Ear Canal Pressurization Device Using Linear Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ear canal pressurization systems for aural acoustic immittance testing are noisy, prone to leaks, require complex calibration, and have limited maintenance-free lifespan, failing to meet the requirements of quiet operation, linear pressure control, and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A dual flexible chamber apparatus driven by a moving magnet linear motor, which uses DC or AC voltage to generate static or alternating ear canal pressures, minimizing noise and eliminating the need for complex drive mechanisms and valves, with flexible chambers providing elastic suspension and long-lasting operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If syringe/plunger systems are used for ear canal pressurization, then pressure control is achieved, but noise is generated and requires acoustic damping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical syringe/plunger system with a pneumatic diaphragm system. The diaphragm is driven by pressure changes in a control chamber, eliminating the need for mechanical gears, linkages, and acoustic damping components. This substitution of mechanical systems with a pneumatic system resolves the noise issue while maintaining pressure control reliability.
2Power
If stepper motors with rotary-to-linear gear drives are used, then pressure generation is achieved, but device complexity increases and maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates stepper motors, gear drives, and associated control electronics by using a pneumatic diaphragm system. The diaphragm's movement is directly controlled by pressure changes in the control chamber, creating a simple, maintenance-free system that generates the required pressure without complex mechanical or electronic components.
3Reliability
If oscillating diaphragm pumps are used, then pressure control is achieved, but tuning and calibration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces oscillating diaphragm pumps with a statically positioned diaphragm controlled by pneumatic pressure. This eliminates the need for tuning the diaphragm's natural frequency or calibrating oscillation characteristics, as the system responds directly to applied pressure without requiring dynamic balancing or frequency matching.
4Power
If peristaltic pumps are used, then air pressure is generated, but tubing requires periodic replacement due to stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates peristaltic pumps and their associated flexible tubing by using a rigid diaphragm system controlled by pneumatic pressure. This substitution removes the mechanical stress and fatigue issues that cause tubing to fail, resulting in a maintenance-free system with no consumable parts requiring replacement.
5Object-generated harmful factors
If piezo electric motors are used, then quiet operation is achieved, but high voltage and sophisticated controllers are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces piezoelectric motors with a pneumatic diaphragm system. This eliminates the need for high-voltage drivers and sophisticated controllers, as the diaphragm is simply actuated by pressure changes in the control chamber. The system achieves quiet operation through pneumatic actuation without requiring complex electronic control circuits.
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 solution operates quietly, reduces the need for acoustic damping, provides stable and linear pressure control, and has a virtually unlimited maintenance-free lifespan, making it suitable for accurate aural acoustic immittance testing.
Implementation Method 1
A purpose of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is to provide an ear canal pressurization device optimized for use during aural acoustic immittance testing. The disclosed device is comprised of a rigid mounting framework which holds in position a forcer assembly, a motor assembly, a first chamber assembly, and a second chamber assembly.
Implementation Method 2
The first flexible chamber provides elastic suspension for a first end of the motor assembly, and the second flexible chamber provides symmetrical elastic suspension for a second end of the motor assembly.
Implementation Method 3
The internal volume of the first flexible chamber is coupled to an ear canal via an air line so that changes in said internal volume produce changes in ear canal pressure re Boyle's law.
Data Source
AI summary
An ear canal pressurization device optimized for aural acoustic immittance testing is disclosed. Changes in volume of a first flexible chamber, due to motor movement, produce changes in ear canal pressure based on Boyle's law. A vent may be opened to allow ear canal pressure to gently equalize to ambient air pressure or to generate ear canal pressure sweeps free of pressure baseline offset. The vent may be closed to set a static ear canal pressure or to generate ear canal pressure sweeps with an incidental baseline offset. The vent may be controlled to generate ear canal pressure sweeps with an intended baseline offset. The device produces ear canal pressure proportional to drive voltage, so any desired pressure versus time function can be generated by applying a coil driving voltage with the appropriate amplitude versus time function.