Ear Model Unit Structure for Low-Noise Electroacoustic Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electroacoustic test manikins fail to provide a sufficient vibration amplitude at the ear portion and are not suited for reducing power consumption and noise during testing.
Innovation Solution
A separate ear model unit connected to an electrodynamic vibrator, comprising an elastomer part and a rigid element, which can be vibrated independently to mimic human ear properties, reducing power consumption and noise by inducing vibrations only at the ear portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If a separate ear model unit is vibrated independently using an electrodynamic vibrator, then power consumption and noise are reduced, but the vibration amplitude at the ear portion is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ear model unit is segmented into a rigid element and a separate elastomer part. The rigid element is directly vibrated by the electrodynamic vibrator to generate sufficient vibration amplitude, while the elastomer part is coupled to transfer and distribute these vibrations. This segmentation allows the vibrator to focus energy on a small rigid component rather than attempting to vibrate a large mass, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate vibration amplitude at the ear portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid element is positioned specifically at the location where maximum vibration amplitude is needed (the ear portion), while the elastomer part provides localized flexibility and coupling. This local quality approach ensures that the electrodynamic vibrator generates sufficient vibration where required without needing to vibrate the entire ear model unit, thus reducing overall power consumption and noise generation.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the electrodynamic vibrator is placed away from the testing setup, then wear on the manikin is minimized, but the reproduction of acoustic properties becomes less realistic
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer part serves as an intermediary between the rigid element (directly vibrated by the electrodynamic vibrator) and the rest of the ear model unit. This intermediary allows the vibrator to be positioned remotely while still transmitting vibrations effectively through the elastomer's flexible coupling, maintaining realistic acoustic property reproduction without direct contact between the vibrator and the manikin structure, thereby minimizing wear.
3Measurement precision
If the entire manikin is vibrated to reproduce acoustic properties, then realistic reproduction is achieved, but noise generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential ear portion (rigid element and elastomer part) from the complete manikin structure for vibration. By isolating and vibrating only this small subset of components rather than the entire manikin, the solution achieves realistic acoustic property reproduction through the ear model unit while dramatically reducing the mass being vibrated, thereby minimizing noise generation from the testing setup.
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 provides a more realistic and precise reproduction of acoustic properties, reduces power consumption and noise, and minimizes wear on the manikin by allowing the electrodynamic vibrator to be placed away from the testing setup.
Implementation Method 1
The electrodynamic vibrator is a device that converts electrical energy from a power amplifier to mechanical vibrations using the principles of electromagnetism
Implementation Method 2
The rigid element is configured to cause vibration of the elastomer part upon the rigid element being excited by the electrodynamic vibrator
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an ear model unit for electroacoustic testing. The ear model unit is configured to be connected to an electrodynamic vibrator. The ear model unit comprises an elastomer part formed from an elastomer and a rigid element connected to the elastomer part. The rigid element comprises means for connecting to the electrodynamic vibrator and it is configured to cause vibration of the elastomer part upon being excited by the electrodynamic vibrator. Also described and recited are an apparatus and a method for performing the electroacoustic testing.