Bone Conduction Vibratory Apparatus with Independent Lever Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing aids and cochlear implants are inadequate for individuals with conductive hearing loss or those who do not benefit from air conduction methods, as they rely on mechanical pathways that may be impaired, and existing bone conduction devices lack efficient vibration transmission mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A bone conduction device featuring a vibratory apparatus with a plurality of lever arms that resonate independently and generate vibrations across a continuous spectrum of structural frequencies, utilizing actuators like piezoelectric transducers to convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations for effective sound perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single lever arm is used in the vibratory apparatus, then the device complexity is reduced, but the resonant frequency spectrum becomes limited and less continuous
Solution Approach 1:
The vibratory apparatus is divided into multiple independent lever arms (at least two) that can resonate independently at different frequencies. Each lever arm acts as a separate resonating element, collectively providing a continuous spectrum of resonant frequencies across the audible range, thereby resolving the contradiction between spectrum coverage and device simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lever arms are configured to resonate independently, then the continuous spectrum of resonant frequencies is achieved, but the mechanical coupling and synchronization become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A common support structure or base serves as an intermediary element that mechanically couples the multiple independently resonating lever arms. This intermediary allows each lever arm to maintain its independent resonance while providing a unified mounting platform and force transmission path to the skull, resolving the contradiction between independent resonance and mechanical coupling.
3Reliability
If bone conduction devices use traditional vibration transmission, then the device structure is simple, but the efficiency of vibration transmission and harmonious force output is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes controlled mechanical vibration through multiple lever arms that resonate at different frequencies. The actuator generates vibrations that are distributed across the lever arms, creating a continuous spectrum of resonant frequencies that efficiently transmit through the skull via bone conduction, thereby improving transmission efficiency while justifying the increased structural complexity.
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 improved sound perception for individuals with conductive hearing loss by efficiently transmitting vibrations through the skull, offering a broader range of resonant frequencies and enhanced harmonious force output, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing actuators like piezoelectric transducers to convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations
Implementation Method 2
respective lever arms of the plurality of lever arms resonate independently from each other when the vibratory apparatus is generating vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A device, including a vibratory apparatus having an actuator configured to generate vibrations upon actuation of the actuator, including plurality of lever arms, wherein the vibratory apparatus is configured such that at least a respective portion of respective lever arms of the plurality of lever arms move about at least one of a single or a respective hinge when the vibratory apparatus is generating vibrations.