Customized Hearing Transducer Shell for Ear Canal Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional miniature hearing devices face limitations in size and shape due to the constraints of traditional receiver or microphone casings, which restricts their miniaturization and acoustic performance, particularly when designed for deep-fitting within the ear canal or for use with both receivers and microphones.
Innovation Solution
A transducer module with a shell-shaped housing that incorporates the electro-acoustic or acousto-electric transducer directly, allowing for a customized shape and size tailored to the individual's ear canal, providing increased design freedom and improved acoustic properties by optimizing the front and back chambers and using elastic attachments for vibration isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional receiver or microphone casings are used, then the transducer is protected and structurally stable, but the device size and shape are restricted, limiting miniaturization and adaptability to ear canal shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transducer housing with the ear canal adapter into a single integrated unit. The adapter serves dual functions as both the structural housing for the transducer and the component that interfaces with the ear canal, eliminating the need for separate casing structures and enabling custom adaptation to individual ear canal shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical support, acoustic sealing, transducer mounting, and customization capability. This universal design allows the same basic structure to serve multiple purposes while being adaptable to different user requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transducer is mounted in a fixed position within the housing, then the structure is simple, but the acoustic feedback is increased and the fit to individual ear canals is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable and customizable elements into the adapter design, allowing the position and configuration of the transducer mounting to be modified. This dynamic approach enables the same basic adapter design to be customized for individual ear canal shapes while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through modular components.
3Ease of operation
If the transducer is positioned closer to the ear drum for deep-fitting, then the occlusion effect is reduced, but the device becomes more sensitive to shocks and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates shock-absorbing and vibration-damping elements into the adapter structure that are positioned to protect the transducer before shocks or vibrations can reach it. This preventive cushioning allows the transducer to be positioned closer to the ear drum for reduced occlusion effect while maintaining protection against mechanical damage.
4Power
If the acoustic membrane is arranged longitudinally within the receiver casing to maximize diaphragm size, then the output sound pressure level is increased, but the device thickness is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the acoustic membrane from a longitudinal arrangement within the receiver casing to a lateral arrangement at the open end of the adapter. This dimensional change allows the diaphragm to be optimally sized for output sound pressure level while minimizing the thickness of the overall device, enabling better integration with the ear canal geometry.
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
Enables the creation of smaller, more flexible hearing devices with higher output sound pressure levels and sensitivity, reduced occlusion, and improved comfort by accommodating the unique shape of each user's ear canal, while minimizing acoustic feedback and protecting the transducer from shocks.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-acoustic or acousto-electric transducer, comprising a motor assembly and an acoustic assembly
Implementation Method 2
The motor assembly and the acoustic assembly are resiliently attached to the shell
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention proposes a hearing device with a housing and a receiver module which comprises a shell (16) with a cavity having an opening (17), wherein at least part of the shell (16) forms part of the housing, and wherein an electro-acoustic transducer, comprising a motor assembly (2) and an acoustic assembly (3) including a membrane, is arranged within the cavity, the acoustic assembly (3) being disposed within the shell (16) such that the cavity is divided into a front chamber (12) and a back chamber (13), the motor assembly (2) being disposed within the back chamber (13) or the front chamber (12) and being operatively coupled to the membrane, and the front chamber (12) being in acoustic communication with the exterior of the shell (16) via the opening (17), wherein the shell (16) has an outer surface individually shaped according to a measured inner shape of a section of an ear canal of a user of the hearing device. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing such a receiver module is presented.