Hearing Device Valve Position Control and Clogging Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices with vents can become clogged by cerumen and skin particles, leading to functionality issues, difficulty in detecting the valve position, and unwanted noise from the vent opening and closing mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device with a receiver module containing a signal processor, a vent, and a valve device comprising a stationary coil, a movable magnet, and a valve element, where the signal processor determines the valve element's position and applies a drive signal to move it to a desired position, ensuring proper opening and closing without noise and detecting potential clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vent is provided in the in-the-ear unit, then occlusion effect is prevented, but the vent may become clogged by cerumen and skin particles
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element serves multiple functions: it opens/closes the vent to prevent occlusion effect and simultaneously acts as a barrier to prevent cerumen and skin particles from entering and clogging the vent channel
Solution Approach 2:
The valve element acts as an intermediary component between the vent channel and the ear canal environment, allowing air passage when open while blocking particulate matter when closed or partially closed
2Ease of operation
If a valve is used to open and close the vent, then vent functionality is controlled, but a loud clicking sound is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element's movement is dynamically controlled by modulating the drive signal, allowing it to move slowly and quietly to the desired position rather than snapping shut, thereby reducing the clicking sound while maintaining vent control functionality
3Device complexity
If the valve position is not monitored, then device complexity is reduced, but the processor cannot detect valve position or clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processor monitors the drive signal applied to the valve coil and uses this feedback information to determine the valve element's position, enabling detection of both valve state and potential clogging without adding complex mechanical sensors
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
Ensures proper functioning of the valve device, prevents clogging, reduces noise during operation, and extends the device's lifespan by effectively managing the vent's open and closed positions, thus enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The valve device comprises at least one stationary valve coil, a movable magnet, and a movable valve element
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a hearing device comprising a receiver module for insertion into an ear canal of a user of the hearing device, the receiver module comprising a signal processor, an output transducer, and a vent having a valve device, the valve device comprising at least one stationary valve coil, a movable magnet, and a movable valve element, the valve element being configured to open and close the vent, wherein the signal processor is configured to determine a current position of the valve element in the vent, and wherein the signal processor is configured to apply a drive signal to the valve coil to thereby move the valve element from the current position to a desired position. The disclosure further relates to a method for controlling a valve device of a hearing device and a binaural system.