Ear-Plug Assembly for Bone Conduction Audio Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio systems using bone and cartilage conduction technologies face poor sound quality due to leakage of low frequency components and external noise, which compromises the immersive audio experience as the ear canal remains open.
Innovation Solution
An ear-plug assembly that partially or fully occludes the ear canal, equipped with sensors to provide feedback signals to the audio system, adjusting the frequency response and vibration instructions to enhance low frequency content and mitigate noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ear canal remains open for bone conduction or cartilage conduction audio delivery, then the audio system can provide audio content without physical occlusion, but low frequency components leak out and external noise enters, degrading sound quality
Solution Approach 1:
The ear canal is divided into an occluded portion (where the ear plug assembly fits) and an unoccluded portion (where the transducer assembly delivers audio). This segmentation allows the ear canal to serve dual functions: providing a sealed path for low frequency content while maintaining access for the transducer assembly to deliver audio content.
Solution Approach 2:
The ear plug assembly acts as an intermediary element that fills the gap between the open ear canal and the need for low frequency containment. It provides a sealed pathway that prevents low frequency leakage while allowing the transducer assembly to deliver audio content through the unoccluded portion.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the ear canal is occluded to prevent low frequency leakage, then sound quality improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The ear plug assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it occludes the ear canal to prevent low frequency leakage, provides a sealed pathway for audio content, and houses sensors for feedback and feedforward control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ear plug assembly merges the occlusion function, sensor housing, and audio delivery pathway into a single integrated component. By combining these functions, the design avoids the complexity of having separate ear canal occlusion devices and sensor modules.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sensors are added to the ear plug assembly for feedback control, then audio quality and noise mitigation improve, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors within the ear plug assembly capture acoustic feedback from the ear canal and transmit this information to the audio system. The audio system uses this feedback to adjust audio delivery in real-time, improving audio quality and mitigating external noise through active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors enable the audio system to self-adjust and self-optimize performance based on real-time acoustic conditions within the ear canal. The system monitors its own output and external noise levels, automatically modifying audio delivery to maintain optimal sound quality without requiring external intervention.
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
Improves the audio experience by reducing low frequency leakage and external noise, providing a more immersive audio experience with enhanced low frequency response and reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The plug body inside the ear canal mitigates loss of a portion of the airborne acoustic pressure wave created by bone conduction or cartilage/tragus conduction transducer assembly
Implementation Method 2
The acoustic conduction system includes a transducer assembly that includes one or more bone conduction transducer, one or more cartilage conductions transducer
Implementation Method 3
the acoustic conduction system includes a transducer assembly that includes one or more bone conduction transducer, one or more cartilage conductions transducer
Implementation Method 4
These sensors may provide feedback and/or feedforward signals to the audio system. The signals may correspond to, e.g., the acoustic pressure waves in the ear canal and/or proximate to and outside an entrance to the ear canal
Data Source
AI summary
An ear-plug assembly is implemented as part of an audio system to present a user with improved audio content. The audio system uses an acoustic conduction system to provide audio content to the user using tissue (e.g., bone and/or cartilage) born acoustic pressure waves. The ear-plug assembly mitigates leakage of low frequency components of airborne acoustic waves generated within the ear canal from the ear. The acoustic conduction system adjusts how content is presented based in part on the presence of the ear-plug assembly within the ear. In some embodiments, the ear-plug assembly may include one or more microphones (external and/or internal), and the acoustic conduction system adjusts how content is presented based on the signals detected by the one or more microphones.