True Stereo Wireless Headset Dual-Sensor Bone Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone conduction assemblies face challenges in providing reliable wireless stereo signals due to limitations in Bluetooth protocol pairing, sensor fit issues, and the inability to distinguish between ambient and extraneous sounds, especially in noisy environments.
Innovation Solution
A dual-sensor bone conduction assembly with sensors mounted in the auditory canal and jawbone, a flexible support mechanism, and a tapered accordion sound seal, allowing for ambient noise access and interchangeable components, along with a hands-free operation using Bluetooth-enabled transmitters for simultaneous and synchronized stereo signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tightly fitting seal is used to hold the sensor in place and block extraneous sound, then sensor stability and speech detection are improved, but safety is worsened by blocking ambient sounds and causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible support mechanism that allows the sensor assembly to dynamically adjust between two positions: inserted into the auditory canal for stable speech detection, and removed for ambient sound access. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by making the sealing action conditional rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is segmented into separable components including the sensor, flexible support mechanism, and tapered accordion seal. This segmentation allows the seal to be applied only when needed for speech detection, rather than continuously blocking the ear canal, thus resolving the safety concern while maintaining reliability when required.
2Measurement precision
If a deformable seal is used to block extraneous external sound waves, then speech detection is improved, but comfort and safety are worsened by blocking ambient noise
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible support mechanism enables the seal to dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states. When engaged, it provides the deformable seal needed for precise speech detection. When disengaged, it allows ambient noise access for comfort and safety, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If an auditory canal sensor is used for bone conduction, then speech detection is improved, but device complexity increases due to fit quality requirements and potential sensor movement
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible support mechanism provides dynamic positioning that compensates for variations in user anatomy and movement. Instead of requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or precise manufacturing tolerances, the flexible support allows the sensor to self-adjust to maintain optimal contact, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered accordion seal changes its physical parameters (shape, volume) to adapt to the auditory canal geometry. This parameter change allows the seal to achieve a reliable fit without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances or complex adjustment mechanisms, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining speech detection quality.
4Device complexity
If a single sensor type is used in the housing module, then device simplicity is maintained, but reliability is worsened when one sensor type performs poorly
Solution Approach 1:
The housing module is designed with universal mounting capabilities for multiple sensor types (auditory canal sensor and jawbone sensor). This multi-functionality allows the system to switch between sensor types based on performance conditions, improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant sensor capabilities in advance. If one sensor type performs poorly or fails, the other sensor type mounted in the same housing module can serve as a backup, providing beforehand cushioning against sensor failure and improving overall reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A headset is disclosed having a transmitting unit for each ear. Each unit (2) mounts a first bone vibration sensor (3) in the external auditory canal and a second bone vibration sensor (7) next to the jawbone/skull. Controls on a housing module (4) activate either sensor. The first sensor is moveable outside the auditory canal by a flexible support attached to the module. A digital speech processor shared by both sensors is mounted within the module. Two-way communication is maintained between the user and an external source (40), such as a cellular telephone which has a multi-task processor with memory and applications stored therein for receiving and transmitting user voice commands and text messages. A recently developed Bluetooth® protocol transmitter (50) and antenna used with the external source permits digital wireless simultaneous synchronization signals to be sent to both units for true stereo sound.