Hearing Device Diaphragm Orientation for Occlusion Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing devices face challenges in effectively reducing or canceling occlusion effects, particularly due to limitations in low-frequency capabilities and the need for a receiver to produce high Low Frequency (LF) output.
Innovation Solution
The earpiece incorporates a unique diaphragm configuration that extends parallel or at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of a channel, allowing for improved low-frequency performance and pressure equalization, thereby enhancing occlusion reduction capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a diaphragm is placed perpendicularly relative to the axis of an occlusion relieve vent to cover the vent, then the passive unit can be implemented, but the diaphragm does not have sufficient diaphragm area to handle large excursion or air volume velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the diaphragm from perpendicular to the vent axis (2D cross-sectional coverage) to parallel with the vent axis (3D longitudinal extension). This dimensional change allows the diaphragm to cover a much larger area while still effectively blocking the vent, thereby providing sufficient area to handle large air volume velocities during occlusion reduction operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the occlusion relief vent into multiple segments along its length, with each segment covered by a portion of the diaphragm surface. This segmentation allows the diaphragm to distribute the air flow management across its extended surface area, enabling it to handle large excursions and volume velocities that would be impossible for a single perpendicular diaphragm.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a receiver produces high Low Frequency output to reduce or cancel occlusion signal, then occlusion reduction capability is improved, but power consumption increases and low frequency capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the low frequency occlusion reduction function from the powered receiver and transfers it to a passive diaphragm-based resonator. The diaphragm, when oriented parallel to the vent axis, acts as a passive radiating surface that can be tuned to resonate at low frequencies, thereby canceling occlusion effects without requiring high power consumption from an electrical receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical-mechanical receiver system with a purely mechanical passive diaphragm resonator system. The diaphragm's mechanical resonance properties are tuned to match the occlusion frequency, allowing it to naturally generate the counteracting sound pressure without electrical power input, thus substituting an active electrical system with a passive mechanical one.
3Quantity of substance
If a passive unit moves large air volume velocity to handle low frequency resonance, then low frequency performance is improved, but the diaphragm requires large area which conflicts with small vent cross-sectional dimension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the diaphragm orientation from perpendicular to the vent axis (where area is constrained by the small vent cross-section) to parallel with the vent axis. This allows the diaphragm to extend along the length of the vent, utilizing the longitudinal dimension to achieve large effective area while maintaining compatibility with the small cross-sectional dimensions of the vent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a homogeneous distribution of the diaphragm surface along the vent axis, with the diaphragm material forming a continuous barrier that spans the entire length of the vent. This homogeneous configuration ensures uniform air flow management across the vent, allowing the system to handle large air volume velocities through the extended surface area without creating localized stress concentrations or flow disruptions.
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 configuration enables better handling of large air volume velocities and tuning to specific resonance frequencies, improving the overall LF performance and occlusion reduction in hearing devices.
Implementation Method 1
the first channel is configured to reduce an occlusion effect, and/or to provide pressure equalization between a first space in an ear canal and a second space outside the ear canal when the earpiece is worn by a user
Implementation Method 2
the resonance of the passive unit may be tuned to a low frequency (e.g., below 1000 Hz, below 200 Hz, in the range of 20 Hz-200 Hz, etc.)
Data Source
AI summary
An earpiece includes: a first end; a second end opposite from the first end; a first channel extending from a first location that is closer to the first end than to the second end, to a second location that is closer to the second end than to the first end; and a first diaphragm, wherein the first diaphragm has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface of the diaphragm configured to be in fluid communication with a lumen in the first channel, wherein the first diaphragm extends in a direction that is parallel to, or that forms an acute angle with, a longitudinal axis of the first channel.