Hearing Device Active Vent Valve Dynamics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing devices with active vents face challenges in designing the arrangement of the receiver and active vent within the earmould, leading to discomfort and poor sound control due to occlusion and ambient noise issues, while also requiring more sustainable production methods.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device with an earmould featuring a receiver housing and an active vent that can switch between open and closed states, using a supporting structure to hold the receiver in place, and incorporating a front filter to prevent contaminants, allowing for fluid connection and acoustic seal adjustments to mitigate occlusion and ambient noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an open-fit hearing device is used to mitigate occlusion, then user comfort is improved, but ambient sound enters the ear canal causing problematic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an active vent with a valve that can dynamically switch between open and closed states based on operational conditions. The valve is controllable to provide fluid connection when needed for comfort and block ambient sound when required for sound control, resolving the contradiction between user comfort and ambient noise interference.
2Reliability
If the receiver is positioned close to the tympanic membrane to improve sound delivery, then sound transmission is enhanced, but occlusion effect increases
Solution Approach 1:
The active vent system allows dynamic control of the ear canal opening. When the valve is open, it provides pressure equalization and reduces occlusion effect even when the receiver is positioned close to the tympanic membrane for optimal sound transmission. The system can switch states to balance sound delivery and occlusion mitigation.
3Ease of operation
If a custom-fitted earmould is used to improve comfort and fit, then user comfort is improved, but production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the earmould from the receiver housing, allowing the receiver housing to be a standardized component that can be inserted into different earmoulds. This segmentation enables mass production of receiver housings while still allowing custom earmould fitting, reducing production complexity while maintaining user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver housing is designed as a universal component that can be used with multiple earmould configurations. The standardized receiver housing with integrated active vent system can be adapted to different user needs through the earmould interface, simplifying production while maintaining customization options for comfort.
4Reliability
If an active vent is added to control ambient sound, then sound control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The active vent system is integrated into the receiver housing, merging the vent function with the existing receiver structure. This consolidation reduces overall device complexity by eliminating separate components and simplifying the assembly, while still providing effective sound control through the controllable valve mechanism.
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 user comfort by reducing occlusion and ambient noise interference, while enabling sustainable production by allowing for removable components and improved fit within the ear canal, thus providing optimal sound transmission and environmental awareness.
Implementation Method 1
an active vent, which has a valve positioned in a space within the earmould limited by an end of the receiver housing and by the front opening, the valve forming at least a part of the sound passage. The active vent is configured to have an open state and a closed state. In the open state the valve provides a fluid connection through the sound passage, whereas in the closed state the valve hinders fluid connection through the sound passage.
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing device includes: an earmould having a front end comprising a front opening, a rear end, and a middle part, the front end of the earmould configured to face a tympanic membrane, the front opening being in fluid communication with an outside of an ear canal; a receiver housing at least partly in the earmould, the receiver housing accommodating a receiver; a sound passage extending at least between the front opening and the rear end; an active vent between an end of the receiver housing and the front opening of the earmould, wherein when the active vent is in an open state, the active vent allows sound transmission through the sound passage, and wherein when the active vent is in a closed state, the active vent hinders the sound transmission; and a supporting structure configured to maintain the receiver housing in place with respect to the earmould.