Hearable Receiver Membrane Movement Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hearable receivers, such as hearing aids, face design constraints due to limited space, particularly in the low frequency range during fitting processes, where existing solutions using the receiver membrane as a microphone unit result in poor sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A compact hearable receiver with a moveable membrane and an arrangement for detecting its movements, utilizing capacitors, inductors, or accelerometers to monitor membrane vibrations, enabling effective sound pressure detection and configuration during fitting processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a discrete microphone unit is provided to receive incoming sound pressure, then the sensitivity in the low frequency range is improved, but the device occupies more space and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the microphone unit functionality with the receiver membrane itself. The membrane serves dual purposes: as the actuator for sound generation and as the sensing element for detecting incoming sound pressure. This integration eliminates the need for separate discrete microphone components, thereby reducing device complexity and space occupation while maintaining measurement precision through the membrane's direct response to acoustic pressure changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver membrane is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the sound-generating actuator and the sound-pressure-sensing microphone element. This multi-functionality allows the system to operate in both hearing aid mode and fitting mode without requiring additional dedicated components, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Device complexity
If the receiver membrane is used as a microphone unit to save space, then device complexity is reduced, but the sensitivity in the low frequency range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical microphone structures with a capacitive sensing arrangement. The membrane's movements are detected through changes in capacitance between the membrane and a fixed electrode, rather than through mechanical coupling. This substitution enables the integrated membrane to function as a sensitive microphone unit, particularly in the low frequency range, while maintaining the space and complexity benefits of integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the electrical and geometric parameters of the capacitive arrangement to enhance low-frequency sensitivity. By adjusting capacitance values, electrode positioning, and signal processing parameters, the system achieves adequate sensitivity in the low frequency range while maintaining the integrated membrane-based design, thus resolving the contradiction between integration and measurement precision.
3Volume of moving object
If an integrated arrangement is used to detect membrane movements, then space occupation is reduced, but the device requires more sophisticated detection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection mechanisms with an electrical capacitive sensing system. The movement of the membrane is detected through changes in electrical capacitance, which can be measured with high precision using standard electronic circuits. This substitution reduces the mechanical complexity and space requirements while achieving accurate detection of membrane movements, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and detection sophistication.
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 solution enhances the sensitivity of the low frequency range, allowing for accurate configuration and operation as a vibration sensor, improving the fitting process and acoustical properties of hearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
The capacitance of a capacitor depends on the distance between the capacitor electrodes. Thus, movements of the moveable membrane may be detected by detecting the capacitance of the one or more capacitors as a function of time.
Implementation Method 2
The receiver according to the present invention may comprise a moving armature type motor for driving the moveable membrane in response to an incoming electrical signal. The one or more inductors may be wound around at least part of such a moving armature. Moreover, at least part of the moving armature may be arranged in a substantially static magnetic field which may be generated by at least one pair of permanent magnets.
Implementation Method 3
Movements of the moveable membrane may be transferred to the moveable armature which then moves in accordance with movements of the moveable membrane. Movements of the moving armature may induce capacitance changes between one or more inductors, which may be wounded around at least part of the moving armature, and the moveable membrane.
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver for a hearable, said receiver comprising a moveable membrane, and an arrangement for detecting the movements of the moveable membrane during, for example, a fitting process. The arrangement for detecting the movements of the moveable membrane may include one or more electrodes forming one or more capacitors in combination with the moveable membrane. The receiver may further include a moving armature type motor having an inductor being wounded around at least part of a moving armature. This inductor may form part of the arrangement for detecting the movements of the moveable membrane. The present invention further relates to a hearable and an associated method.