Bone Conduction Vibrator Calibration Using Earphone Coupler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone conduction vibrator calibration methods require simulating the impedance of the human mastoid bone, which is complex and costly, and may not always ensure accurate calibration of vibratory force levels.
Innovation Solution
A calibration system using an earphone coupler and a coupling member that allows direct calibration of bone conduction vibrators without simulating mastoid impedance, utilizing an earphone coupler with a microphone to measure sound pressure levels generated by the vibrator, thereby determining the corresponding vibrational force levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional bone conduction vibrator calibration methods using artificial mastoid are used, then the calibration can be performed with standard equipment, but the system complexity and cost increase due to the need to simulate mastoid impedance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bone conduction vibrator from the traditional artificial mastoid system and places it directly in front of an earphone coupler with microphone. This removes the complex artificial mastoid impedance simulation component while maintaining calibration capability through direct acoustic measurement of the vibrator's output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an earphone coupler with microphone as an intermediary device between the bone conduction vibrator and the measurement system. This mediator captures the acoustic radiation from the vibrator and converts it to an electrical signal for measurement, simplifying the overall calibration system while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If artificial mastoid simulator is used for calibration, then the impedance matching is achieved, but the measurement accuracy of vibratory force levels decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical impedance matching system (artificial mastoid) with an acoustic measurement system. Instead of mechanically simulating mastoid properties, the system uses a microphone to acoustically measure the vibrator's output, substituting mechanical complexity with direct acoustic sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from mechanical force (in traditional methods) to acoustic radiation pressure (in this method). By measuring the acoustic output of the vibrator through the earphone coupler microphone, the system directly determines vibratory force levels with improved accuracy.
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 method provides a simpler, less expensive, and more accurate calibration of bone conduction vibrators, improving the reliability of hearing tests by directly measuring acoustic radiation to determine vibratory force levels, with improved performance and repeatability compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone for sensing sound pressure levels within the cavity and generating a corresponding electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
A bone conduction vibrator is usually calibrated by converting the vibrations of the bone conduction vibrator into a measurable electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide improved bone conduction calibration. In one embodiment a bone conduction vibrator coupling member is provided with opposing surfaces configured to contact the housing of an earphone coupler about the opening of the housing and support the housing of a bone conduction vibrator above the opening of the earphone coupler housing. The coupling member has an inner wall defining an aperture extending through the coupling member that is configured to receive the vibrating member of the bone conduction vibrator and provide the vibrating member with access to the cavity of the earphone coupler. A calibration system includes a bone conduction vibrator coupling member positioned upon an earphone coupler. Methods for calibrating a bone conduction vibrator using such a calibration system are also provided.