Ear Simulator Artificial Eardrum Vibration Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for evaluating electronic devices that deliver sound through vibration transmission, such as air conduction and bone conduction, fail to accurately measure the vibration amount due to lack of consideration for human ear vibration transmission characteristics, leading to inaccurate device evaluation.

Innovation Solution

A measuring apparatus and method utilizing an ear simulator with an artificial eardrum and vibration detector to simulate human ear vibration, allowing for accurate measurement of vibration amounts weighted by human ear vibration transmission characteristics, including an ear model and head model for simulating human ear anatomy and adjusting pressure and contact position for precise evaluation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional measurement methods are used to evaluate electronic devices with vibrators, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient because human ear vibration transmission characteristics are not considered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration amount measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An artificial eardrum is introduced as an intermediary component between the vibrator and the vibration detector. This artificial eardrum simulates the vibration transmission characteristics of the human ear, allowing the vibration detector to measure vibrations in a manner that accounts for human ear response. The artificial eardrum acts as a mediator that transforms the direct vibration measurement into a weighted measurement that reflects human perception.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a copy of the human ear's vibration transmission characteristics through the artificial eardrum. Instead of directly measuring vibrations and attempting to calculate human ear response, the patent physically replicates the ear's vibration transmission properties in the measurement device, allowing direct measurement of weighted vibration amounts that match human perception.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If vibration transmission characteristics of the human ear are considered in measurement, then the evaluation accuracy improves, but the measurement system becomes more complex requiring additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice evaluation accuracyVSAvoidear simulator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The artificial eardrum serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a vibration transmission medium, a simulation model of human ear characteristics, and a mechanical interface for the vibration detector. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving reliable weighted vibration measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If an artificial eardrum and vibration detector are added to simulate human ear vibration, then the measurement precision of vibration amount improves, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweighted vibration amount measurementVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the measurement parameters by introducing the artificial eardrum with specific vibration transmission characteristics. Rather than using complex computational methods or multiple sensors, the patent modifies the physical parameters of the measurement system through the artificial eardrum's material properties and structural characteristics, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving precise weighted vibration measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 accurate evaluation of electronic devices by measuring vibration levels aligned with human ear transmission characteristics, improving the assessment of sound pressure and vibration amounts, and facilitating detailed evaluation of both air and bone conduction sounds.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration detector disposed on the artificial eardrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9949670B2Ear model, head model, and measuring apparatus and measuring method employing same

Publication Date: 2018.04.24 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

Provided is a measuring apparatus that may measure a vibration amount weighted by cartilage conduction characteristics of the human ear and thus allows for accurate evaluation of an electronic device having a vibrator. A measuring apparatus for evaluating an electronic device that delivers a sound through vibration transmission from a vibrator retained in a housing held against the human ear includes an ear simulator simulating the human ear and a vibration detector disposed on an artificial eardrum formed in the ear simulator.