Inflatable Earplugs with Adjustable Acoustic Attenuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hearing protection devices fail to provide uniform acoustic attenuation across the frequency spectrum, leading to compromised pitch perception and auditory experiences, as they typically offer nonlinear attenuation, which is undesirable in situations requiring accurate sound representation, such as for musicians or workers needing to identify spectral characteristics.

Innovation Solution

The development of earplugs and sound panels that utilize inflatable elements with modifiable attenuation, employing fluids like air, water, or magnetorheological fluids, which can be pressurized to adjust the insertion loss and frequency-dependent attenuation, allowing for customizable sound attenuation profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional hearing protection devices are used, then acoustic attenuation is achieved, but the attenuation is nonlinear across frequency spectrum compromising pitch perception

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic attenuationVSAvoidpitch perception accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the attenuation characteristics adjustable rather than fixed. The hearing protection device allows users to modify attenuation levels across different frequencies, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that can adapt to different listening requirements and preserve pitch perception accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by enabling modification of attenuation parameters across the frequency spectrum. Users can adjust the degree of attenuation at different frequencies to achieve a flatter frequency response, thereby maintaining accurate pitch perception while still providing necessary hearing protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If uniform attenuation across frequency spectrum is achieved, then pitch perception is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepitch perception accuracyVSAvoidattenuation adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a hearing protection device that performs multiple functions: it provides baseline hearing protection while also enabling customized attenuation adjustment. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain simple operation for basic use while offering advanced features for users requiring precise pitch perception.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by allowing users to independently adjust their own attenuation preferences without requiring external assistance or complex setup procedures. The device empowers users to configure their own frequency response characteristics, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high pitch perception accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable attenuation is implemented, then adaptability to different environments is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattenuation customizationVSAvoidcontrol system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing adjustable attenuation controls that allow the device to adapt to different acoustic environments and user preferences. This dynamic capability enables the hearing protection to be customized for various situations while maintaining manageable device complexity through intuitive control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

These devices provide a flexible solution for achieving uniform or 'flat' attenuation, enhancing sound perception by allowing adjustment of attenuation levels based on specific noise frequencies, thus improving auditory experiences in various environments.

Implementation Method 1

employing fluids like air, water, or magnetorheological fluids, which can be pressurized to adjust the insertion loss and frequency-dependent attenuation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetorheological effect: Magnetorheological Fluid

Implementation Method 2

employing fluids like air, water, or magnetorheological fluids, which can be pressurized to adjust the insertion loss

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic compression: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

attenuate acoustic energy before it reaches the eardrum (tympanum) by creating an insertion loss that is achieved by reflection of the sound waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11477560B2Earplugs, earphones, and eartips

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 HEAR LLC

AI summary

At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an earphone, ear device, eartip, or earplug configured to inserted in an ear canal of the ear. The earphone, ear device, eartip, or earplug is configured to occlude or partially occlude the ear canal of the ear. The earphone, ear device, eartip, or earplug includes a chamber to occlude or partially occlude the ear canal that is sealed when inserted in the ear canal and open to the external environment when outside the ear.