Wideband Hearing Aid Receiver Module With Segmented Woofers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wideband receiver designs for hearing assistance devices suffer from non-uniform frequency response, high vibration, and limited maximum gain due to dual receiver configurations with shared spouts, leading to feedback issues and inefficient sound amplification.
Innovation Solution
A compact wideband receiver module featuring two spout-less low-frequency receivers configured as woofers, with a dual or single high-frequency receiver positioned in front, acoustically linked back volumes, and a wax-foreign material protection system that minimizes sound attenuation and maximizes frequency bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dual receiver design with shared spout is used for wideband sound processing, then frequency bandwidth is extended, but vibration increases and frequency response becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the wideband receiver into separate frequency bands using multiple receivers with different frequency responses. A first receiver handles low frequencies while a second receiver handles high frequencies, with each receiver optimized for its specific frequency range. This segmentation eliminates the vibration and non-uniform frequency response problems associated with single wideband receivers, while still achieving wideband coverage through the combination of multiple specialized receivers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dual receiver design with shared spout is used, then wideband coverage is achieved, but feedback occurs due to high vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the frequency handling to separate receivers, where each receiver is optimized for its frequency range. This segmentation reduces vibration in each individual receiver compared to a single wideband receiver, thereby reducing feedback. Additionally, the independent spout design for each receiver allows optimization of the acoustic path for minimal feedback while maintaining wideband coverage through the combined output of multiple receivers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dual receiver design with shared spout is used, then wideband output is achieved, but maximum gain is limited due to feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the frequency processing into multiple specialized receivers, each capable of operating at higher gain levels without feedback because of reduced vibration. The first receiver can provide higher gain for low frequencies and the second receiver can provide higher gain for high frequencies, allowing the overall system to achieve higher maximum gain across the wideband range compared to a single wideband receiver limited by feedback constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by optimizing each receiver for its specific frequency range with tailored acoustic paths and spout designs. Each receiver's spout is independently optimized for its frequency band, allowing maximum gain extraction from each receiver without contributing to feedback in other frequency bands. This localized optimization enables higher overall system gain while maintaining wideband coverage.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple receivers are used for wideband processing, then frequency response uniformity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses segmentation into a small number of specialized receivers (typically two: one for low frequencies, one for high frequencies) rather than many general-purpose receivers. This minimal segmentation achieves uniform frequency response across the wideband range while keeping device complexity low. Each receiver is simple in design but specialized, and their combination provides the benefits of uniform frequency response without the complexity of managing many different receiver types.
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 solution provides improved low and high-frequency outputs with reduced vibration, enhanced sound radiation, and efficient space utilization, resulting in a robust and compact module with lower sound attenuation and increased maximum gain.
Implementation Method 1
Transducers include receivers, or speakers, that are configured to play sound to a wearer's ear
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~2F
AI summary
Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for wideband receiver modules (100) for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes an apparatus for use with a hearing assistance device. The apparatus includes two low frequency spout-less receivers (102) configured to act as a woofer, and a dual receiver attached to the front of the woofer, the receiver configured to act as a tweeter (104). According to various embodiments, the acoustical load for each of the two low frequency receivers (102) form a channel (108) on each side of the tweeter (104). The apparatus is adapted to extend bandwidth of the hearing assistance device and to maintain low vibration of the dual receiver, in various embodiments. Various embodiments include sharing back volumes for receivers and improved perforated wax protections guides to further improve device performance.