Electro-active Polymer Actuator for Hearing Aid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing aid devices with actuators are expensive and complex, requiring advanced regulation means and significant space, which hinders their widespread adoption and customization for individual user needs.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid device utilizing an electro-active member with a top electrode layer, a bottom electrode layer, and a dielectric elastomer sandwiched between them, which is less expensive to produce and requires less regulation and space, allowing for improved functionality and user customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional actuators are used in hearing aid devices, then mechanical tasks can be performed, but the device becomes expensive and complex with advanced regulation means and considerable space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuators with electro-active polymer actuators that use electrical fields to produce mechanical motion. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical regulation means and reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to perform mechanical tasks such as adjusting ventilation channels or closing devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation mechanism from mechanical to electro-active, utilizing the electrical-to-mechanical energy conversion properties of electro-active polymers. This parameter change in the actuation method simplifies the control system and reduces the number of regulatory components needed
2Volume of moving object
If traditional actuators are used in hearing aid devices, then mechanical tasks can be performed, but considerable space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-active polymer actuators occupy significantly less space than traditional mechanical actuators because they generate motion through electrical field-induced deformation of the polymer material, eliminating the need for large mechanical components, linkages, and regulation mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If hearing aid devices are customized for individual user requirements, then user needs are met, but the device becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-active polymer actuators enable dynamic adjustment of hearing aid parameters such as ventilation channel opening and closing device position. This dynamic capability allows the device to be customized for individual user requirements through simple electrical control signals, maintaining adaptability while minimizing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-active polymer material serves multiple functions within the hearing aid device, including actuation of ventilation channels, control of closing devices, and potential feedback mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each customization feature
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 provides a cost-effective and space-efficient hearing aid device that can be customized for various types, offering enhanced hearing capabilities with reduced vibration feedback and improved user experience through electro-active components.
Implementation Method 1
A hearing aid device comprises at least one electro-active member comprising a top electrode layer, a bottom electrode layer and a dielectric elastomer member sandwiched between the top electrode layer and the bottom electrode layer
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A hearing aid device (2) comprising means (20, 21, 32, 36, 42) for being at least partly inserted into the ear canal (34) of a hearing aid user (18) is disclosed. The hearing aid device (2) comprises at least one electro-active member (4, 22, 32, 40, 46, 70, 70', 76, 76', 76") comprising a top electrode layer (6) and a bottom electrode layer (8) and a dielectric elastomer member (10) sandwiched between the top electrode layer (6) and the bottom electrode layer (8).