Bistable Active Vent for Stable In-Ear Speaker Occlusion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing active vents in hearing devices are not reliably maintained in their intended open or closed positions due to passive fixation, leading to unwanted state changes under external forces or over time, which increases energy consumption and reduces operational reliability.

Innovation Solution

A bistable active vent mechanism using a blocking mechanism with a bistable device that stabilizes in open or closed states, utilizing a buckling element or magnetic elements to maintain position, and an electronic or mechanical actuator for controlled state transitions, reducing energy consumption and enhancing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a passive blocking device is used in the active vent, then energy consumption is reduced, but the blocking device is not reliably held in place and may change position due to friction loss and external forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidposition stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking device utilizes the kinetic energy of the incoming block to automatically activate the vent mechanism. The block's motion directly drives the vent opening without requiring external power sources, sensors, or control systems, achieving self-activating functionality that resolves both energy consumption and reliability concerns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a simple gravitational mechanism. Instead of using motors, sensors, or active control mechanisms, the invention relies on the block's weight and the resulting gravitational force to automatically open the vent when the block is inserted, eliminating the need for energy-consuming active components while ensuring reliable positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If an active blocking device is used to maintain position, then position stability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The vent mechanism operates periodically based on block insertion events rather than continuously. The vent opens automatically when a block is inserted and remains open during the block's presence, then closes when the block is removed, creating a periodic operation pattern that eliminates continuous energy consumption while maintaining position stability during use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 bistable active vent ensures stable operation with reduced energy consumption, preventing unintended state changes and improving user experience by selectively managing occlusion and sound pressure.

Implementation Method 1

driven by passive forces such as magnets or springs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

driven by passive forces such as magnets or springs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12621600B2Speaker device with bistable active vent

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 GN HEARING AS

AI summary

A speaker device configured to be worn at least partially in a user's ear canal. The speaker device comprises a speaker and an active vent to reduce occlusion of the ear canal. The active vent comprises a passage adapted to provide fluid communication between the ear canal and the user's surroundings when the speaker device is positioned in the ear canal. The active vent comprises a blocking mechanism having a closed state in which the blocking mechanism at least partially blocks the passage, and an open state in which the blocking mechanism blocks the passage less than in the closed state. The active vent further comprises a bistable device adapted to hold the blocking mechanism in the open state and in the closed state. Where the bistable device is unstable when the blocking mechanism is between the open and the closed state. Where the bistable arrangement comprises a bulging element.