Piezoelectric Eardrum Transducer Assembly for Low-Occlusion Hearing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hearing devices face issues such as feedback, occlusion, and reduced efficiency in energy transfer due to magnetic field strength decay, leading to discomfort and suboptimal performance.

Innovation Solution

A piezoelectric transducer assembly is used to drive the eardrum with opposing forces, positioned away from the umbo to reduce occlusion and enhance energy transfer efficiency, utilizing wireless power and transmission to minimize discomfort and improve natural sound perception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a magnet is positioned on the eardrum and driven by a coil positioned away from the eardrum, then the device can stimulate the hearing pathway, but the magnetic field strength decreases rapidly with distance reducing energy efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoiddistance between coil and magnet

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic actuation system (coil and magnet) with a direct mechanical coupling system. The transducer assembly includes a transducer in direct mechanical contact with the eardrum, eliminating the need for magnetic field transmission through air or tissue. This mechanical substitution resolves the contradiction by providing efficient energy transfer without requiring close proximity between driving components and the eardrum.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If the driver coil is placed near the magnet, then magnetic field strength increases improving efficiency, but user discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoiduser discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the electromagnetic system with a mechanical transducer system that couples directly to the eardrum, the patent eliminates the need to place driving components near the eardrum. The mechanical transducer can be positioned in the ear canal away from the eardrum while maintaining efficient energy transfer through direct mechanical coupling, thus improving efficiency without causing user discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If precise alignment between driver coil and magnet is achieved, then performance improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransducer performanceVSAvoidalignment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical transducer system eliminates the alignment requirements inherent in electromagnetic systems. The transducer assembly with its mechanical coupling to the eardrum does not require precise alignment between separate components, as the entire assembly moves together mechanically. This substitution of mechanical for electromagnetic actuation resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable performance without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If a transducer is placed on the eardrum, then direct stimulation of the hearing pathway is achieved, but occlusion of the ear canal occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehearing stimulation effectivenessVSAvoidocclusion effect

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transducer system into two separate components: a transducer assembly that stimulates the eardrum and a counter-mass assembly that is positioned separately. This segmentation allows the transducer to effectively stimulate the hearing pathway while the counter-mass is positioned to minimize occlusion of the ear canal, resolving the contradiction between effective stimulation and reduced occlusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a counter-mass positioned opposite the transducer assembly on the eardrum. This counter-mass serves to balance the mechanical forces generated by the transducer, improving the efficiency of eardrum stimulation. By positioning the counter-mass appropriately, the system achieves effective hearing stimulation while minimizing the overall footprint and occlusion in the ear canal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 piezoelectric transducer assembly provides improved hearing with reduced occlusion, enhanced spatial cues, and increased efficiency by aligning with the mechanical impedance of the eardrum, offering a more comfortable and effective hearing experience.

Implementation Method 1

A piezoelectric transducer assembly is used to drive the eardrum with opposing forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The piezoelectric transducer can be configured to drive the support and the eardrum with a first force and the mass with a second force opposite the first force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConverse piezoelectric effect: Converse Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3994734B1Piezoelectric transducer for tympanic membrane

Publication Date: 2025.11.26 EARLENS CORP

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AI summary

The present disclosure provides a contact hearing device comprising a piezoelectric actuator. The attachment of the piezoelectric actuator to a tympanic membrane can vibrate the tympanic membrane based on a transmission received by the receiver assembly and produce perception of sounds.