Personal Communication Device with Ear-Cuff Speaker Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing aid devices are aesthetically unappealing, noticeable, and can cause occlusion effects, leading to a plugged-up sensation and are not suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss, while personal sound amplification devices lack medical approval and are not designed for severe hearing loss.
Innovation Solution
A personal communication device (PCD) designed as an ear cuff that securely wraps around the ear, positioning the speaker near the ear canal and microphone in the concha cymba, with hidden processing components and decorative covers, offering adjustable sound settings and wireless connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hearing aid styles (BTE, RIC, ITE, ITC, CIC) are used to provide hearing assistance, then hearing loss correction is achieved, but the devices are aesthetically unappealing, noticeable, and create occlusion effects
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid device is segmented into two distinct components: a decorative cuff portion that wraps around the ear providing aesthetic appeal, and a separate functional module containing the speaker, microphone, and electronics that can be positioned behind the ear. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function independently while resolving the contradiction between appearance and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff acts as an intermediary element that connects the decorative aspect with the functional hearing aid components. It provides a mounting structure for the electronics while maintaining aesthetic appearance, and positions the speaker near the ear canal without creating occlusion effects by leaving the ear canal open.
2Extent of automation
If power BTE style hearing aids with larger electronic enclosures are used, then processing capability is improved, but the devices become relatively large, unattractive, and more obvious to others
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes the three-dimensional space around the ear by positioning components behind the ear and using the cuff to wrap around the ear's contour. This spatial arrangement accommodates processing electronics of adequate size while maintaining a compact, aesthetically pleasing profile that is less noticeable than traditional behind-the-ear devices.
3Reliability
If ITE, ITC, and CIC hearing aid styles are used to provide hearing assistance, then hearing loss correction is achieved, but occlusion effects occur and the wearer's voice sounds like it's in a barrel
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker is extracted from within the ear canal and repositioned near the ear canal opening, outside the canal itself. This extraction eliminates the occlusion effect by not blocking the ear canal, while still delivering sound effectively to the user. The cuff structure provides support without inserting anything into the ear canal.
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 PCD provides discreet, comfortable hearing assistance that reduces feedback and occlusion, suitable for various hearing levels, and allows for personalized sound settings, enhancing user experience and acceptance.
Implementation Method 1
the body second end includes the speaker and the microphone, and wherein the speaker and the microphone are communicated with the power source and the sound processing electronics, such that when a sound is received by the microphone, the sound processing electronics process the sound to generate a processed sound and communicates the processed sound to the speaker
Implementation Method 2
the body second end includes the speaker and the microphone, and wherein the speaker and the microphone are communicated with the power source and the sound processing electronics, such that when a sound is received by the microphone
Data Source
AI summary
A Personal Communication Device (PCD) is provided and includes a microphone, a speaker, and a PCD body, wherein the PCD body is configured as an ear cuff and includes a body first end, a body second end and a body middle portion. The PCD body further includes sound processing electronics, such that when a sound is received by the microphone, the sound processing electronics process the sound to generate a processed sound and communicates the processed sound to the speaker and outputs the processed sound into the user's ear canal, wherein the PCD is configured to be securely associated with an ear of a user such that when the PCD is associated with the ear of the user, and wherein the PCD is configured for wireless connectivity.