an intermediary between the power source and the receiver. This connector houses the electrical prongs internally, preventing direct user contact while maintaining electrical connectivity. The connector acts as a protective mediator that delivers power safely without exposing hazardous elements.
2Manufacturing precision
If different circuit boards are used for various impedance levels (10 Ohms, 50 Ohms, 300 Ohms), then each impedance level can be optimized, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal circuit board design that can support multiple impedance levels (10 Ohms, 50 Ohms, and 300 Ohms) through a single platform. The circuit board incorporates switchable or selectable impedance configurations, allowing it to adapt to different requirements without requiring separate dedicated boards for each impedance level. This multi-functional approach reduces manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining optimization capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If a complex back tube design is used for resonance cancellation, then acoustic performance can be optimized, but manufacturing costs and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex back tube design from the earphone structure, replacing it with a simplified resonance cancellation approach. By removing the unnecessary back tube component, the design achieves resonance cancellation through alternative means (such as acoustic damping materials or simplified chamber designs) that reduce manufacturing complexity and costs while preserving the essential acoustic performance required for accurate hearing tests.
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 solution enhances safety, reduces manufacturing costs, and maintains or improves performance compared to existing earphones, with improved noise isolation and accuracy in hearing tests without compromising the size or precision of the device.
Implementation Method 1
The damping chamber can provide, for example, an acoustic compliance to the sound delivered by the receiver
Implementation Method 2
Certain embodiments of the present technology also comprise a resonance cancellation assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to an earphone apparatus adapted for use in audiometry examinations. The earphone apparatus comprises a housing and a receiver having an acoustic output adapted to connect with an audio signal source. The earphone apparatus can also include a circuit board with an electrical equalization network connected to the receiver. A coupling can be connected to the acoustic output of the receiver. A sound tube can be connected to the acoustic output and extends out from the housing to an ear piece. The earphone also includes a resonance cancellation assembly comprising a damping chamber and a tubing section acoustically connecting the damping chamber to the coupling. The damping chamber can provide an acoustic compliance to the sound delivered by the receiver. The earphone can also comprise an electrical connector with a protector that is adapted to connect with a female connector delivering electrical power.