Hearing Device Vibration Isolation for Feedback Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microphone and Receiver in the Canal (MRIC) hearing devices face limitations in achieving stable gain due to feedback signals generated by receiver vibrations, which are transferred to the microphone, limiting the achievable gain between the microphone input and receiver output.

Innovation Solution

A vibration preventing arrangement is implemented, utilizing a vibration isolation system that includes compliant materials and structural variations in the positioning member to prevent receiver-generated vibrations from reaching the microphone, such as integral or discrete high-compliant elements, and thickness variations to reduce sensitivity to vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the hearing device is made compact (MRIC design), then the device size is reduced and comfort is improved, but the stable gain is limited due to increased feedback signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidstable gain

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning member is divided into distinct functional segments: a rigid portion for structural support and positioning, and a compliant portion for vibration isolation. This segmentation allows the device to maintain compact size while incorporating vibration isolation capabilities to reduce feedback and improve stable gain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compliant portion of the positioning member acts as an intermediary element between the hearing device and the ear canal wall. It absorbs and isolates vibrations generated by the receiver, preventing them from being transmitted to the microphone, thus reducing feedback while maintaining the compact MRIC design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If arch-shaped support extensions are compressed to act as press-fit suspension, then mechanical strength is improved, but vibration isolation performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidvibration isolation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the positioning member are assigned different mechanical properties: the main body provides rigid structural support for positioning, while the compliant portion specifically optimized for vibration isolation. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows simultaneous achievement of mechanical strength and vibration isolation without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the positioning member is made highly compliant for vibration isolation, then feedback is reduced, but positioning stability and acoustical performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeedback reductionVSAvoidpositioning stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning member is segmented into a rigid portion that ensures stable positioning and acoustical performance, and a compliant portion that provides vibration isolation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different mechanical characteristics to different functional regions of the same component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning member functions as a composite structure combining rigid and compliant materials or regions. The rigid portion maintains positioning stability while the compliant portion reduces feedback, achieving both objectives simultaneously through material or structural composition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 vibration preventing arrangement effectively reduces feedback signals, allowing for a higher stable gain between the microphone inlet and receiver output, enhancing the acoustical performance and comfort of MRIC hearing devices.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration isolation arrangement adapted to vibration isolate at least part of the positioning member from the receiver unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The suspension member is more compliant than the positioning member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompliant material behavior: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3429231B1Hearing device including a vibration preventing arrangement

Publication Date: 2023.01.25 SONION NEDERLAND BV

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Figure 2c

AI summary

The present invention relates to a hearing device adapted to be positioned in an ear canal of a user, the hearing device comprising a receiver unit, a positioning member adapted to position and hold the hearing device in the ear canal of a user, and a vibration preventing arrangement adapted to prevent vibrations of a least part of the positioning member.