Hearing Aid Multipurpose Microphone with Acoustic Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing assistance devices require two microphones to achieve both own-voice sensing and ambient sound sensing, which increases device size, cost, and power consumption, and complicates the design of the in-the-ear portion.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose microphone system with a switch or valve that can be electrically, manually, or wirelessly actuated to change its acoustic input path from inward to outward, allowing a single microphone to serve both functions, reducing the number of components and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two microphones are used for own-voice sensing and ambient sound sensing, then both functions are achieved, but device size, cost, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single microphone that can serve both own-voice sensing and ambient sound sensing functions by using an acoustic switch to redirect the acoustic input path. The microphone acts as a universal sensor that can selectively receive sounds from different directions (inward for own-voice, outward for ambient) based on the switch position, eliminating the need for two separate microphones and reducing power consumption while maintaining both functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic acoustic switch that can change the acoustic input path of the microphone in real-time. The switch allows the microphone to dynamically alternate between two acoustic paths: one facing inward for own-voice sensing and another facing outward for ambient sound sensing. This dynamic reconfiguration enables a single microphone to adaptively perform multiple functions that traditionally required two static microphones.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two microphones are used for own-voice sensing and ambient sound sensing, then both functions are achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single microphone that can serve both own-voice sensing and ambient sound sensing functions by using an acoustic switch to redirect the acoustic input path. The microphone acts as a universal sensor that can selectively receive sounds from different directions (inward for own-voice, outward for ambient) based on the switch position, eliminating the need for two separate microphones and reducing power consumption while maintaining both functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the acoustic switch within the existing microphone structure, nesting the switching mechanism inside the microphone housing. The switch is positioned within the acoustic channel leading to the microphone capsule, allowing it to redirect sound paths without adding external bulk. This nested integration enables space-efficient implementation of the dual-functionality system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two microphones are used for own-voice sensing and ambient sound sensing, then both functions are achieved, but design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single microphone that can serve both own-voice sensing and ambient sound sensing functions by using an acoustic switch to redirect the acoustic input path. The microphone acts as a universal sensor that can selectively receive sounds from different directions (inward for own-voice, outward for ambient) based on the switch position, eliminating the need for two separate microphones and reducing power consumption while maintaining both functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an acoustic switch as an intermediary element between the external environment and the microphone. This switch acts as a mediator that controls the acoustic input path, directing sounds from either the inward path (for own-voice) or outward path (for ambient sound) to the single microphone. The intermediary switch simplifies the overall design by replacing the need for two separate microphones and their associated independent signal processing chains.
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
This solution reduces device size, cost, and power consumption by eliminating the need for a second microphone, extending battery life and simplifying the design while maintaining functionality for both inward and outward acoustic input.
Implementation Method 1
a switch in the acoustic channel, the switch having a first position in which the acoustic channel is open towards an inner portion of the ear of the wearer and closed away from the inner portion of the ear of the wearer such that acoustic input to the microphone is received from the inner portion of the ear of the wearer, and a second position in which the acoustic channel is open away from the inner portion of the ear of the wearer and closed towards the inner portion of the ear of the wearer such that acoustic input to the microphone is received from an area outside the ear of the wearer
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for a multipurpose microphone for hearing devices. A hearing assistance device includes a first housing configured to be worn above an ear of a wearer and a second housing configured to be worn in the ear of the wearer. The device also includes a cable configured to connect to the first housing at a first end and to the second housing at the second end, and a microphone at the second end of the cable, the microphone including an input port facing an acoustic channel. A switch is provided in the acoustic channel, the switch having a first position such that acoustic input to the microphone is received from an inner portion of the ear of the wearer, and a second position such that acoustic input to the microphone is received from an area outside the ear of the wearer.