3D-Printed Ear Probe Transducer Fixture for Low-Crosstalk Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ear probes for hearing diagnostics have a large diameter due to unidirectional transducer placement, which is inconvenient for users, limits visibility, and suffers from crosstalk and prolonged assembly times.
Innovation Solution
A transducer fixture for ear probes using additive manufacturing, allowing flexible transducer positioning and intricate channel designs for acoustical and barometric routing, reducing diameter and minimizing crosstalk through a single-part structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If transducers are placed unidirectionally in the ear-probe body to overcome manufacturing limitations, then the assembly process is simplified, but the diameter of the ear probe becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from unidirectional transducer placement to three-dimensional spatial arrangement within the probe body. Multiple transducers are positioned at different depths and angular orientations along the longitudinal axis, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to accommodate transducers without increasing lateral diameter. This dimensional transformation allows compact packaging of multiple transducers while maintaining acoustic isolation.
2Quantity of substance
If transducers are placed side-by-side to accommodate multiple transducers, then the number of transducers is increased, but crosstalk between transducers increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where transducers are positioned at different radial and axial levels within the probe body, similar to nested dolls. Each transducer is housed in its own acoustic compartment or channel, with inner transducers surrounded by outer structural elements. This nesting creates physical and acoustic isolation between transducers, preventing crosstalk while maximizing the number of transducers that can be accommodated in a compact volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different acoustic environments for each transducer. Each transducer is positioned in a specifically designed acoustic channel or cavity with tailored acoustic properties (impedance, damping, isolation). This localized acoustic treatment ensures that each transducer operates in its own acoustic zone, minimizing interference and crosstalk between adjacent transducers while allowing high-density transducer placement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If epoxy is used to fill the entire probe housing to keep components in place, then component positioning is stabilized, but the assembly process time is prolonged due to inability to accelerate hardening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the probe housing into multiple separate compartments or sections, each containing specific transducers and acoustic channels. Instead of using a single bulk epoxy fill, the housing is segmented into discrete assembly zones that can be independently assembled and then joined. This segmentation allows for localized assembly processes and eliminates the need for a single prolonged epoxy curing step for the entire housing, thereby reducing total assembly time while maintaining component stability through precise mechanical fixtures in each segment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A transducer fixture for an ear probe, the use of a transducer fixture in an ear probe of an instrument for hearing diagnostics, an ear probe for hearing diagnostics comprising a transducer fixture and a method for producing a transducer fixture for an ear probe are disclosed. The transducer fixture for an ear probe comprises: an interface for a probe tip, at least one opening for attaching a transducer, at least one channel for acoustical routing, wherein the at least one channel for acoustical routing is connected at one end to the interface and at its other end to the at least one opening, and wherein said transducer fixture is made as a single part produced by additive manufacturing.