Cartilage Conduction Hearing Device with Auricle Vibrator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing devices do not effectively utilize cartilage conduction to provide enhanced sound transmission and stimulation of ear acupuncture points, leading to suboptimal sound perception and comfort in noisy environments.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device with a vibrator attached to the auricle that transmits sound through cartilage conduction using audible and inaudible frequencies, stimulating ear acupuncture points by alternating or simultaneously applying vibrations to the cartilage tissue, with protrusions on the contact surface to enhance stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional air conduction hearing devices are used, then sound transmission is achieved, but sound perception is insufficient in noisy environments and ear canal blocking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cartilage as an intermediary medium between the vibrator and the inner ear. The vibrator contacts the cartilage of the auricle, which transmits vibrations to the inner ear through cartilage conduction, bypassing the need to block the ear canal. This intermediary approach enables reliable sound perception in noisy environments without the harmful effect of ear canal blocking.
2Reliability
If only audible frequency vibration is applied, then sound transmission is achieved, but ear acupuncture point stimulation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the vibrator multi-functional by enabling it to perform both sound transmission and ear acupuncture point stimulation. By applying vibrations at multiple frequencies (audible and inaudible low frequencies) through the same vibrator contacting the cartilage, the device achieves universal functionality: it transmits sound while simultaneously stimulating ear acupuncture points, thereby improving adaptability and versatility.
3Device complexity
If single frequency vibration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but both sound transmission and acupuncture stimulation effectiveness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the vibrator to operate at multiple frequencies dynamically. The drive unit can supply both audible frequency signals and inaudible low frequency signals to the vibrator, allowing the system to adapt its vibration characteristics based on the desired function (sound transmission or acupuncture stimulation). This dynamic multi-frequency capability maintains effectiveness while managing device complexity through integrated control.
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 achieves improved sound pressure and comfort by transmitting audible sound through cartilage conduction while stimulating ear acupuncture points, allowing clear sound perception even in noisy environments without blocking the ear canal.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrator configured to transmit sound to an inner ear and stimulates an ear acupuncture point by applying vibration to cartilage tissue surrounding an external auditory meatus
Implementation Method 2
the drive unit is configured to apply vibration from the vibrator which transmits audible sound to the cartilage tissue by supplying a first drive signal with a first frequency in an audible range to the vibrator
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a hearing device having excellent added value by utilizing a novel application of cartilage conduction. The hearing device includes a vibrator configured to be attached in contact with an epidermis of an auricle; and a drive unit configured to drive and vibrate the vibrator, wherein the vibrator is configured to transmit sound to an inner ear and stimulates an ear acupuncture point by applying vibration to cartilage tissue surrounding an external auditory meatus.