Mechanical Impedance Model for Bone Conduction Facial Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for simulating the human head fail to accurately replicate the mechanical impedance of the facial region on the front side of the auricle, which is significantly different from other parts of the head, particularly when used with vibration units like bone conduction earphones.
Innovation Solution
An impedance apparatus comprising a mass component, elastic components, and a damping component, designed to provide a mechanical impedance in the range of 6 dB to 50 dB when coupled with a vibration unit, thereby simulating the effect of the facial region on the front side of the human auricle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an existing apparatus for simulating the human head is used, then the mechanical impedance of the mastoid behind the ear can be simulated, but it cannot accurately simulate the mechanical impedance of the facial region on the front side of the auricle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the impedance apparatus with specific local characteristics: a facial region model component that specifically simulates the mechanical impedance characteristics of the facial region on the front side of the auricle, including the tragus and surrounding bone structures. This localized design allows accurate simulation for bone conduction devices fitting this specific region, while existing apparatus only simulate the mastoid region behind the ear.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vibration unit is designed to fit the facial region on the front side of the auricle, then it can be used as a bone conduction earphone or hearing aid, but the existing simulation apparatus cannot meet this simulation scenario
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the facial region's mechanical impedance characteristics through the facial region model component. This model copy includes the essential mechanical properties of the tragus, facial bones, and surrounding tissues, allowing accurate simulation of how these structures respond to vibration from bone conduction devices without requiring an actual human subject.
3Reliability
If the mechanical impedance of the facial region is significantly different from other parts of the head, then it requires specialized simulation, but existing apparatus simulate only the mastoid region
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: a facial region model component that specifically represents the facial region's mechanical impedance, a vibration unit interface, and measurement systems. This segmentation allows the apparatus to specifically target and accurately simulate the unique mechanical properties of the facial region without attempting to model the entire head, thus maintaining reliability for facial region applications while controlling device complexity.
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 impedance apparatus effectively simulates the mechanical impedance of the facial region, allowing for accurate simulation of the effect of the human head on vibration units, particularly in scenarios involving bone conduction earphones or hearing aids.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic component... an elastic coefficient of the at least one elastic component is in a range of 600 N/m-5000 N/m
Implementation Method 2
a damping component is disposed between the mass component and the fixed component and provides damping for a movement of the mass component relative to the fixed component... a damping of the damping component is in a range of 1-4
Implementation Method 3
A mass of the mass component is in a range of 0.5 g-5 g... the impedance apparatus provides the external vibration unit with a mechanical impedance in a range of 6 dB-50 dB
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an impedance apparatus. The apparatus includes a mass component, at least one elastic component, and a fixed component, the mass component connecting with the fixed component through the at least one elastic component; a damping component disposed between the mass component and the fixed component and providing damping for a movement of the mass component relative to the fixed component. When the mass component is in contact with an external vibration unit, the mass component receives a vibration of the external vibration unit and moves relative to the fixed component, a mass of the mass component is in a range of 0.5 g-5 g, an elastic coefficient of the at least one elastic component is in a range of 600 N/m-5000 N/m, a damping of the damping component is in a range of 1-4, and the impedance apparatus provides the external vibration unit with a mechanical impedance in a range of 6 dB-50 dB.