In-Ear Noise Dosimeter with Occlusion Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-ear noise dosimeters face challenges such as incorrect acoustic transfer function measurements, discomfort due to wires, and inadequate compensation for occluded versus unoccluded ear responses, leading to overestimation of noise exposure and practical difficulties in usage.
Innovation Solution
The development of a wire-free in-ear noise dosimeter system with a dock unit that compensates for occluded versus unoccluded ear responses using novel electronic filters and acoustic compensation, featuring a proximity switch and wireless communication for accurate noise monitoring and user feedback, allowing for comfortable wear and easy data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired in-ear noise dosimeters are used to monitor noise exposure, then noise monitoring functionality is achieved, but user comfort deteriorates due to wire-related discomfort and practical difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the wire connecting the dosimeter to external devices, extracting the disturbing mechanical connection while maintaining wireless data transmission and power supply capabilities through integrated battery and wireless communication modules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire connection with electronic wireless communication systems (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) and inductive charging, eliminating the physical constraint while maintaining functionality
2Reliability
If in-ear dosimeters are used to measure noise exposure, then noise monitoring is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to incorrect acoustic transfer function measurements and inadequate compensation for occluded versus unoccluded ear responses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the acoustic transfer function based on whether the ear canal is occluded or unoccluded, using sensors to detect earplug insertion status and automatically selecting or adjusting the appropriate transfer function for accurate measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the acoustic parameters (transfer functions) according to the ear canal condition, using multiple pre-calibrated transfer functions that account for different occlusion states to maintain measurement accuracy across varying conditions
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 system provides accurate noise exposure monitoring, reduces user discomfort, and simplifies data collection, ensuring proper noise dose measurement and improved hearing protection by automatically adjusting for occluded and unoccluded ear conditions.
Implementation Method 1
An eartip, which has a sound delivery channel that acoustically couples sound at the proximal end of the eartip (closest to the eardrum when worn in an ear) to an earplug microphone
Implementation Method 2
featuring a proximity switch and wireless communication for accurate noise monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
An in-ear noise dosimeter in the form of an earplug which senses sound in the ear canal using an eartip which has a sound delivery channel that couples sound at the end closest to the eardrum to an earplug microphone. The earplug can communicate wirelessly with a remote data collection and processing system. A dock unit for storing the earplugs when not worn can compensate for differences in unoccluded-ear versus occluded-ear responses by an acoustic compensator. An electronic compensation filter can be modified by a proximity switch in the earplug which changes state when the earplug is worn in the ear versus stored in a dock unit. The dosimeter can also have a temperature sensor for sensing human body temperature and remotely-located wireless LEDs used to alert the user of high noise dosage. Data can also be downloaded from the earplug using a reader unit.