Hearing Vent Valve Actuation for Quiet Soft Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing devices produce loud click sounds due to the acceleration of the valve when engaging the body during the opening and closing of the vent path, which is caused by the magnetic field lines and requires damping material to mitigate the sound pressure waves.
Innovation Solution
The valve driver is controlled using a combination of electrical coils to manage the current magnitude and direction, ensuring a soft engagement of the valve with the body by avoiding acceleration, thereby eliminating the need for damping material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve is actuated by magnetic field lines to open and close the vent path, then the valve can be reliably activated, but the valve accelerates upon engaging the body causing loud click sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stop with damping material positioned at the end of the valve's travel path. This damping material absorbs the impact energy when the valve engages the body, cushioning the collision before it can generate loud click sounds. The damping material is integrated into the stop structure to provide this protective function in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop acts as an intermediary element between the valve and the valve driver mechanism. It provides a controlled engagement point that mediates the interaction between the moving valve and the fixed body, allowing the valve to close reliably while the damping material in the stop absorbs the impact.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If damping material is added to the stop to reduce click sounds, then the impact sound is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping material is merged with the stop structure, combining the mechanical stop function with the acoustic damping function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate damping elements and reduces overall device complexity while still effectively reducing click sounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop serves multiple functions: it defines the end position of valve travel, provides a mechanical stop for reliable valve closure, and incorporates damping material to reduce click sounds. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby minimizing device complexity.
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 solution provides a controlled and soft closing/opening of the vent path without producing click sounds, ensuring a smooth operation of the valve mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a valve driver which connects to the valve for opening and closing of the vent path, wherein the valve engages the body when the vent path is closed, and wherein said valve driver comprises a permanent or switchable magnet and a first electrical coil for generating magnetic field lines that cooperate with the permanent or switchable magnet for moving the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing device comprising a body provided with a dome, wherein a vent path is provided through the body, and wherein the body is further provided with a valve and a valve driver which connects to the valve for opening and closing of the vent path, wherein when the vent path is closed the valve engages the body, and wherein said valve driver comprises a permanent or switchable magnet and a first electrical coil for generating magnetic field lines that cooperate with the permanent or switchable magnet for moving the valve, wherein the valve driver is arranged to energize the first electrical coil with a current magnitude and/or direction that depends on a position of the valve between an open position wherein the vent path is open and a closed position wherein the vent path is closed.