Solenoid Actuator Dynamic Vent Control for Hearing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices with vents in custom-fit earpieces face issues such as unwanted ambient noise, occlusion effects, and comb-filtered responses, particularly in noisy environments, which affect sound quality and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid actuator is integrated into the hearing device to open and close the vent based on the listening environment, using a solenoid and core mechanism controlled by a processor to manage the frequency response and ambient noise attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vent is provided in the custom-fit earpiece to allow ambient sound entry and prevent occlusion effects, then situational awareness and natural sound perception are improved, but unwanted ambient noise and comb-filtered responses increase, particularly in noisy environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic venting system where the vent state is changed from static to variable. A solenoid actuator is integrated into the earpiece to dynamically open or close the vent based on the listening environment. The controller receives input about the listening environment and actuates the solenoid to adjust the vent state, allowing the system to adapt between open-vent mode (for situational awareness) and closed-vent mode (for noise reduction) in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of vent openness from a fixed state to a variable state controlled by the solenoid actuator. By adjusting the vent opening parameter dynamically based on environmental conditions, the system optimizes both situational awareness and noise rejection performance across different listening scenarios.
2Reliability
If the vent remains open to provide natural sound perception, then low-frequency response and ambient sound awareness are improved, but comb-filtering effects and unwanted noise are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the vent state to prevent comb-filtering effects. When the controller detects conditions that would cause comb-filtering (such as music playback or noisy environments), it actuates the solenoid to close the vent, eliminating the harmful acoustic interference while maintaining natural sound perception when conditions are favorable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action to prevent comb-filtering by closing the vent before or when conditions arise that would cause comb-filtered responses. The controller proactively adjusts the vent state based on predicted or detected listening conditions, preventing the harmful effect rather than correcting it afterward.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a solenoid actuator is added to dynamically control the vent, then adaptability to different listening environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid actuator serves multiple functions: it controls the vent state, provides mechanical actuation for the vent mechanism, and enables dynamic adaptation to various listening environments. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving versatile environmental adaptation.
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 solenoid actuator effectively manages venting to improve sound quality by reducing unwanted noise and preventing comb-filtering effects, providing a customized listening experience by adjusting the vent state according to the environment, enhancing both ambient sound awareness and low-frequency response.
Implementation Method 1
The solenoid actuator may include a solenoid and a core, where the core is movable between an open position and a closed position to open and close the vent
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing device may include an earpiece, and ear-tip suspension element disposed in the earpiece, a solenoid actuator, and a controller. The earpiece and the ear-tip suspension element may include passageways that connect to form a vent through the earpiece. The solenoid actuator may include a solenoid and a core. The core may be movable between an open position and a closed position to open and close the vent. The controller may include one or more processors and may be operably coupled to the solenoid actuator to control movement of the core between the open and closed position. The controller may be configured to move the core using the solenoid based on at least a listening environment of the hearing device.