Wearable Sound Driver with Phase-Offset Light Emitters for Inner Ear Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to effectively create a sensation by directing sound waves and light waves with matching patterns directly onto the tympanic membrane, as previous technologies either block light from reaching the inner ear or do not synchronize light and sound emissions.
Innovation Solution
A wearable apparatus comprising a sound driver and patterned light emitters that emit light waves with varying amplitudes and frequencies, allowing at least 50% of the light to reach the inner ear simultaneously with sound waves, using red laser wavelengths between 645 nm and 655 nm, and optionally incorporating a second light emitter for phase offset to produce scalar waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a transducer assembly is attached to the eardrum to receive light signals, then light can be converted to sound output, but the light is blocked from reaching the inner ear and cannot initiate photochemical reactions or temperature increase in the ear cells
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the transducer assembly from the eardrum position, allowing light to pass through to the inner ear without blockage. The sound driver is repositioned to work independently with the ear canal open, extracting the light-blocking component from its obstructive position while preserving the light transmission path to the inner ear cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary approach by using the ear canal as a shared pathway for both sound waves and light waves to reach the inner ear simultaneously. This mediator pathway allows both forms of energy to interact with the inner ear cells without mutual interference, enabling simultaneous acoustic and optical stimulation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If light emitters are positioned to irradiate the inner ear, then photochemical reactions can be initiated, but the light does not match the characteristics of incoming sound waves
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitter is configured to emit light waves with periodic variations in amplitude and frequency that correspond to the characteristics of incoming sound waves. This periodic modulation creates a synchronized pattern where light and sound variations occur together, allowing the inner ear cells to receive matched temporal patterns from both forms of energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of light emission (amplitude, frequency, wavelength) to match the corresponding parameters of sound waves. By dynamically adjusting these light parameters in response to sound characteristics, the system achieves adaptability where light and sound waves share matching patterns, enhancing the sensory response in inner ear cells.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the ear canal is blocked by a supply module to deliver light, then light can reach the inner ear, but ambient audible sound is blocked from reaching the tympanic membrane
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the delivery paths for light and sound by positioning the light emitter to shine through the open ear canal alongside the sound driver. This segmentation allows light and sound to travel through the same space without mutual blockage, with light emitted from a position that does not obstruct the acoustic pathway to the tympanic membrane.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitter is positioned in a spatial arrangement that adds a dimensional solution to the blockage problem. By emitting light from a position above or beside the sound driver rather than blocking the ear canal, the system delivers light to the inner ear through a different spatial dimension that does not interfere with the acoustic pathway.
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 apparatus enhances auditory sensations by ensuring that a significant portion of light reaches the tympanic membrane, potentially initiating photochemical reactions and increasing cellular metabolism, thereby improving hearing experiences.
Implementation Method 1
certain lights can trigger photochemical reactions on a cellular level. Similar to skin cells that can respond to UV radiation by synthesizing melanin, certain photochemical reactions can be initiated in cells in the ear due to irradiation
Implementation Method 2
Another possible impact is the temperature increase caused by the light radiation, especially by infra red radiation. For example, cellular metabolism (e.g., protein synthesis) tends to increase with higher temperatures and decrease when temperature falls
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for creating a sensation in which a sound driver emits sound waves according to incoming information, and one or more light emitters emit light waves with varying patterns according to amplitude and frequency changes in the incoming information. Preferably, only low frequency signals (below 50 Hz) are used to produce the pattern of the light waves, which are directed directly towards the tympanic membrane without any artificial barrier. Emitted light preferably reaches the inner ear region substantially simultaneously with emitted sound waves. A second light emitter can be used to emit light waves that are complementary to, and preferably between 175 and 185 degrees out of phase with, the light waves from the first light emitter, to produce scalar waves.