Hearing Device Acoustics Fixture with Movable Arm for Testing and Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing device testing and calibration processes are not reliable, repeatable, and efficient, particularly in production environments, due to variations in transducer sensitivity from different suppliers and the need for consistent output characteristics across all devices.
Innovation Solution
An acoustics fixture assembly that allows for secure placement of hearing devices in an acoustic/anechoic chamber, featuring a frame, bracket coupler support, arm assembly, and actuator for automated testing and calibration, ensuring minimal sound interference and consistent positioning for accurate results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual testing and calibration processes are used for hearing devices, then operators can perform testing, but the process is time-consuming and lacks efficiency in production environments
Solution Approach 1:
The arm assembly is designed to be movable between open and closed configurations, allowing dynamic adaptation during the testing process. The arm can be positioned to clear the acoustic path during testing phases and moved into position during calibration phases, enabling automated high-throughput processing without manual intervention for repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture assembly performs multiple functions automatically including positioning the hearing device, clearing the acoustic path, and enabling calibration communication. The actuator automatically moves the arm between positions based on testing/calibration phase requirements, eliminating the need for manual operation and enabling continuous automated processing.
2Measurement precision
If the arm assembly is positioned to align with the hearing device for calibration, then calibration values can be written, but it interferes with acoustical testing
Solution Approach 1:
The arm assembly transitions between two distinct positions: open configuration where the arm clears the acoustic path to allow undisturbed sound field during acoustical testing, and closed configuration where the arm aligns with the hearing device for calibration value transmission. This dynamic repositioning eliminates interference during testing while enabling precise calibration when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm assembly periodically moves between open and closed configurations corresponding to the testing and calibration phases. During acoustical testing phases, the arm is positioned open; during calibration phases, the arm moves to closed position. This periodic repositioning synchronized with process phases resolves the interference issue.
3Measurement precision
If the fixture assembly is placed in an acoustic/anechoic chamber for sound isolation, then testing accuracy is improved, but the setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture assembly is designed as a multi-functional integrated system that combines the frame, bracket coupler support, arm assembly with actuator, and hearing device positioning capabilities. This universal fixture can perform both acoustical testing and calibration functions within a single setup, reducing overall system complexity despite operating in an anechoic chamber environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture assembly is divided into modular components: a frame structure, a bracket coupler support for the acoustic coupler, and a separate arm assembly with actuator. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier setup and maintenance within the anechoic chamber while maintaining measurement precision.
4Productivity
If transducer sensitivity variations from different suppliers are not addressed, then assembly is simpler, but output characteristics vary across hearing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process uses feedback from actual acoustic measurements to determine the specific sensitivity characteristics of each transducer. The system measures the actual output of the hearing device and uses this feedback information to calculate and apply appropriate calibration offsets, ensuring that output characteristics are consistent across devices regardless of transducer variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the hearing device through calibration offsets and gain adjustments. By modifying these parameters based on measured transducer sensitivity variations, the system compensates for component differences and achieves consistent output characteristics across all hearing devices while maintaining efficient automated assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture assembly can be used for testing and calibrating hearing devices in a fast, reliable and repeatable manner. The fixture assembly includes a support frame that supports an arm assembly with a holder to hold acoustics coupler(s) and hearing device for the purpose of acoustic testing and calibration.