Earpiece Vent Port State Detection via Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Earpieces for hearing devices often face challenges in effectively managing the vent port state, which affects pressure equalization and sound quality, and existing solutions lack efficient methods for detecting and controlling the vent port's open or closed state without additional sensors.
Innovation Solution
The earpiece incorporates a closing element with a magnetic member that can be inductively coupled with a second magnetic member, allowing a processor to determine the vent port's state through electrical measurement changes, eliminating the need for additional sensors and enabling control of the vent port's state for optimal sound conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a closing element with magnetic members is used to control the vent port state, then the vent port can be precisely controlled between open and closed states for optimal sound quality and pressure equalization, but the device complexity increases due to the magnetic coupling mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switching mechanisms with a magnetic coupling system. The closing element contains a first magnetic member that interacts with a second magnetic member to control the vent port state, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages, springs, or additional actuators. This magnetic substitution simplifies the overall mechanism while enabling precise control between open and closed states.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic members serve multiple functions: they act as both the actuating mechanism for opening/closing the vent port and the sensing element for detecting the port state. The same magnetic interaction that controls the valve also provides the signal for determining the state through electrical measurement, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to detect the vent port state, then the state can be accurately determined, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second magnetic member serves dual purposes: it is both the actuator that interacts with the first magnetic member to control the vent port, and the sensing element that detects the port state through electrical measurement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining accurate state detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling system is self-sensing; the same magnetic interaction used to control the vent port automatically provides the signal for state detection. The system uses itself to both actuate and sense, eliminating the need for external sensors and reducing overall device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the vent port remains open for pressure equalization, then occlusion effects are reduced, but sound quality may be compromised during certain listening conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The vent port state is made dynamic rather than static. The closing element can transition between open and closed states based on listening conditions. The system adapts the vent port state in real-time to balance between pressure equalization needs and sound quality requirements, allowing optimal performance across different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state parameter of the vent port (open/closed) based on operational requirements. By dynamically adjusting this binary parameter, the system can switch between prioritizing pressure equalization (open state) and sound quality (closed state), resolving the contradiction between these two functions.
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
This solution allows for precise control of the vent port's state, improving sound quality by reducing occlusion effects and enabling efficient pressure equalization, while also detecting potential blockages like dirt or earwax, thus maintaining optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
The second magnetic member is configured for displacing the closing element by magnetic interaction with the first magnetic member
Implementation Method 2
The inductive member is configured in a fixed relationship with the closing member and is configured for inductive coupling with a second magnetic member
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
Disclosed is a system comprising an earpiece for an ear canal of a user. The earpiece is configured for sealing the ear-canal of the user wearing the earpiece, the earpiece having a first end, the first end facing a tympanic membrane of the ear canal of the user when the earpiece is worn by the user, the earpiece having a second end, the second end facing toward the surroundings of the user when the earpiece is worn by the user. The earpiece comprises: a vent channel coupled to a first vent opening positioned at the first end and a second vent opening positioned at the second end, wherein the vent channel comprises a vent port; a closing element, the closing element comprising a first magnetic member, wherein the closing element is configured for being in a first state or in a second state, wherein in the first state the closing element causes the vent port to be open, and in the second state the closing element causes the vent port to be closed; an inductive member comprising a conductive material, the inductive member being configured in a fixed relationship with the closing member and being configured for inductive coupling with a second magnetic member; the second magnetic member is configured for displacing the closing element by magnetic interaction with the first magnetic member. The system comprises a processor being communicatively coupled to the second magnetic member and configured for obtaining an electrical measurement value of the second magnetic member; and wherein the processor is configured for determining the state of the closing element based on the electrical measurement value of the second magnetic member.