Piezoelectric Actuator Debris Removal in Ear-Worn Acoustic Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern ear-worn devices, such as hearing aids, face issues with the accumulation of foreign matter, which interferes with the performance of internal components, reducing the device's lifetime and operational efficiency between cleanings.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an ear-worn device with an active debris removal system, featuring a housing with a receiver and an acoustic channel, includes a first actuator array with piezoelectric actuators that move in response to a control voltage, effectively removing debris from the acoustic channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If ear-worn devices are used for extended periods, then operational efficiency is maintained, but foreign material accumulates in the acoustic channel
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator array is configured to proactively remove foreign material from the acoustic channel before it accumulates to problematic levels. By periodically activating the actuators to deflect debris outward, the system performs maintenance action in advance, preventing blockage and maintaining acoustic performance over extended operational periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The ear-worn device performs its own maintenance by using the actuator array to automatically remove foreign material from the acoustic channel. This self-cleaning mechanism eliminates the need for external intervention or disassembly, allowing the device to maintain operational efficiency through autonomous debris removal during normal wear.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the acoustic channel is cleaned frequently, then foreign material is removed, but device lifetime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual cleaning mechanisms with an electroactive polymer actuator system. Instead of requiring physical disassembly or manual intervention to remove debris, the actuators use electrochemical actuation to mechanically deflect foreign material outward. This substitution enables automated, gentle debris removal that preserves the acoustic channel structure and extends device lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator control device applies varying voltage parameters to the actuator array to optimize debris removal while minimizing structural impact. By controlling the voltage magnitude and duration, the system adjusts actuator displacement to effectively remove debris without excessive mechanical stress on the acoustic channel walls, thereby extending device lifetime.
3Productivity
If actuator arrays are added to remove debris, then operational efficiency is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator array serves multiple functions: it removes foreign material from the acoustic channel, maintains acoustic performance, and potentially assists in sealing or positioning components. By designing the actuators to perform multiple roles, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs electroactive polymer films as the actuator material, which are thin, flexible, and can be integrated directly into the acoustic channel structure. These flexible polymer actuators conform to the channel geometry and can be manufactured using thin-film deposition techniques, reducing structural complexity compared to rigid mechanical actuators while maintaining effective debris removal capability.
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
The active debris removal system enhances the operational efficiency of ear-worn devices by proactively removing foreign material, thereby extending the device's lifespan and maintaining sound quality.
Implementation Method 1
The first actuator can include a piezoelectric layer
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to ear-worn devices having active debris removal. In an embodiment, an ear-worn device is included having a housing defining an acoustic outlet, a receiver disposed within the housing, an acoustic channel having an acoustic channel wall formed by the housing, wherein the acoustic is channel defined between the receiver and the acoustic outlet. The ear-worn device can include a first actuator disposed within the acoustic channel and extending from the acoustic channel wall toward the center of the acoustic channel. The first actuator can include a piezoelectric layer, a power source electrically connected to the first actuator, and an actuator control device configured to apply a control voltage from the power source to the actuator. The first actuator moves in response to the application of the control voltage. Other embodiments are also included herein.