Hearing Device Soft-Actuator Venting to Reduce Motion Sound

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hearing devices with magnetic vent mechanisms generate motion sounds during state transitions, causing discomfort to users.

Innovation Solution

A hearing device with a ventilation adjustment mechanism using a soft actuator to control the ventilation amount between the external ear canal and outside air, comprising a microphone, signal processing unit, receiver, and control unit to adjust the actuator's shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a magnetic member is used to switch vent ports between open and closed states, then ventilation adjustment function is achieved, but motion sound is generated during state transition causing user discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation adjustment functionVSAvoidmotion sound

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the magnetic member mechanism with a soft actuator that deforms under applied voltage to open or close the vent port. This substitution of mechanical/magnetic actuation with a soft robotic actuator eliminates the motion sound generated during state transitions while maintaining the ventilation adjustment function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The soft actuator changes its physical state (from relaxed to contracted) by changing the electrical parameter (applying voltage). This parameter change enables the vent port to transition between open and closed states without generating motion sound, resolving the contradiction between functionality and user comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a magnetic member mechanism is used for vent port control, then ventilation amount can be adjusted, but the mechanism complexity increases due to magnetic components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation control capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the magnetic member mechanism with a soft actuator that uses electrical voltage to control vent port opening. This substitution simplifies the overall mechanism by eliminating magnetic components and their associated complexity, while maintaining full ventilation control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The soft actuator utilizes flexible material properties to achieve vent port control. The flexible nature of the soft actuator allows for simpler integration into the earpiece structure compared to rigid magnetic mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving ventilation adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If ventilation is opened to reduce blocking effect, then pressure equalization is achieved, but motion sound during state transition causes discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure equalizationVSAvoidmotion sound

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the magnetic member switching mechanism with a soft actuator that smoothly transitions the vent port between open and closed states. This substitution eliminates the motion sound generated during state transitions while maintaining the pressure equalization function, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational effectiveness and user comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device provides comfortable use by adjusting ventilation based on sound signals and user interactions, reducing discomfort and enhancing sound quality.

Implementation Method 1

a ventilation adjustment mechanism including a soft actuator at least in a part thereof and capable of adjusting a ventilation amount between the external ear canal and outside air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSoft actuator deformation: Electroactive Polymer

Data Source

PatentUS20250254481A1Hearing device, earpiece, program, and control method

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A hearing device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a main body unit and an earpiece insertable into an external ear canal of a user. The main body unit or the earpiece includes a ventilation adjustment mechanism including a soft actuator at least in a part thereof and capable of adjusting a ventilation amount between the external ear canal and outside air. The main body unit includes a microphone that collects external sound and generates an external sound signal, a signal processing unit that amplifies the external sound signal, a receiver that outputs sound corresponding to the external sound signal amplified by the signal processing unit, and a control unit that changes a shape of the soft actuator.