Nose Cone Port Layout for OCT Vibrometry Without Signal Crosstalk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nose cones for vibrometry measurement systems are inadequate for combining optical coherence tomography (OCT) and vibrometry, as they fail to guide both light and sound to the ear without obstructing the optical path, limiting the ability to assess middle ear structures.
Innovation Solution
A nose cone design with integrated ports for a speaker duct, microphone duct, and light guide elements, allowing simultaneous acoustic stimulus and optical illumination without crosstalk, featuring a cone body with a base and top portion, and ports arranged to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the nose cone includes integrated ports for speaker duct, microphone duct, and light guide elements, then the ability to guide both light and sound to the ear is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the speaker duct, microphone duct, and light guide elements into a single integrated nose cone structure. The cone body incorporates multiple ports and ducts that work together to guide both acoustic and optical signals to the ear, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multi-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The nose cone is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs acoustic stimulus delivery, acoustic pressure measurement, and optical illumination. The integrated design allows a single device to serve multiple purposes in the vibrometry measurement system, improving adaptability without requiring multiple separate tools.
2Measurement precision
If the ports are arranged to minimize interference and crosstalk between sound and light signals, then the measurement precision is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acoustic and optical pathways into separate ducts and ports within the nose cone. The speaker duct and microphone duct are physically separated from the light guide elements, with dedicated ports for each function. This segmentation prevents crosstalk between acoustic and optical signals while maintaining measurement precision through proper spatial separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The nose cone design applies different functional properties to different regions. The ports are strategically positioned and shaped to optimize acoustic and optical performance locally. The speaker port and microphone port are configured to minimize crosstalk, while the light guide ports are positioned to provide adequate illumination without interfering with acoustic measurements.
3Illumination intensity
If the cone body is designed with a hollow shape to transmit light, then the optical path is improved, but the structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the hollow cone body contains integrated ducts and ports within its walls. The speaker duct, microphone duct, and light guide elements are embedded within the cone body structure, allowing the hollow design to maintain structural integrity while providing the necessary optical and acoustic transmission pathways.
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
Enables clear visibility and accurate measurement of ear structures by minimizing crosstalk between sound and light signals, facilitating detailed diagnosis of ear diseases using OCT and vibrometry.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light guiding element is coupled to at least one of the plurality of ports
Implementation Method 2
The speaker duct configured to transmit an acoustic stimulus from a speaker
Implementation Method 3
a microphone duct configured to relay an acoustic pressure to a microphone
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a nose cone (160) for a vibrometry measurement system. The nose cone comprises a cone body (165) having a base portion (210) and a top portion (220); the top portion (220) comprising a plurality of ports (230, 332, 334) on a top surface (225), wherein at least one light guiding element (144) is coupled to at least one of the plurality of ports (230, 332, 334). A speaker duct (336) configured to transmit an acoustic stimulus from a speaker (152); and a microphone duct (338) configured to relay an acoustic pressure to a microphone (154). The invention further relates to a vibrometry measurement system and a method for manufacturing a nose cone.