Reflective-Absorbent Eardrum Device for Optoacoustic Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hearing aids fail to provide frequency-specific activation of the hearing system, especially in background noise and for complex acoustic signals like music, leading to unsatisfactory hearing experiences.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a reflective and absorbent layer structure is applied to the eardrum, utilizing electromagnetic radiation to achieve optoacoustic stimulation, protecting the tissue from thermal damage and enhancing sound transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electromagnetic radiation is applied directly to the eardrum for optoacoustic stimulation, then auditory activation is achieved, but tissue damage occurs due to thermal effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauditory activationVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a device with absorbent and reflective regions as an intermediary between the electromagnetic radiation source and the eardrum. The absorbent region captures incident radiation and converts it to mechanical vibrations, which then transmit sound waves to the eardrum through the ear canal, avoiding direct thermal exposure of the tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct thermal-mechanical stimulation of the eardrum with optoacoustic stimulation. Electromagnetic radiation is converted to acoustic waves through the photoacoustic effect in the absorbent region, and these acoustic waves then mechanically stimulate the eardrum, eliminating the harmful thermal effects of direct radiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of energy

If the eardrum is made more transparent to allow light transmission, then less absorption occurs, but sound transmission is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight absorption lossVSAvoidsound transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the energy transmission function into two separate pathways: the absorbent region handles light energy absorption and conversion to acoustic energy, while the reflective region handles acoustic energy transmission to the eardrum. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device acts as an intermediary that decouples the light absorption function from the sound transmission function. The absorbent region absorbs light and generates acoustic waves, which then serve as the intermediary carrier to transmit energy to the eardrum, eliminating the need for the eardrum itself to absorb light.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If conventional hearing aids are used to amplify sound, then hearing assistance is provided, but frequency-specific activation and natural hearing approximation are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehearing assistanceVSAvoidfrequency-specific activation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical amplification system of conventional hearing aids with an optoacoustic system. By using electromagnetic radiation with specific wavelength and temporal characteristics, the system achieves frequency-specific activation of the auditory system, approximating natural hearing mechanisms rather than simply amplifying sound mechanically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device significantly amplifies auditory activation, mimicking natural hearing by achieving comparable sound pressure levels without causing tissue damage.

Implementation Method 1

The second substance has a high absorption capacity with respect to the wavelength(s) of the electromagnetic radiation used for the optoacoustic excitation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the first substance has a high reflection capacity with respect to the wavelength(s) of the electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

utilizing electromagnetic radiation to achieve optoacoustic stimulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptoacoustic effect: Photoacoustic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4058137B1Device for improved induction of sound by means of electromagnetic radiation

Publication Date: 2025.10.22 UNIVERSITAT DES SAARLANDES

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for the improved induction of noise by means of electromagnetic radiation, comprising: a substrate layer; a first substance, which has a reflective property with respect to electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined wavelength spectrum; and a second substance, which has an absorbing property with respect to electromagnetic radiation of the predetermined wavelength spectrum; the first substance being located in a region between the substrate layer and the second substance. A corresponding method is also provided.