Hearing Device Vent Valve Control for Click-Free Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing devices produce loud click sounds due to the acceleration of the valve engaging the body when closing or opening the vent path, which can cause discomfort and sound pressure waves.
Innovation Solution
The valve driver incorporates a permanent or switchable magnet and two electrical coils that generate magnetic field lines, with the first coil controlling the valve's movement and the second coil providing a stable position using a constant current to avoid acceleration and ensure soft engagement with the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single electrical coil is used to drive the valve, then the device complexity is reduced, but the valve engagement causes loud click sounds due to acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The single electrical coil is divided into two separate coils: a first electrical coil for driving the valve and a second electrical coil for damping the valve's movement. This segmentation allows independent control of the driving and damping functions, eliminating the click sound while maintaining device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The second electrical coil acts as an intermediary damping element that does not directly drive the valve but instead controls the valve's engagement with the body by generating a counteracting magnetic force. This intermediary component absorbs the harmful acceleration effect and prevents the click sound.
2Loss of time
If the valve engages the body quickly to close the vent path, then the response time is improved, but loud click sounds are generated due to impact
Solution Approach 1:
The second electrical coil is activated in advance to prepare the damping magnetic field before the valve completes its movement. This preliminary action ensures that the damping force is already in place to gently guide the valve's engagement, preventing impact and click sounds while maintaining fast overall response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The second electrical coil provides beforehand cushioning by generating a magnetic damping force that acts on the valve during its movement. This cushioning effect is prepared in advance and continuously adjusted to ensure the valve engages the body smoothly without impact, eliminating the click sound while preserving rapid response.
3Measurement precision
If the magnetic field strength is increased to improve valve control precision, then the valve positioning accuracy is improved, but the acceleration of the valve increases causing louder click sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generation is segmented into two independent coils with distinct functions: the first coil provides the primary driving magnetic field for valve positioning accuracy, while the second coil generates a separate damping magnetic field that counteracts excessive acceleration. This segmentation allows both high positioning precision and low click sound intensity to be achieved simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field parameters are changed by using two coils with different current characteristics. The first coil uses controlled current for precise positioning, while the second coil uses damping current to reduce acceleration. By independently adjusting these parameters, the system achieves both high positioning accuracy and minimal click sound.
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 allows for precise control of the valve's movement, eliminating loud click sounds and ensuring a smooth transition between open and closed positions, enhancing user comfort and reducing sound pressure waves.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrical coil for generating magnetic field lines that cooperate with the permanent or switchable magnet for moving the valve
Implementation Method 2
first electrical coil for generating magnetic field lines that cooperate with the permanent or switchable magnet
Implementation Method 3
a second electrical coil for generating magnetic field lines that cooperate with the permanent or switchable magnet
Implementation Method 4
second electrical coil for generating magnetic field lines that cooperate with the permanent or switchable magnet
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
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 of switchable magnet for moving the valve, wherein the valve driver is provided with a second electrical coil for generating magnetic field lines that cooperate with the permanent of switchable magnet, and in that when the valve driver is active for opening of closing of the vent path, the first electrical coil and the second electrical coil are energized individually so as to avoid acceleration of the valve upon engaging the body for opening of closing of the vent path.