Optical Hearing Transducer with Dual-Wavelength Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing devices face limitations such as feedback, distortion, and high power consumption, particularly in open canal hearing aids, due to magnetic and optical systems that can result in suboptimal sound amplification and comfort issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dual light source system emitting different wavelengths of light, coupled with photodetectors and a transducer, to minimize feedback and power consumption while enhancing sound quality by moving the eardrum or ossicles with precise mechanical vibrations, without the need for active electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent magnet is coupled to the eardrum or ossicles to stimulate the hearing pathway, then the hearing transduction pathway can be stimulated magnetically, but the magnetic field strength decreases rapidly with distance from the field generator coil to the permanent magnet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system (light sources and photodetectors) to replace the direct magnetic coupling approach. The optical signals serve as mediators to transmit power and control signals to the eardrum-mounted transducer, eliminating the need for strong magnetic fields across distance while maintaining reliable stimulation of the hearing pathway.
2Force
If the driver coil is placed near the permanent magnet to maintain magnetic field strength, then magnetic coupling is effective, but this causes discomfort for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-based mechanical system with an optical system. Instead of using magnetic fields to transmit power and control signals through the ear canal, the invention uses optical wavelengths to deliver energy to the eardrum-mounted photodetectors, which then drive the transducer mechanically, eliminating the need for strong magnetic fields near the user's ear.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If optical systems are used to transmit sound signals to the eardrum, then patient comfort is improved, but signal distortion occurs resulting in less than ideal sound quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulse width modulation (PWM) of the optical signals to encode audio information. By modulating the duty cycle of optical pulses rather than using continuous optical signals, the system achieves both comfortable optical transmission to the eardrum and accurate reconstruction of the audio signal through the periodic nature of the modulation, minimizing distortion.
4Loss of information
If pulse width modulation is used to transmit audio signals with optical signals, then audio transmission is achieved, but significant power is consumed due to maintaining quiescent level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic PWM control where the optical power delivery is continuously adjusted based on the audio signal requirements. The system dynamically modulates the optical pulse width and timing to match the instantaneous audio signal amplitude, eliminating the need to maintain a constant quiescent power level and significantly reducing overall power consumption while preserving audio signal integrity.
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 approach provides high-fidelity audio signals with reduced noise and increased gain, up to 6 dB, while minimizing power consumption and discomfort, by adjusting the amplitude and timing of light pulses to optimize energy transmission and reduce noise differences.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source configured to emit a first wavelength of light... a first photodetector configured to receive the first wavelength of light
Implementation Method 2
a second light source configured to emit a second wavelength of light... a second photodetector configured to receive the second wavelength of light
Implementation Method 3
a transducer... configured to vibrate at least one of an eardrum, ossicle, or a cochlea of the user in response to the first wavelength of light and the second wavelength of light
Data Source
AI summary
An audio signal transmission device includes a first light source and a second light source configured to emit a first wavelength of light and a second wavelength of light, respectively. The first detector and the second detector are configured to receive the first wavelength of light and the second wavelength of light, respectively. A transducer electrically coupled to the detectors is configured to vibrate at least one of an eardrum or ossicle in response to the first wavelength of light and the second wavelength of light. The first detector and second detector can be coupled to the transducer with opposite polarity, such that the transducer is configured to move with a first movement in response to the first wavelength and move with a second movement in response to the second wavelength, in which the second movement opposes the first movement.