Hearing Device Acoustic Pathway Liquid Clearing by Resonant Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing devices face challenges in efficiently clearing liquid from their acoustic pathways, which can lead to audio performance degradation, discomfort, and potential infection due to trapped liquid, with drying times being unpredictable and potentially damaging manual removal methods.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing an acoustic transducer to generate vibration and positive pressure within the acoustic pathway, effectively clearing liquid through controlled sound waves and vibrations, with frequency and duration tailored to match the device's resonant frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual removal methods are used to clear liquid from the acoustic pathway, then liquid can be removed, but the device may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mechanical vibration generated by the acoustic transducer to clear liquid from the acoustic pathway. The transducer vibrates at specific frequencies to create acoustic pressure waves that move liquid out of the pathway without requiring manual manipulation, thereby preventing device damage while achieving liquid removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical removal methods with an acoustic field-based approach. Instead of physically manipulating the device to remove liquid, the system uses acoustic energy from the transducer to generate pressure waves that automatically clear the liquid, substituting a non-contact acoustic system for contact-based mechanical methods.
2Reliability
If drying is allowed to proceed naturally, then no damage occurs, but drying times are unpredictable and prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by actively clearing liquid from the acoustic pathway before normal operation resumes. Instead of waiting for passive evaporation, the system proactively uses acoustic vibration to remove liquid, significantly reducing the time required compared to natural drying while maintaining device safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through repeated activation of the acoustic transducer at specific intervals and durations. The controller activates the transducer in controlled cycles, creating periodic acoustic pressure waves that efficiently eject liquid from the acoustic pathway over a short period, making the drying process both rapid and predictable.
3Productivity
If the acoustic transducer is activated to generate vibration and positive pressure, then liquid is cleared rapidly, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by activating the acoustic transducer for specific durations and at specific frequencies only when liquid clearance is needed. The controller manages the transducer activation in controlled pulses rather than continuous operation, achieving effective liquid removal while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the frequency and duration of transducer activation based on the liquid clearance requirement. The system varies acoustic parameters such as frequency and pulse duration to optimize the balance between liquid ejection effectiveness and energy consumption, using higher energy only when necessary for complete clearance.
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
Rapid liquid clearance from the acoustic pathway is achieved in seconds to minutes, improving audio performance and preventing discomfort or infection, while avoiding damage to the device.
Implementation Method 1
activating an acoustic transducer of the hearing device to cause vibration in the hearing device
Implementation Method 2
generate positive pressure within the acoustic pathway
Implementation Method 3
The acoustic transducer is activated to produce sound waves comprising a series of positive-going square waves
Implementation Method 4
frequency and duration tailored to match the device's resonant frequencies
Data Source
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AI summary
A hearing device comprises a controller, audio circuitry coupled to the controller, and an acoustic transducer coupled to the audio circuitry. The acoustic transducer is fluidically coupled to an acoustic pathway between the acoustic transducer and an exterior surface of the hearing device. The controller is configured to activate the acoustic transducer to cause vibration in the hearing device and generate positive pressure within the acoustic pathway sufficient to clear liquid from the acoustic pathway.