Multi-Diaphragm Acoustic Receiver for Miniaturized Hearing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Balanced armature acoustic receivers face a challenge in maintaining sound output as they are miniaturized for smaller space allocations in hearing devices, resulting in reduced sound production without significant size increases.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple internal volumes within the receiver housing, separated by diaphragms and utilizing various acoustic seals such as flexible films, gels, and ferrofluids to enhance acoustic impedance and mechanical coupling, allowing for improved sound output while maintaining compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of balanced armature receivers is reduced to accommodate smaller space allocations, then the device compactness is improved, but the sound output is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver housing is divided into multiple internal volumes (first internal volume, second internal volume, third internal volume) separated by diaphragms. This segmentation allows each volume to contribute independently to sound output, enabling compact overall size while maintaining or enhancing acoustic performance through multiple sound-producing elements working in parallel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple diaphragms (first diaphragm, second diaphragm, third diaphragm) that operate in different spatial dimensions and acoustic volumes. Each diaphragm separates different internal volumes and contributes to sound output, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to maximize sound production within a compact form factor
2Power
If multiple internal volumes are introduced to improve sound output, then the acoustic performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each diaphragm serves multiple functions: it separates internal volumes, acts as a sound-producing element, and provides mechanical coupling between the armature and acoustic chambers. The first diaphragm separates the first internal volume into front and back portions, the second diaphragm separates the second internal volume, and the third diaphragm separates the third internal volume, with each contributing to both structural organization and acoustic output
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where multiple internal volumes are contained within the receiver housing, with diaphragms nesting between these volumes. The first diaphragm is disposed between the first and second internal volumes, the second diaphragm is disposed between the second and third internal volumes, creating a compact nested arrangement that maximizes acoustic volume within limited space
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 enhances the acoustic output, particularly bass response, while maintaining high-frequency performance and compact size, effectively addressing the reduction in sound output associated with miniaturization.
Implementation Method 1
The acoustic seal is configured to provide a mechanical coupling between the armature and the first diaphragm. The acoustic seal has a higher acoustic impedance than an acoustic impedance of the first sound outlet port over a range of human detectable frequencies.
Implementation Method 2
In a further embodiment, the flexible film is coupled to both the corresponding first or second wall portion and to the corresponding link.
Implementation Method 3
The implementation of multiple internal volumes within the receiver housing, separated by diaphragms and utilizing various acoustic seals such as flexible films, gels, and ferrofluids to enhance acoustic impedance and mechanical coupling
Implementation Method 4
The receiver generally includes a motor and a coil to which an electrical excitation signal is applied. The coil is disposed about a portion of an armature (also known as a reed), a movable portion of which is disposed in equipoise between magnets, which are typically retained by a yoke. Application of the excitation or input signal to the receiver coil modulates the magnetic field, causing deflection of the reed between the magnets.
Data Source
AI summary
Sound-producing acoustic receivers are disclosed. The acoustic receiver includes a receiver housing with a first internal volume and a second internal volume, a first diaphragm separating the first internal volume into a first front volume and a first back volume such that the first front volume has a first sound outlet port, a second diaphragm separating the second internal volume into a second front volume and a second back volume such that the second front volume has a second sound outlet port, a motor disposed at least partially inside the housing such that the motor including an armature mechanically coupled to both the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, an acoustic seal between the first front volume and the second back volume such that the acoustic seal accommodates the mechanical coupling of the armature to one of the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm.