In-Ear Acoustic Port Guard for Foreign Material Deflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ear-wearable devices, such as hearing aids, suffer from the accumulation of foreign matter that interferes with the performance of internal components, leading to reduced device lifetime and output due to blocked acoustic ports.

Innovation Solution

An acoustic port guard with a first ring structure and insertion portion, featuring a plurality of ribs with spiked portions, is inserted into the acoustic channel to deflect and prevent foreign material from entering, using flexible materials to shed debris when the device is removed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the acoustic channel is left open for sound transmission, then acoustic performance is maintained, but foreign material accumulates and blocks the channel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic performanceVSAvoidforeign material accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic channel is segmented into an open central passage for sound transmission and protected peripheral regions with ribs. The ribs divide the channel cross-section into multiple zones: a central open area allowing acoustic energy passage and outer protected areas where foreign material is deflected and collected, preventing channel blockage while maintaining sound transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ribs act as intermediary structures between the external environment and the acoustic channel. These ribs intercept foreign material before it can enter the channel, serving as a protective barrier that allows sound waves to pass through the central opening while blocking particulate matter from reaching sensitive internal components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the acoustic channel is blocked to prevent foreign material entry, then foreign material accumulation is reduced, but acoustic performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign material accumulationVSAvoidacoustic performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the acoustic channel cross-section are assigned different functional qualities: the central region maintains an open, unobstructed geometry optimized for sound wave transmission, while the peripheral regions incorporate ribs with spiked portions that create a rough, obstructive geometry optimized for foreign material deflection and collection. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of acoustic performance and foreign material protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a protective structure is added to the acoustic channel, then foreign material accumulation is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign material accumulationVSAvoidacoustic channel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective structure utilizes thin rib elements that can be molded as integral parts of the acoustic channel housing. These thin-walled ribs with spiked portions provide effective foreign material deflection while minimizing material usage and structural complexity. The ribs are designed to be sufficiently thin to avoid significant acoustic interference yet robust enough to prevent foreign material penetration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The protective ribs are merged with the acoustic channel housing as an integrated structure rather than separate components. The ribs are molded directly into the channel walls, combining the protective function with the structural housing function. This integration eliminates the need for separate protective inserts or attachments, reducing assembly steps and overall device complexity while maintaining effective foreign material protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250301268A1Acoustic port guard and in-ear acoustic port

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 STARKEY LABORATORIES INC

AI summary

Embodiments herein relate to ear-wearable devices having acoustic port guards. In an embodiment, an ear-wearable device is included having a receiver, an acoustic channel wall defining an acoustic channel between the receiver and an acoustic channel opening, an acoustic port guard disposed at a device opening. The acoustic port guard is included having a first ring structure including a first ring portion and an insertion portion, wherein the insertion portion is configured to be inserted into the device opening. The acoustic port guard can include a plurality of ribs connected to the first ring structure with each of the plurality of ribs defining an outer portion extending beyond an outer radius of the first ring structure. Other embodiments are also included herein.