Ear Model Vibration Measurement for Hearing Aid Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring vibration in electronic devices that transmit sound through vibration, such as hearing aids, cannot accurately assess the sound pressure and vibration transmission characteristics when the vibrating body is pressed against a human ear, as they do not account for the unique anatomical and physiological properties of the human ear.
Innovation Solution
A measurement device and system that includes an ear model mimicking a human ear and multiple vibration pickups positioned around an artificial external ear canal, allowing for accurate measurement of vibration weighted for human ear characteristics and evaluation of electronic devices that transmit sound via vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vibration is measured by pressing the vibrating body against an artificial mastoid or using a vibration pickup, then the amount of vibration can be measured as voltage, but the measurement does not reflect the actual vibration transmission characteristics to the human ear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the human ear structure (ear model with artificial external ear canal, auricle, and mastoid process) to serve as a measurement interface. This copy replicates the anatomical features that transmit vibration to the human auditory system, allowing measurement devices to capture vibration characteristics as they would actually be transmitted to a human ear, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurable vibration and reliable evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The ear model acts as an intermediary between the vibrating body and the measurement device. Instead of measuring vibration directly on the vibrating body or on a simple artificial mastoid, the measurement is taken through the ear model that mediates the vibration transmission path, providing accurate representation of how vibrations would be transmitted to a human ear while maintaining measurability
2Device complexity
If existing measurement methods are used, then measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the unique anatomical and physiological properties of the human ear are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than attempting to measure complex human ear properties directly or use overly complex measurement systems, the patent creates a simplified copy (ear model) that captures the essential anatomical features needed for accurate measurement. This model includes the external ear canal, auricle, and mastoid process in a form that is anatomically representative yet practically measurable, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and system simplicity
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
Enables precise measurement of vibration transmission characteristics in the human ear, effectively evaluating electronic devices like hearing aids and ensuring proper assessment of their sound transmission capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of vibration pickups disposed at a periphery of an artificial external ear canal formed in the ear model
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement device (10) for evaluating an electronic device (100) that causes sound to be heard via vibration transmission by pressing a vibrating body against a human ear includes an ear model (50) modeled after a human ear and vibration pickups (57a) and (57b) disposed at a periphery of an artificial external ear canal (53) formed in the ear model (50).