Electroactive Polymer Sealing for Ear Canal Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional earpiece devices face difficulties in sealing within the ear canal due to changes in ear canal shape over time, and existing solutions are costly and time-consuming, particularly in the hearing aid industry.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device utilizing a collapsible electroactive polymer element covered by a membrane, which changes configuration with voltage application, including multiple sub-elements and electrodes to achieve movement and sealing, and can be integrated with a core and moment arm for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom fitting is used to seal the ear canal, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device employs an electroactive polymer element that can dynamically change its configuration between expanded and collapsed states through voltage application. This dynamic adaptability allows the device to automatically adjust to different ear canal shapes and sizes, providing effective sealing without requiring custom fitting for each user. The electroactive polymer responds to electrical signals by changing its physical state, enabling real-time adaptation to environmental changes in the ear canal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes changes in physical parameters of the electroactive polymer material in response to applied voltage. By controlling the voltage applied to the electroactive polymer element, the device can transition between different configurations (expanded/collapsed) and adapt its sealing properties. This parameter-based control eliminates the need for custom fitting while maintaining reliable sealing effectiveness across different users and conditions.
2Reliability
If custom fitting is used to seal the ear canal, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device employs an electroactive polymer element that can dynamically change its configuration between expanded and collapsed states through voltage application. This dynamic adaptability allows the device to automatically adjust to different ear canal shapes and sizes, providing effective sealing without requiring custom fitting for each user. The electroactive polymer responds to electrical signals by changing its physical state, enabling real-time adaptation to environmental changes in the ear canal.
Solution Approach 2:
The electroactive polymer element functions as a self-adjusting mechanism that automatically adapts to the ear canal geometry without requiring external customization or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms. When voltage is applied, the polymer self-regulates its configuration to achieve optimal sealing, eliminating the need for custom molds or complex fitting procedures. This self-service capability simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining high sealing effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electroactive polymer element is made collapsible with voltage application, then adaptability to ear canal changes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes changes in physical parameters of the electroactive polymer material in response to applied voltage. By controlling the voltage applied to the electroactive polymer element, the device can transition between different configurations (expanded/collapsed) and adapt its sealing properties. This parameter-based control eliminates the need for custom fitting while maintaining reliable sealing effectiveness across different users and conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electroactive polymer element that responds to electrical fields. Instead of using mechanical springs, levers, or adjustable components to achieve adaptability, the device uses the inherent electro-mechanical properties of the polymer material. This substitution of mechanical systems with electro-active materials simplifies the device structure while enhancing adaptability to different ear canal geometries.
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
The device provides effective sealing and adaptability to ear canal changes, reducing water leakage and improving fit without the need for custom fitting, while being durable and resistant to environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a collapsible electroactive polymer element, wherein the element is in an expanded configuration without voltage application and is in a collapsed configuration with a voltage application
Implementation Method 2
The electroactive polymer element can be an electroactive polymer that bends about a point when a voltage is applied across the electroactive polymer
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a core, a membrane, at least one first electrode coupled to the core, at least one second electrode coupled to the core or the membrane and a collapsible electroactive polymer element. The collapsible polymer element is configured to extend from or extend around at least a portion of the core where the element is in an expanded configuration without application of a voltage and in a collapsed configuration with the application of the voltage or in a collapsed configuration without application of a voltage and in an expanded configuration with the application of the voltage. The voltage is applied via the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode. Other embodiments are disclosed.