KR20120068767A - Inflatable ear device - Google Patents

Abstract

Diaphonic valves utilizing the principle of synthetic jets are disclosed. Diaphonic valve pumps are provided for inflation of the in-ear balloon. More complex embodiments of the invention include lamination of vibrating thin polymer films and multiple synthetic jet generating orifices. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a new application is provided for the creation of static pressure to inflate or deflate an inflatable member (balloon). Moreover, the sound can be used to inflate or deflate the inflatable member in the human ear to hear the sound.

Description

Inflatable ear device {INFLATABLE EAR DEVICE}

This application is incorporated by reference in U.S. Application No. 12 / 178,236 to Ambrose et al., Filed July 29, 2009, filed July 23, 2008 and filed July 23, 2008, respectively, ie, May 9, 2009. US application 61 / 176,886, filed on September 12, 2009, 61 / 233,465 filed on September 12, 2009, 61 / 242,315 filed on September 14, 2009, and 61 / filed on October 21, 2009. 253,843 and 61 / 297,976, filed January 25, 2010. The complete contents of each of the foregoing applications are incorporated by reference.

The device and method relate to the use of an output as in an insertable sound delivery device for a user's ear and to the structure, operation and manufacture of a fluid pump. In particular, the devices and methods may be combined with any number of electronic sound devices, such as hearing aids, MP3 players, Bluetooth® devices, and the like, providing users with improved comfort and control.

The use of headphones for personal listening of audio devices such as telephones and telegraphs began in the early 1900s. The original device provided the user with very poor sound quality and less comfort. Such devices have been around for a long time in recent 20 years in terms of noise-reduction, sound control, feedback control and comfort features. However, the prior art generally takes a "one-to-all" approach to functionality and comfort, and could not provide an in-ear device that is commercially available to a particular user. The device solves this drawback of the prior art by providing an in-ear device that is adjusted to fit comfortably to each user while providing a completely rich sound quality.

U.S. Patent Application 2009/0028356 A1 (filed '356), published on January 29, 2009, discloses in-ear, expandable, diaphonic members (bubbles) for coupling sound to the ear, The source is used to inflate the bubble and keep it in the expanded state. As part of this disclosure, a diaphonic valve is disclosed capable of converting vibrational sound pressure into static pressure to inflate bubbles in a user's ear. This is accomplished with minimal attenuation or distortion, while passing the sound of the valve's program material (music, voice, etc.) into the air bubbles, thus the ears. Thus, a loudspeaker or sound driver of the type used in hearing aids, mp3 player ear buds, or pros in a monitor can then be used to generate static pressure to inflate a diaphonic member (bubble) in addition to playing program material. The diaphonic valve of the '356 application causes vibration sound waves to vibrate in a thin elastic membrane, opening and closing ports, collecting positive pressure, pushing the cycle of the speaker, and venting to outside air during negative pressure. Pull the speaker cycle. Embodiments of the present invention supplement the pumping method of the present invention using sound energy to actively inflate and deflate diaphonic bubbles in a user's ear.

Sound waves create sound pressure levels and deliver mechanical energy. However, due to the vibrational nature of the sound waves, the periodic reversal of the sound pressure makes it difficult to fill the sound pressure in the form of the type of static pressure required for the PΔV operation (P is the applied pressure and ΔV is the change in volume). do. An example of a PΔV operation is balloon inflation, and unfortunately, the sound pressure waves are pulled sufficiently to push every wave cycle, so there is no net pressure for balloon inflation.

Thus, it is desirable to achieve a design improvement in a diaphonic valve that fills a static (similar to DC) pressure from an alternating (similar to AC) sound pressure wave. Diaphonic valves are thought of as fluid pumps that use sound as an energy source, or alternatively are similar to electronic rectifiers that convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). In the present device, the diaphonic valve includes such changes as reduction in the number of moving parts, including increased simplicity of design and manufacture and greater pressure generating capacity.

Synthetic jets are another characteristic improvement of the present device. Synthetic jets occur when a fluid (liquid or gas) is alternatively pushed and pulled through a small orifice. As shown in FIG. 1A, when the fluid is pushed through the orifice, it is discharged as a narrowly directed jet, which is discharged directly away from the surface containing the orifice. On the pulling stroke shown in FIG. 1B, when the fluid is pulled through the same orifice, the fluid field is very different: like a fluid mainly leading from the side to the drain entering the orifice. When the amount of fluid pushed and pulled through the orifices on each alternating cycle is the same (there is no net flow of material through the orifices), caused by the push cycle (FIG. 1A) and the pull cycle (FIG. 1B) The flow field causes the net flow of fluid away from the face of the surface containing the orifice. At a distance past the same surface as multiple orifice diameters, the synthetic jet produces a proximity-continuous jet or motion of the fluid, which is difficult to distinguish from conventional jets such as hose discharge fluid or gas under pressure driving forces.

Luo and Xia describe a "valve-less synthetic-jet-based micro-pump" [Z. Luo and Z. Xia sensors and Actuators A 122 (2005) 131-140 have recently been described. A schematic diagram of the device reproduced in the paper is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Luo and Xia pump designs are not complicated compared to the present in-ear application and are not used in the present invention by construction.

The present invention relates to the use of a fluid pump and its output. In addition, the present invention addresses and solves a number of problems and provides convenient improvements in the field of earphone devices and their manufacturing methods. Although the intended use is associated with hearing aids, MP3 players, mobile phones or other similar devices, solutions to other problems associated with conventional earphone devices can be achieved by the device.

The use of improved fluid pumps and outputs is disclosed, such as audio receiver devices for in-ear deployment of users that provide additional structure and operational advantages while avoiding the disadvantages of conventional devices.

In general, the present invention provides for the conversion of acoustic vibrations, such as sound, into static pressure. This can be accomplished by the pump of the present invention to deliver air or other fluid and pressurize the air or other fluid using acoustic vibrations such as power. Pressurized fluids can be used for many other useful applications or to inflate bubbles in the ear. Moreover, the diaphonic valves disclosed herein may include sound driven micropumps for microfluidic and mems devices, such as chip based medical diagnostic tests or devices.

Also, generally, a closed system is provided around or above an orifice from which the jet of fluid discharges the synthetic jet. Such a closed system, such as a closed space on the other side of the orifice (eg transducer housing) and air bubbles on one side of the orifice, may contain fluid pumped by the device and may also contain the static pressure generated by the device. It may include. When providing the fluid pumped by the device, the inlet tube or inlet port can supply the source fluid to the composite jet at or near the edge of the composite jet orifice. The other end of the inlet tube can be located outside the closed system from which the synthetic jet discharges the fluid jet.

Further, in general, the invention, which is implemented in large numbers in combinations of infinite components, consists of an electronic signal generator, an acoustic driver, a sound motion pump, and an inflatable member.

An aspect of the present invention is to provide a design and structure for a pumping device that uses acoustic energy (sound) to generate air pressure for expansion, possibly contraction, of the sealing device in the user's ear.

In one embodiment, the improved design for diaphragm valves uses the principle of synthetic jets. The synthetic jet is generated when the fluid is alternatively pushed and pulled back through the small orifice. This is often done using alternative pressure waves in the form of sound. There is no net mass transfer through the orifice, but the asymmetry between the outer jets of the fluid created on the pushing stroke relative to the flow pattern of fluid intake on the pulling stroke is that of the fluid from the outer edge of the orifice to the fluid jet sustained in front of the orifice. Generate a forward delivery. Many experimental and theoretical tasks are involved in understanding and modeling the behavior of synthetic jets. See 1 paper. The paper is a published and patented cover device using synthetic jets, see references 2-9.

In an embodiment of the invention, a diaphonic valve pump is provided for inflation of the in-ear balloon. More complex embodiments of the present invention include multiple synthetic jet generating orifices and a stack of vibrating thin polymer membranes. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a new application is provided for the creation of static pressure to inflate or deflate an inflatable member (balloon). Moreover, the sound can be used to contract or inflate the inflatable member in the human ear to hear the sound.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the design, manufacture and working mechanism of diaphonic (sound drive) is also disclosed. These devices work in conjunction with existing balanced amateur sound transducers of the type currently used in hearing aids and high-end audio ear components. Alternatively, such devices also work in conjunction with existing moving coil speakers of the type currently used in headphones, headsec, and earbuds. The device of the present invention acts as an air pump to inflate the inflatable member in the listener's ear and also allows the transducer to perform the conventional function of playing audio material. When inflated by the diaphonic pump of the present invention, the inflatable member (bubble or balloon) produces a comfortable, adjustable, variable ear seal, for safe, comfortable, rich sound and high realization reproduction of audio. It works with the ear conduit to create a variable resonant chamber.

These and other aspects of the invention will be readily understood from the accompanying drawings and the following description.

In order to facilitate understanding of the subject matter to be protected, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter to be protected is illustrated in the embodiments of the accompanying drawings in that the construction, operation, and many advantages are readily understood and appreciated. The components in the figures are to be scaled and not emphasized, instead of illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description and in the drawings, reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts.

1A and 1B illustrate the principle of operation of a synthetic jet.
2A and 2B illustrate a pump design based on known synthetic jets.
3 is a schematic representation of a pressure generating element of one embodiment of an in-ear device of the present invention.
4 is a line graph showing the pump pressure generated by the Sonyon 44A0300 transducer along the frequency range.
FIG. 5 is a line graph showing the efficiency of a Sonyon 44A0300 transducer along the same frequency range as that of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a line graph illustrating the efficiency of a Sonyon 44A0300 transducer along the same frequency range as that of FIG. 4.
7 shows the generation of operating parameters of a Duracell zinc air battery 10 comprising an operating voltage curve.
8 is a photograph of a prototype of one embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a schematic diagram of a pump operated with the sound of a single substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a schematic diagram of a pump operated with the sound of a single substrate in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a schematic illustration of a sound operated pump of a dual substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a schematic diagram of a pump operated by the sound of a dual substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a schematic representation of a pump operated with the sound of a dual substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a schematic representation of a pump operated by sound of a dual substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is an unscaled view of an air flow manifold in an expansion mode in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
16 is an unscaled view of an air flow manifold in a retracted mode in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a photograph of the disassembled diaphonic valve as well as a labeled schematic diagram of the component parts (a portion of the US dime is also shown for scaling).
FIG. 18 is a side schematic view of the assembled element component of the diaphragm valve shown in FIG. 17; FIG.
19 is a schematic diagram of an exploded six-layer diaphragm valve in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
20 is a side schematic view of the assembled element component of the diaphragm valve shown in FIG. 19;
FIG. 21 is a side schematic view of the assembled element component of a diaphragm valve similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 20; FIG.
FIG. 22 is a side schematic view of the assembled element component of a diaphragm valve similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 20; FIG.
23 is a side schematic view of a drive bubble system having a transducer partially surrounded by bubbles in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
24 is a side schematic view of a drive bubble system having a transducer that is partially enclosed by bubbles and a sound tube fully enclosed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
25 is a side schematic view of a drive bubble system having a transducer completely surrounded by bubbles in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 26 is a side schematic view of a drive bubble system having a transducer and a sound tube completely surrounded by bubbles in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 27 is a side schematic view of a drive bubble system having a transducer external to the bubble in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
28 is a side schematic view of a drive bubble system having a sound tube completely surrounded by a transducer on the outside of the bubble in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 29 is a side schematic view of a drive bubble system having a transducer and sound tube completely surrounded by bubbles similar to the embodiment of FIG. 26 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
30 is a side schematic view showing two flat plate diaphragm valves attached to a single transducer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 31 is a side schematic view showing a stack of flat diaphragm valves and two transducers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
32 is a schematic side view illustrating a plurality of diaphragm valves alternating with a transducer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
33 is a graph showing changes in pressure and volume along a range of altitudes.
FIG. 34 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention inserted into an ear canal. FIG.
35 is a view similar to FIG. 34;
36 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention showing the use of a connection tube between a receiver and a bubble;
FIG. 37 is a schematic representation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 36 showing separation of the receiver assembly. FIG.
38 is two photographs of a donut shaped embodiment of an inflatable member in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 39 is a series of photographs illustrating a connection process of the donut shaped embodiment of FIG. 38 with a sound tube. FIG.
40 is a series of photographs illustrating a process of connecting a pressure tube.
FIG. 41 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a donut configuration with an acoustic driver fully or partially contained within an inflatable donut shaped bubble.
FIG. 42 illustrates insertion of an embodiment of a donut shaped bubble into an ear conduit. FIG.
Figure 43 is a diagram of one embodiment of the present invention showing an expandable membrane at two inflation pressures.
FIG. 44 illustrates a sound tube and transducer enclosed in a bubble with a pattern of ports arranged along a line around the periphery, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 45 illustrates a device similar to that shown in FIG. 44 including a polymer sleeve around a portion of the sound tube in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 46 illustrates an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 45 including an entry tube.
FIG. 47 illustrates an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 46 including an air ring manifold.
FIG. 48 shows an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 47.
FIG. 49 shows an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 48; FIG.
FIG. 50 illustrates an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 46 with only the sound tube enclosed in a bubble;
FIG. 51 illustrates an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 50 with a transducer partially surrounded in a bubble.
FIG. 52 illustrates an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 50;
FIG. 53 shows an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 49; FIG.
FIG. 54 shows an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 50;
FIG. 55 illustrates an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 54 with a plurality of air gap grooves. FIG.
FIG. 56 illustrates an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 55 with an air ring manifold at the base of the sound tube.
FIG. 57 shows an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 55 with spiral grooves. FIG.
FIG. 58 illustrates an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 57 with intersecting spiral grooves.
FIG. 59 illustrates an embodiment having a short sound tube in accordance with the present invention. FIG.
60 is a graph showing waveforms efficient for pressure generation.
FIG. 61 is a graphical depiction of a movable diaphragm having a composite jet balanced as a result of the accompanying waveform shown; FIG.
FIG. 62 graphically illustrates a movable diaphragm having an unbalanced composite jet resulting from the accompanying waveform shown. FIG.
FIG. 63 is a bottom and side schematic view illustrating the conical orifice and the raised funnel respectively; FIG.
64 is a side schematic view showing a conical movable diaphragm in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
65 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 66 is a schematic representation of an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 65 including a check valve.
67 is a schematic diagram of a dual transducer device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
68 is a schematic representation of a device having a coaxial diaphragm valve in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
69 is another schematic diagram of a device having a coaxial diaphragm valve in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
70 is a schematic diagram of an automatic insertion mechanism for one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 71 is a partial schematic view of the automatic insertion mechanism shown in FIG. 70. FIG.
72 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of two transducer devices in accordance with the present invention.
73 is a photograph of a Sonyon 44A0300 dual transducer wired so that the polarity of one of the transducers can be switched to the other.
74 is a sound pressure level (SPL) measured by a Zwislocki Coupler approaching a signal from an ear drum of a user corresponding to two transducers having 180 degrees out of phase according to one embodiment of the present invention. A graph showing the difference of).
75 is a schematic diagram of a device having a detachable coupling for a sound tube in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
76 is a schematic view similar to that of FIG. 75;
77 is a schematic similar to that of FIG. 75 with a short sound tube;
78 is an illustration of a possible embodiment of the coupling shown in FIGS. 75-77.
79-83 illustrate an additional possible embodiment of the coupling shown in FIGS. 75-77.
84 is a side and cross-sectional schematic view of an inflatable member having a double wall in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
85 is a side and cross-sectional schematic view of a multi-tube expandable member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
86 is another side and cross-sectional schematic view of a multi-tube expandable member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 87 is a schematic diagram illustrating a bubble assembly for connecting to a receiver-in-canal (RIC) assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
88 is a schematic diagram illustrating a bubble assembly for a connector for connecting the bubble assembly to an in-conduit receiver (RIC) assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 89 is a schematic of an in-conduit receiver (RIC) device connecting to the assemblies of FIGS. 87 and 88.
90 is a schematic of an in-conduit receiver (RIC) device connecting to the assembly of FIGS. 87-89.
91 is a cross sectional schematic view of a balanced armature transducer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 92 illustrates an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 91 with a pressure equalization port.
FIG. 93 illustrates an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 92 including a port in the diaphragm.
94 is a graph showing an asymmetric waveform.
FIG. 95 is a graph showing an inverted asymmetric waveform similar to that shown in FIG. 94.
FIG. 96 is a cross sectional schematic view of a device similar to that shown in FIG. 93 including a flap valve;
97 is a cross sectional schematic view of a device including a coaxial diaphragm valve in a transducer bag volume in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 98 shows a device similar to that shown in FIG. 97;
FIG. 99 illustrates a device similar to that shown in FIG. 98 including an expansion fill tube.
100 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a device including a space filled material in a transducer bag volume in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 101 is a cross sectional schematic diagram illustrating use of a back volume partition in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
102 is a side and cross-sectional schematic view of a device having a two part sound tube in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 103 illustrates a device similar to that shown in FIG. 102 including a polymer sleeve.
FIG. 104 illustrates a device similar to that shown in FIG. 103 including an air inlet tube.
FIG. 105 illustrates a device similar to that shown in FIG. 104 with only a sound tube surrounded in a bubble;
FIG. 106 illustrates a device similar to that shown in FIG. 105 including a sound tube connecting to a transducer.
107 is a schematic diagram illustrating eight layers of a diaphragm valve in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
108 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of the assembled layer shown in FIG. 107;
FIG. 109 is a schematic diagram of FIG. 107 showing air and sound passing through the valve layer.
110 illustrates an array of 500 substrates of a single sheet.
FIG. 111 shows eight layers of the diaphragm valve of FIG. 107 arranged in the form of a sheet array shown in FIG. 110;
FIG. 112 shows the aligned sheets of FIG. 111 combined with each other.
FIG. 113 illustrates cutting of the combined seats into individual diaphragm valves. FIG.
FIG. 114 illustrates a valve arrangement stacked in eight layers in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 115 illustrates a valve arrangement stacked in eight layers in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 116 illustrates a valve arrangement stacked in nine layers in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 117 illustrates acoustic pressure flow in the valve embedded in FIG. 114;
FIG. 118 illustrates air flow in the buried valve in FIG. 114.
FIG. 119 illustrates acoustic pressure flow in the valve embedded in FIG. 115. FIG.
FIG. 120 illustrates air flow in the buried valve in FIG. 115.
FIG. 121 shows a balanced armature transducer having a sound tube and a diaphragm valve that operates reversely to pump air into the front volume creating positive pressure in the front volume.
FIG. 122 illustrates a diaphragm valve operating in reverse to pump air into the back volume of a balanced armature transducer. FIG.
FIG. 123 illustrates the use of acoustic pumping energy to move air from the entry tube through the diaphragm valve, through the outlet tube 38 and into the sound tube using positive acoustic pumping energy to create a positive pressure to prevent penetration of ear wax vapors. A diaphragm valve attached to a back volume of a balanced armature transducer.
FIG. 124 shows a transducer having another diaphragm valve in the back volume with an outlet connected to a sound tube and an inverted diaphragm valve in the front volume.
FIG. 125 illustrates an embodiment in which a pressurized sound tube enters a closed polymer bubble of porous material by operation of a diaphragm valve.

While the invention is acceptable in many different forms of embodiment, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail, which are shown in the drawings and which include embodiments of various configurations of the invention, and the disclosure is directed to the principles of the invention. It is to be considered as illustrative and not to be construed as limiting the broad aspects of the invention to the illustrated embodiments.

3 to 125, a number of embodiments are shown for converting acoustic vibrations, such as sound, into static pressure. This can be accomplished by the pump of the present invention, which delivers air or other fluid as a power source and pressurizes the air or other fluid using acoustic vibrations. Pressurized fluid may be used to inflate bubbles through the in-ear device, generally indicated at 10, and various components of the in-ear device. The device 10 is designed for use in combination with an external audio source having most arbitrary size and power dimensions, such as hearing aids, MP3 players, and the like. The term " device " is used throughout the following description to refer to all embodiments of the invention, and like reference numerals for similar components also match throughout all embodiments. It is expressly intended that such components are interchangeable between different embodiments, except where noted.

The present invention generally consists of four components including a transducer, a diaphonic valve, an inflatable member, and a sound tube. Transducer 20 is powered by an electrical source of AC or DC to produce a reversible fluid flow in some cases using a diaphonic valve. The fluid is used to inflate inflatable member 30 (so-called bubbles) that fit within the ear canal of the user. Sound tube 40 is used to channel sound, fluid, or both into the ear conduit, inflatable member 30, or both.

The following detailed description is configured to cover each of these general components in various variations, as well as additional and alternative components, through specific combinations illustrated and described for illustrative purposes. However, due to the numerous embodiments of the various components, there are combinations of such components that are not specifically discussed herein, but which should be considered within the present disclosure to be embraced by the appended claims.

3, which is described in more detail herein, shows one specific layout for the basic embodiment of the device 10.

In general, the transducer 20, which produces sound in response to an electrical signal supplied through the cord 50, may be outside or contained within the inflatable member 30 (eg, bubble 31). . Within bubble 31, when cord 26 passes through one end of bubble 31 and the transducer sound output is directed out through the other end of bubble 31 through sound tube 40, in use, the device ( 10) is inserted into the user's ear via a cord 26, the cord 26 coming out of the ear, and the device being audio, such as a hearing aid, a cell phone, a Bluetooth® device, a digital music player, or other communication device. To signal generation device 60. The openings in the sound tube 40, which provide an uninterrupted direct path by the polyfoam 31 from the transducer 20 to the exterior of the polymer bubble 31, are commonly referred to as ear drums. It is directed down the user's ear canal towards the membrane of the user's eardrum.

Power requirements

Experimental studies based on the working example of this device allowed for the evaluation of bubble expansion pressure against the transducer frequency and the power efficiency of bubble expansion over the transducer frequency. For example, these measurements were performed on a device pumped to a pressure generated by a diaphonic valve installed in the rear volume of one half of a dual transducer 44AO300 manufactured and sold by Sonion, Denmark. 4 is a graph of the pressure developed by the device pump as a function of frequency, showing that for this particular example of the device, the highest pressure can be generated at about 4000 Hz.

However, as also shown in FIG. 4, the conditions of peak pressure generation need not be optimal frequencies for device operation because the transducers generally flow different amounts of power when operated at different frequencies.

5 shows the power required to drive this particular device as a function of frequency.

Although the device may generate the highest pressure at about 4000 Hz (FIG. 4), FIG. 5 shows that this frequency corresponds to a local maximum in power requirements. It is desirable to operate the device at a frequency that makes energy most efficient so that pumping enables optimized use of limited power in battery powered applications such as hearing aids or MP3 players. This frequency is found at the maximum of the ratio of the generated pressure (FIG. 4) to the required power (FIG. 5). A plot of this ratio with respect to frequency is shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 shows that operating this particular embodiment of the device at about 3000 Hz provides the greatest energy efficiency, ie, the Pascal of the pressure generated per mW of power consumed. This conclusion is only useful if at most energy efficient frequencies the device can actually create a pressure high enough to meet the intended application. When the application seals bubbles in the user's ear, a pressure of 1 kPa is very suitable. Thus, 3000 Hz is found to be a good operating frequency for the cited embodiment of the device.

By comparison, FIG. 6 shows that high energy efficiency is also achieved at the highest frequency measured, ie 8000 Hz. The trend of data also suggests that it may be possible to continue to increase pumping efficiency by going even higher frequencies, or at least similar high efficiencies may be maintained at higher frequencies. This observation increases the attractive potential of the device to inflate balloons in the user's ears by operating at very high frequencies, ie frequencies outside the audible range. However, FIG. 4 shows that this may not be practical at least for the particular embodiment evaluated. The pressure generated by the device drops at high frequencies, and the trend shows that at frequencies above the audible range, the device may generate insufficient pressure for the application. Thus, this particular device must be operated at 3000 Hz to provide a combination of performance and efficiency.

Finally, FIGS. 4 and 6 show that the operable pressure and moderate power efficiency are achieved over a very wide range of frequencies from less than 100 Hz up to 8000 Hz via Sonion transducers. Other transducers may have a wider useful range. The data suggest that a wide range of sounds, including environmental sounds, dialogues, music, etc., collected by hearing aids can be used to generate efficient device pumping. Tests on circular hearing aid devices have shown that recorded music played at normal conversation or normal levels creates sufficient pressure to inflate bubbles and create an efficient ear canal.

Battery Life Considerations

For the device 10 which inflate bubbles in the ear using sound generated by the device itself (described below), the power required to inflate the bubble and keep the bubble inflated adversely affects device performance. It is important that there is a small enough percentage of battery power available to avoid. In general, for applications that aid in listening, bubble expansion and bubble pressure should not be consumed in excess of about 5% of the available battery energy.

Example: Zinc air battery, Receiver In Canal (RIC) hearing aids that power ear devices on the behind the ear.

The data sheet shown in FIG. 7 shows a typical sized hearing aid battery used in a small BTE style RIC type product (5.7 mm diameter x 3.5 mm thickness) {DURACELL® No. 10 zinc air battery manufactured by Duracell} It is about.

The “general discharge curve” shown in FIG. 7 takes into account a 3000 ohm load impedance applied over a 12 hour period, with a 12 hour rest period in between. This suggests that hearing aid users use the device for 12 hours per day. The graph shows about 1.3 volts of battery voltage maintained for about 180 hours. The voltage at the end point appears to be 0.9 volts after slightly exceeding 200 hours. This suggests that the power lost for 180 hours is 0.00056 W, i.e. 1.3 x 1.3 / 3000, such as 0.56 mW. This further suggests that the energy extended from the battery over a 180 hour period is about 0.00056 W x 180 hours, or about 0.101 W / h.

Applying to the guidelines that the expansion pump can consume up to 5% of the available battery energy, this is about 0.005 W / h, or 5 mW / h. If the battery powers the hearing aid for 12 hours per day and provides such service for 180 hours, this assumes approximately 15 days of battery life. Thus, the device may consume about 0.3 mW h / day for bubble expansion and bubble pressure maintenance. One round pump operating at 3.15 kHz (most energy efficiency as described above), which can produce slightly over 1 kPa with a power consumption of about 0.9 mW (ie, Sonion dual transducer as described above). Based on measurements made on a device pumped with a pressure generated by a diaphonic valve that fits the rear volume of one half of the 44A0300, this represents about one third of an hour, or a maximum inflation time of 20 minutes / day. .

20 minutes of pumping per 12 hours per day (theoretical maximum allowed by the limit of 5% battery energy) is a bubble in which the bubble is statically expanded (low penetration), as described in more detail below, If the diaphonic valve is prevented from leaking through the addition of a check valve, it greatly exceeds the amount of pumping required to inflate and maintain the bubbles of the present invention.

One. Transducer

Embodiments of the device 10 are practiced in conjunction with existing balanced armature sound transducers (shown in FIG. 91) of the type currently used in hearing aids and high end audio ear components. Embodiments of the device can also be practiced in conjunction with moving coil speakers. The transducer 20 acts as an air pump to expand the inflatable member in the listener's ear and also allows the transducer 20 to perform the conventional function of playing audio material. When inflated by the diaphonic pump of the present invention, the inflatable member (bubble or balloon) produces a comfortable, adjustable and variable ear seal, safe, comfortable, rich sound and high fidelity reproduction of audio. It works with the ear conduit to create a resonant chamber of variable volume.

The action of such balanced armature transducers is well known to those skilled in the art. Different designs and different physical embodiments of balanced armature transducers 20 from different manufacturers can have different physical layouts of the components. However, all possible balanced armature transducers will have certain basic components. These include a diaphragm 28 for the production of sound, which is mechanically connected to a balanced armature 21. Using the interaction of the permanent magnetic field and the electromagnet generated by passing electricity through the electric coil 29, the armature is electronically activated to produce vibration of the diaphragm 28. The balanced armature 21 and the electric coil 29 lie in the rear volumetric space behind the diaphragm 28. The front volume on the opposite side of the diaphragm 28 continues with a sound tube where the audio exits the transducer 20. The invention described herein is generated using any balanced armature transducer that includes these basic components, regardless of the details of the layout or arrangement of these components in a particular balanced armature transducer embodiment. Can be. In addition, embodiments of the invention described herein may utilize moving coil speakers and sound energy sources as audio rather than balanced armature transducers. The basic layout of such a device is similar regardless of whether the sound source is balanced or moving coils. The example shown here generally uses a balanced amateur sound source.

As shown in FIG. 92, in the prior art transducer, it is common to have a small hole or port 56 in the inner housing 44. The inner housing 44 separates the septum rear volume from the septum front volume. The port 56 allows for equalization of atmospheric pressure between the rear volume and the front volume. Excessive pressure on one side than the other side of the diaphragm 28 will deflect the vibrations and deform (disturb) the sound generating features. The pressure equalization port 56 provides a small physical path through which air can travel between the front volume and the rear volume, to equalize the pressure between them. The pressure equalization port 56 can be located anywhere in the inner housing 44, including a flexible membrane that seals the septum with the inner housing 44.

Synthetic jet

As will be appreciated after studying this disclosure, a blocked system is provided around or above an orifice in which, in one or more embodiments, the synthetic jet discharges a jet of fluid. Such blocked systems, such as air bubbles on one side of the synthetic jet orifice and housed space (eg transducer housing) on the other side of the orifice, may include fluid pumped by the device as in the air bubble, and It may include a static pressure generated by the device. When providing the fluid pumped by the device, an ingress tube or inlet port can supply the source fluid to the synthetic jet at or near the edge of the synthetic jet orifice. The other end of the inlet tube may be located outside the blocked system where the synthetic jet discharges the jet of fluid.

Through the use of the device, both the positive pressure in the jet and the negative pressure on the side of the synthetic jet orifice can be directed to or stored in the isolated system and are isolated from each other. Thus, the accumulated pressure and / or vacuum can be directed to work.

Another addition to the base device present in some embodiments includes, but need not be limited to, a flap covering the synthetic jet orifice and check valve to prevent backflow when the synthetic jet pump is not operating. The use of flaps or membranes across the synthetic jet orifices enhances the separation of the positive and negative pressures produced by the diaphonic valves, allowing them to be included in separate blocked systems with greater efficiency.

Moving synthetic jet On the orifice  Based Pumping

One particular embodiment of a diaphonic pumping device utilizes an orifice located on the surface of the diaphragm of the moving armature of the balanced armature transducer or the diaphragm of the moving coil speaker. When the diaphragm 28 vibrates back and forth, one of the orifices 61 (see the transducer 20 in FIG. 93) in the diaphragm 28 is shown in FIG. 61. Create a pair of synthetic jets on one side. Movement of the orifice 61 in a given direction produces a composite jet in the opposite direction. The diaphragm 28, and thus excitation of the orifice upwards, produces a synthetic jet downward in the rear volume of the transducer 20. Likewise, the reciprocating motion of the diaphragm 28 and the bottom of the orifice produces a synthetic jet above the front volume of the transducer 20.

If the waveform driving the diaphragm 28 is symmetrical, then the two synthetic jets (up front in front and down in back) will have the same intensity as shown in FIG. 61. Pure effects on mass transfer and / or pressure transfer will cancel each other out and no pure pumping action will be achieved. As shown in FIG. 62, the asymmetric waveform produces an asymmetric composite jet, resulting in forward flow or pumping in the opposite direction to the faster or more powerful motion of the moving orifice.

As shown in FIG. 94, a pumping action from the front volume to the back volume will be generated through the transducer 20 wired such that the rise wave represents the outer (up) thrust of the diaphragm 28. 94 shows the counter waveform with a strong downward flow followed by a slower upper thrust. This waveform will create a net pumping action from the back volume to the front volume.

93 also shows an inlet port 52 that connects the rear volume directly to the ambient air. Port 52 is preferably when the device is operated as a pump for net delivery from the outside through the device to the inflatable member 30 in the user's ear. The port 52 also has a waveform that drives the diaphragm 28 so that the device 10 actively deflates the inflatable member 30 in the ear by allowing air to flow from the air bubbles through the device and out of it. By reversing).

Both the size and location of the inlet port 52 and the size and location of the orifice 61 of the diaphragm 28, when present, affect the acoustic impedance and the air flow impedance, each of which contributes to the device 10. . By tuning these impedances, it is possible to control both sound and air (pressure) flow through the device 10. For example, the audio program sound produced by the diaphragm 28 propagates entirely or at least mainly through the front volume of the diaphragm 28 toward the inflatable member 30 (ie, towards the tympanic membrane) below the sound tube 40. It is desirable to. Thus, orifice 61 and inlet port 52 in diaphragm 28 have high acoustic impedance in the audible frequency range. One way that such high acoustic impedances are achieved is to make these ports 52 and orifices 61 very small. The same considerations regarding acoustic impedance apply to the pressure equalization port 56 when present. In contrast, sound tube 40 has a lower acoustic impedance.

The uniformity of the impedance to the air flow affects the behavior of the device as a pump. When the air flow impedances of the orifice 61 and the inlet port 52 in the diaphragm are balanced or nearly balanced, as shown in FIG. 95, the overall air flow direction is changed by changing the waveform driving the diaphragm 28. Can be reversed.

FIG. 96 shows a variation of the previous embodiment where the interior (side in diaphragm backside volume) of the inlet port 52 is covered by the flap valve 54. The flap valve 54 allows air to flow from the outside to the rear volume, but prevents reversal of the air flow from the rear volume to the outside. The flap valve 54 produces a terminal impedance at the impedance of the air flow so that pumping efficiency in the forward direction (from the outside to the inflatable member through the device) is improved without making it impossible to reverse the pumping action. Through the flap valve 54 in place, it is not possible to reverse the waveform and actively pump or deflate the bubbles 31.

Coaxial Diaphonic  valve

FIG. 97 shows a coaxial diaphonic valve 22 consisting of a tube 23, preferably several mm in diameter. Rings of small ports or holes 24 (generally one to six holes) are drilled around the circumference of the tube 23. The tightly fitted polymer sleeve 25 is located outside of the tube 23 that covers the ring of holes 24. The polymer sleeve 25 is secured to the tube 23 around its circumference at one end A and open at the other end B. The fixed and open ends A and B can be switched without compromising the performance of the device.

The end of the coaxial diaphonic valve tube 23 extending from the outside of the transducer 20 to the ambient air is opened. Within the rear volume of the transducer 20, the other end of the tube 23 is blocked.

It is noted that the embodiment of FIG. 97 does not have a port in the diaphragm 28. However, there is a pressure equalization port 56 in the inner housing 44 to allow pressure equalization of the front and back volumes of the transducer 20. In this embodiment, the pumping action is provided by the diaphonic valve 22 in response to the acoustical action provided to the rear volume by the rear of the diaphragm 28. Coaxial diaphonic valve 22 pumps air into the backside volume and increases its pressure. Air leaks through the pressure equalization port 56 to equalize the pressure at the front volume. Because the front volume is connected to the inflatable member 30 through the sound tube 40, the bubbles also expand when the front volume is pressurized. This embodiment has the advantage that the pressure equalization between the rear volume and the front volume eliminates the net pressure on the diaphragm 28, thus eliminating audio distortion.

FIG. 98 shows a slight modification of the previous embodiment in which the tube 79 extends behind the transducer housing 44 to hold the diaphonic valve 22. This is done for the simple reason that there may not be enough space in the compactly built housing of a commercially balanced armature transducer 20 to accommodate the coaxial diaphonic valve 22. In FIG. 98, the open end of the coaxial diaphonic valve 22 accesses the ring of port 24 and ambient air in the tube 23, the polymer sleeve 25 is within the volume of the extension tube, which volume is trans It is continuous with the rear volume of the producer 20.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the merging of the sound actuating pump 27 (actually two pumps) with the larger total device is shown. The pump 27 is used to inflate bubbles in the user's ear and to supply audio program material to the bubbles. This is similar to the type of device described in the co-pending '356 application.

The electronic signal is generated by a prior art electronic device schematically shown as computer chip 64. This signal generates mechanical vibrations in the pressure generating receiver 65 shown. There are two sets of receivers 65 and other components shown in the figure, one for each ear of the user. Receiver 65 is a common type of electronically driven acoustic driver (balanced armature or moving coil) used to generate audio signals in prior art hearing aids, headsets and the like. However, the disclosed acoustic driver (receiver 65) supplies the vibration sound-pressure to the pressure driven pumping device 27. In the '356 application, a design is disclosed for a sound driven diaphonic valve that supplies pressure to in-ear bubbles and delivers sound. This device uses a sequence of oscillating flat membrane valves. In the embodiment according to the invention, the sound driven pump 27 acts in part or in whole on the principle of a synthetic jet (described further herein). Various embodiments of a pump 27 are available which may include, for example, a membrane operating in cooperation with a valve seat. In such an embodiment, the sound pump 27 passes static pressure to the sound corresponding to the audio program material as well as the in-ear bubbles. In another embodiment, the pump 27 passes a static pressure, but prevents the transmission of sound corresponding to the noise made by the vibration driver (receiver 65) that drives the pump 27, which sounds to the user's ear. In these embodiments, the acoustic program material is supplied separately through another set of acoustic drivers (not shown) The electrical signals to these other acoustic drivers are provided by lines 14 and 16 in FIG. Is displayed.

Sound operated pump design

The sound actuating pump 27 is connected to the pressure generating receiver (acoustic driver) 65 via a short or long tube. In addition, the inlet port 52 has a tube impedance, supplies air to the sound actuation pump 27, and the outlet tube 41 receives the static pressure generated to inflate the bubbles of the in-ear device 10. To pass. In some embodiments, the tube 41, which transfers pressure from the sound actuating pump 27 to the air bubbles, is an inertance filter 42 to kill the sound produced by the pressure generating receiver (acoustic driver) 65. Merge with FIG. 8 is a photograph of a circular device involving a particular embodiment of the pressure generating element of FIG. 3.

9-14 show the design of the sound actuating pump 27 based on the synthetic jet generating orifice. These are probably the simplest embodiments of the sound actuating pump 27 according to the invention. More complex designs tend to provide improved pumping efficiency. However, embodiments of these figures are important to study because they illustrate one or more basic principles of the invention.

In Fig. 9, an audio signal device 60 (acoustic driver), such as a hearing aid receiver, is sealed close to the circular substrate 34, with a conical recess 35 milled at the center of the circular substrate, and a small at its base. Orifice 36 is present. Vibration from the signal device 60 creates a vibratory flow through the orifice 36 in the substrate 34 to the cone 35. This provides a synthetic jet effect and creates a net pressure at the outlet tube 41 connected to the egress tube 38 and the pressurization system (eg, air bubbles). Make-up air for this pumping system is supplied through an inlet tube 37, which passes through the substrate 34 and enters through the side of the cone 35.

The device of FIG. 10 is designed in FIG. 9 in that the device of FIG. 10 supplies construction air directly adjacent to the orifice 36 in a cone geometry not present in the Luo and Xia devices of FIG. 2. Is different from In addition, the design in FIG. 2 appears to be a rectangular box-shaped device with an orifice that is actually a narrow slit along the top of the box. In contrast, one or more embodiments of the present pump 27 is cylindrical in shape with a circular orifice geometry. In addition, the device of FIG. 2 is not a blocked system because the air inlet is physically separated or isolated from the fluid in which the synthetic jet is formed. The device of FIG. 2 may generate a jet of fluid for use as an actuator, but may not generate the static pressure of the type needed to inflate the balloon, for example.

10 is a different embodiment of the acoustically actuated pump 27 in which the inlet tube 37 enters a device proximate the substrate 34. FIG. 11 is another embodiment of a device in which the inlet tube 37 enters the end device into the substrate 34 and supplies constituent air from the side just past the orifice 36. The devices with all three geometries shown in FIGS. 9-11 have been constructed and found to effectively pump air when operated with sound. There may further be one or more inlet tubes, and these multiple inlet tubes may be located in any combination of the described positions, including multiple tubes at a given location, such as multiple tubes passing through the substrate 34.

12 shows a sound actuation pump 27 with two substrates 34a and 34b, each substrate having its own cone 35 and orifice 36. An inlet tube 37 is shown entering through the side of the proximity substrate 34. The other pump was configured to include three or more substrates and orifices. It can be seen that increasing the number of substrates from one to two or three as in FIG. 9 as in FIGS. 9 to 11 increases the pumping efficiency. However, increasing the number of substrates beyond 3 does not appear to result in additional performance in pump performance. In a multi-substrate design, the inlet tube 37 is adjacent to the first substrate 34a, on the cone 35 of the first substrate 34a, between the first and second substrates 34a, 34b, and a second one. It may pass through the orifice 36 of the substrate 34b to the cone 35 of the second substrate 34b and to such other locations. The inlet tube 37 can enter virtually anywhere from the front of the first substrate 34a to just past the orifice 36 of the last substrate 34 (z). In addition, there may be more than one inlet tube, and these multiple inlet tubes may be located in any combination of positions just described, including multiple tubes at a given location, such as multiple tubes passing through the same substrate.

Pumping efficiency can also be improved by incorporation of the thin film 39 between the substrates. This film 39 includes pores 43 (or pores) that are offset from the location of the orifice 36 of the nearest substrate 34. The membrane material itself may be impermeable to air or may be a semi-permeable material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). 13 and 14 illustrate an acoustic actuation pump in which an ePTFE film 43 having offset pores 43 is located between an adjacent (or first) substrate 34a and an end (or last) substrate 34b ( 27, two versions are shown. 13 and 14 differ only in the position of the inlet tube 37. All versions of the device 10 with the membrane valve preferably have an inlet tube proximate the membrane 43. All embodiments in FIGS. 13 and 14 pump with similar efficiency.

Routing Manifold

In order to facilitate the insertion and removal of bubbles 31 from the user's ear, it is desirable to have means for switching the inlet and pressure outlet of the acoustically actuated pump 27. This allows the pump 27 to actively blow bubbles 31 upon insertion into the ear and also to actively contract or pump air from the bubbles 31 upon removal from the ear. This function can be achieved in different ways. For example, it can be achieved by the adjustment of the electromagnetic waveform signal transmitted to the acoustic driver providing sound energy to the acoustic actuation pump 27. Another method of reversing the pumping direction is a routing manifold 46 of the general type shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.

Although the manifold 46 or valve for reversing the pressure driven gas flow is not new, the application shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 for expansion and contraction of in-ear bubbles is completely new. By operation of the toggle mechanism 47, the routing manifold 46 can be switched between operation in the expansion mode (FIG. 15) and the retraction mode (FIG. 16).

Transducer  Flat mounted on the case Diaphonic  valve

To create the most compact design for insertion into the ear conduit, a flat diaphonic valve 50 is constructed, mounted on the side of the transducer case, and adding less than 0.4 mm to the overall device width. The operating principle and the actual operation of the flat diaphonic valve 50 are not different from those described above. However, the device described herein has the advantage of compact design fit on the side of the balanced armature transducer 24. The entire device, including the transducer and the diaphragm valve 50, is small enough to fit the user's ear and small enough to be partially or completely included in the bubble 31.

FIG. 17 shows a photograph of a labeled schematic diagram of the disassembled acting diaphonic valve 50 and component parts. For the sake of scale, U.S. dime is provided in the image. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled multilayer valve 50. The valve 50 is built on the side of the balanced armature transducer 24, which has a hole 57 in the middle of the outer case 45. The aperture 57 is a byproduct of the manufacture of this particular transducer 20 and is guided directly to the backside volume of the transducer 20. If no such hole exists on a particular transducer to fit this type of diaphonic valve, it needs to be drilled.

The layer 1 of the valve structure is a plate comprising grooves or slots 51 which will be the air inlet channels in the last valve when the layers are overlapped. At the closed end of the slot 51 there is a circular terminus 55. Layer 2 is a plate having a single small hole 53. When assembled, the hole 53 is aligned with the hole 57 in the transducer housing 45 and the circular end 55 of the air inlet channel. The aperture 53 in layer 2 is an orifice of the synthetic jet, which is the center of diaphragm valve 50. This orifice is smaller than the hole 57 in the transducer housing 45 and smaller than the circular end 55 of the air inlet channel.

The layer 3 of the flat diaphonic valve is a rigid frame with a central area rotated by a thin flexible polymer film or film 58. In this particular device, the membrane 58 is composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Membrane 58 may be composed of any polymer material described in the '356 application incorporated herein by reference, suitable for use as a membrane in a flat diaphonic valve. Membrane 58 may also be a non-polymeric film or foil, such as a thin metal foil. The membrane 58 is mounted on the underside of the rigid frame of the layer 3 so that in the assembled device this flexible film lies directly above the top of the plate of the layer 2. There is a narrow gap above the film 58, which narrows the flexible film 58 beneath the bottom of the layer 4. The flap 54 is cut at the center of the film 58 of the layer 3. In the assembled device, the flap 54 is directly above the composite jet port 53 in layer 2. Layer 4 is a top plate or cover for diaphragm valve 50. This cover includes a discharge port 59, wherein air pumped by the diaphonic valve by this discharge port 59 exits the device. In a particular illustrated embodiment, this outlet port 59 is connected to an outlet air tube 38, which can be used to route air to a bubble for expansion.

Experiments with circular devices have shown that air from bubbles expanded by reverse leakage through diaphragm valves during a period of time when the diaphragm valve is not pumped, but during which the bubbles need to remain statically inflated. It has often been shown that it is desirable to prevent the escape of the. To prevent reverse leakage of air through the diaphragm valve, the diaphragm valve itself may be designed to minimize leakage, or the check valve may be two in the structure of FIGS. 17 and 18, as shown in FIG. 19. It can be added to the diaphonic valve by adding the above layer.

An exploded layer of diaphragm valve 50 with an added check valve 62 is shown schematically in FIG. 19. 20 shows the structure of the assembled six-layer.

Layers 1 to 3 are identical to the first three layers in the flat diaphonic valve 50 described above. Layer 4 is a plate having a single small hole 63. The hole 63 is not in the center of the plate, but is closer to one of the ends of the plate along the long axis. Layer 5 is a rigid frame with a flexible membrane 58 on the lower side, similar to layer 3. However, in layer 5, there is no flap, but there are no other small holes 66 in membrane 58, located at opposite ends of the structure from the holes in the plate of layer 4. Layers 4 and 5 comprise a check valve 62. Between the hole 63 in the layer 4 and the hole 66 in the flexible film 58 of the layer 5, the contact area of the top of the plate of the layer 4 and the bottom of the film of the layer 5 Includes the sealing function of the check valve 62. Positioning the holes 63, 66 in layers 4 and 5 at opposite ends of the structure creates the largest possible valve seat for the check valve 62, improving the sealing. Finally, layer 6 is the same cover plate with air exhaust port 59.

As shown in FIG. 21, raising the rim 67 around the ports 53 and 63 in layers 2 and 4 improves the sealing of the flexible film 58 across these ports. This increases the pumping efficiency of the diaphonic valve 50 and creates a tighter seal for the check valve 62. FIG. 21 shows that this can be achieved by thinning the rim 67 around the ports 53 and 63. FIG. 22 shows that this can also be achieved by pushing up or protruding the plates under ports 53 and 63. This also raises the rim 67 of the ports 53 and 63 and produces the desired improvement in performance.

23-28 illustrate various ways in which a flat diaphonic valve 50 mounted on the side of the transducer can be merged with the bubble 31. These figures show the flat diaphonic valve 50 without further check valves. However, the same configuration is possible with the flat diaphonic valve 50 including the check valve 62 as described above. FIG. 23 shows device 10 with transducer 20 partially received by bubble 31. FIG. 24 shows a donut-shaped bubble 32 with a sound tube 40 and a transducer 20 partially received in bubble 31. FIG. 25 shows device 10 with transducer 20 fully received by bubble 31. FIG. 26 shows a donut-shaped bubble 32 having a transducer 20 completely received by bubble 31. FIG. 27 shows device 10 with transducer 20 completely outside of bubble 31. FIG. 28 shows a donut-shaped bubble 32 having a transducer 20 completely outside of the bubble 31.

29 shows an embodiment of a device 10 having a flat diaphonic valve 50 without air inlet channels. While this is shown with transducer 20 fully contained within bubble 31, other embodiments without air inlet ports may also be partially received by bubble 31 or completely outside of bubble 31.

In a device without an air inlet channel, the air to inflate the bubbles 31 passes from the ear conduit, below the sound tube 40, towards the front volume of the transducer 20, through the pressure compensation port 56, Towards the rear volume of 20), it finally flows through the pumping diaphonic valve 50 towards the bubble 31. This embodiment has the advantage of using air pressure to pull bubbles 31 into the ear of the user, creating a good acoustic seal.

Pressure output Boosting  multiple Diaphonic  valve

30 illustrates an embodiment in which two flat diaphonic valves 50 are attached to a single transducer 20.

The diaphonic valve 50a on the front volume is rotated to pump the front volume from the outside to pressurize the front volume. This pressure leaks through the compensation port 56 into the rear volume, increasing the pressure in the rear volume. Another diaphonic valve 50b on the backside volume further increases the pressure and pumps air from the device through the outlet port 59. Such a device may generate higher pressure than a single diaphonic valve on the backside volume. Through the two diaphonic valves 50, the first valve increases the pressure inside the transducer 20, and the second valve boosts more pressure before discharge. The device in FIG. 30 is shown using a flat diaphonic valve 50. However, this same device would also work with any of the diaphonic valve designs described above (eg, coaxial multi-phonic valve 22).

FIG. 31 shows two diaphonic valves 50a between them, and additional diaphonic valves 50b and 50c on the front volume of the first transducer 20a and the rear volume of the second transducer 20b. It shows that the transducer 20 can be stacked.

This creates a cascade pressure increase. Each transducer and diaphonic valve combination can increase the pressure too much (up to about 1 kPa). However, by stacking the devices as shown, the second transducer / diaphonic valve combination starts with already pressurized air. This can boost the pressure even higher. When operating a device such as that shown in FIG. 31, it is advisable to adjust the phase of the expansion tone between the two transducers 20 to ensure that both the diaphonic valves 50 act in the same direction. need. In addition, the diaphonic valve 50a lying between the first transducer 20a and the second transducer 20b requires that the two transducers have expansion tones in phase with each other.

32 further illustrates the concept of lamination of the transducer and diaphonic valve. Any number of alternative transducers and diaphonic valve stacks can be built to create higher pressures. The achievable pressure will be limited by the mechanical strength of the component to actually resist increasing pressure.

The devices shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 have open sound ports and tend to cause some pressure to escape from the stack of transducers and diaphragm valves. Other embodiments may have some or all of these sound ports blocked to produce greater pressure. The embodiment of the device in FIGS. 31 and 32 may have fluctuations in the flow and sound impedance of the compensation port (eg, by changing the size of the port) as air proceeds up the stack of transducers. This may help to prevent back flow of pressure in device 10. The transducer 20 in the stack as in FIGS. 31 and 32 can lead to other complex combinations of phase and amplitude differences, or in-phase, to produce different pressure and sound outputs than the device.

31 and 32 illustrate an interleaved balanced armature transducer 20 and diaphonic valve 50. Similar stacked devices for pressure generation, pumping, and sound generation can be created by interleaving the diaphonic valves with piezoelectric diaphragms, or other sound generating devices (not shown), such as moving coil speakers. In these cases, the piezoelectric diaphragm or speaker may have small compensation ports around or around them to allow pressure to move from the front volume to the back volume, or from the back volume to the front volume.

2. inflatable member

The inflatable member 30, or more specifically in the illustrated embodiment, the bubble 31 is a key component of the present invention. Bubbles 31, which may be composed of an almost infinite number of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials, all specifically described below, provide a variety of functions, including providing retention, comfort, adjustment capability, and compatibility. to provide.

Bubble composition

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) or PTFE is a combination of properties including strength, lightness (low density), adaptive air penetration (through controlled porosity), smoothness of surface feel, and low surface energy This is the preferred material for the production of bubbles, which makes these materials resistant to dirt and dust accumulation. Suitable ePTFE and PTFE for bubble generation are commercially available in sheet and film forms of various thicknesses and properties. In general, thinner grades of ePTFE or PTFE sheets are better at bubble generation than thicker grades. Depending on the adapted bubble design and the details of the manufacturing process used, the thickness of the starting film material is generally less than 10 mils, preferably less than 3 mils, more preferably 1 mil or less.

At these fill times, bubble formation from ePTFE and PTFE films yielded the best results using a grade of polymer film with low or negligible air permeability. This is because, in use, it is easier to keep the permeable bubbles expanded by the operation of the acoustic pump lower or negligible than more porous bubbles. However, there are acoustic properties and advantages for ear comfort and ear health enabled by more porosity, thus more intakeable bubbles. This includes alleviation of ear wax formation as described below. Thus, using more air permeable grades of ePTFE or PTFE film in the bubbles is not excluded from the present invention.

Other thin flexible polymer films, including polyurethane films, thermoplastic polyurethane films, aromatic polyurethane films, and aliphatic polyurethane films are also preferred materials for bubble generation due to their strength, expandability, processing capacity, and low air penetration. Polyurethanes are particularly useful when statically expanded and non-intakeable bubbles are desired. Depending on the details of the adapted bubble design and the manufacturing process used, the thickness of the starting polyurethane film material is generally less than 10 mils, preferably less than 3 mils, more preferably 1 mil or less.

Preparation of bubble form

In any embodiment disclosed or in the manufacture of polymer bubbles for coaxial diaphonic valve 22, it is necessary to form a closed convex bubble form. In embodiments where the sound tube 40 penetrates the ends of the bubbles (various figures), it is often convenient to start by creating closed convex bubbles. The sound tube 40 may later be inserted below the middle of the bubble attached to the bubble tip, and the bubble material covering the end of the sound tube is cut off. Therefore, mass production may involve the creation of closed convex bubbles.

Some polymer films, ePTFE and PTFE thin films, and polyurethane films can support coplanar stretching or expansion without breakage. This coplanar expansion can create some permanent setting or deformation in the material remaining after the stretching or expansion force is removed. Thus, the bubbles may have various shapes such as spherical, semi-cylindrical, spherical on top of a semi-cylindrical cap, spherical on top of a thin cylindrical stem, and shaped bulbs (approximately spherical top narrowing into narrower cylindrical stems). It can be formed by stretching a polymer film, an ePTFE or PTFE film, or a polyurethane film over the convex mandrel. Bubbles are formed into larger bulb-shaped tops and narrow stems, for example the bulb form presents the problem of removing the larger top of the mandrel through the thin bubble stems without stretching, deforming or breaking the thin bubble stems. This problem is believed to be addressed by using inflatable mandrel axes (not shown). In one embodiment of the method, the inflatable mandrel is a small rubber balloon blown to form a polymer film, an ePTFE film, or a polyurethane film in the correct bubble form. The rubber balloon can be deflated and easily removed through the neck of the formed polymer, ePTFE, or polyurethane bubble.

Another approach to stretching the polymer film into the bulbous top and narrower neck is to use a concave (female) mold of the desired shape (not shown). The polymer film is introduced into the mold cavity under vacuum and / or into the mold cavity under positive air or gas pressure. The polymer film enters through a narrow mold neck and expands in the form of a bulbous mold. The bulbous end of the bubble can be easily removed through the narrow neck of the mold by shrinking the bubble prior to removal.

Bubbles can also be produced from polymer films, ePTFE or PTFE films, or polyurethanes without coplanar stretching of the film material. One way to do this is to fold the film material over the convex mandrel axis (not shown). The film material may be collected or cinched around the base of the mandrel and fixed to a metal or plastic ring (not shown), which defines the base of the bubble. In this method of generating bubbles, it is also helpful if the mandrel axis is expandable and can be easily removed from the interior of the bubble by deflation.

Bubble material deformation

The polymer film, ePTFE or PTFE film, or polyurethane film, from which the bubbles of the present invention may be produced, may be modified by a coating attached to the surface of the film or injected into the porous structure of the film, when the film is a porous material. . The coating and injection agent is preferably a polymer latex coating, in particular a polyurethane latex coating, in particular a water soluble polyurethane latex coating. These coatings can be used on their own or in combination with other fillers, modifiers, pigments and the like. For example, colored polymeric latex coatings can be used to color bubbles. Alternatively, a dye or dye may be added to the unpainted latex coating material to color the bubbles. Coloring of bubbles means to distinguish different grades or regulations of bubbles (discussed more specifically below). Incorporating additional material with a foam material coating, in particular tail and ammonia fumed silica, in order to keep the bubble membrane secured to itself and / or to secure the bubble membrane to the user's ear conduit It can be used to modify bubble surface properties.

Experimentally, coating bubbles made from porous materials such as ePTFE with polyurethane latex have been found to produce excellent bubble properties, including very low air penetration. Polyurethane coatings have been shown to be efficient in filling to remove or at least reduce the size of most porous structures of the foam material. The use of polyurethane latex coatings mixed with ammonia fumed silica has also been found to have excellent properties for bubbles including very low air penetration. The coating film is filled in some pores and reduces the size of other pores in the bubble film. In addition, the surface of the film was shown by electron microscopic images to have small jagged embedded particles of ammonia-fumed silica. When two of such bubble surfaces come into contact with each other, ammonia-fumed silica particles are obtained in a near-surface contact manner, preventing the two surfaces from being held together.

The surface coating may be added to the polymer film, ePTFE or PTFE film, or polyurethane film prior to bubble preparation. This can be done using conventional spray or web coating techniques. Coating techniques, such as silk screening and inkjet printing, are used to attach the coating to the bubble forming material in some areas other than others, or in different amounts in different areas of the film. This process produces gradients or patterns in the bubble material properties when the film is made into bubbles. Coatings affixed to the bubble forming film material, for example resulting in concentric rings on the bubble surface, can be used to focus, reflect, refract, damp, or otherwise modify the sound in the device.

The coating may also be produced on the inner and / or outer surface of the previously formed bubbles by dipping the bubbles in the coating solution or filling the bubbles with the coating solution. Patterned or gradient coating patterns can be produced by these techniques, for example, if the top half or bottom half of the expanded bubble is immersed in the coating solution for a different time than other portions of the bubble. The coating solution may be located inside the upper or lower portion of the expanded bubble, creating a pattern or gradient of coating inside the bubble. The concentration of the coating solution, and the time for which the foam material is exposed to such a solution, can vary during the immersion process and the internal coating process to create additional patterning flexibility.

Air Loss of Statically Inflated Bubbles

The following calculation determines the theoretical rate of air loss from statically expanded bubbles. A particular calculation example is for bubbles composed of Kraton® polymer (block copolymers of polystyrene and polydiene, or hydrogenated versions thereof). These calculations are also good approximations for the behavior of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) bubbles coated with Kraton®, and for bubbles composed of polyurethane or ePTFE coated with polyurethane latex. For ePTFE bubbles coated with Kraton®, Kraton® is much more air permeable than PTFE scaffolding of ePTFE. It is assumed that the gas leaks through a membrane of Kraton® equal to the total bubble wall thickness (including Kraton® and ePTFE). This provides an overestimate of air loss, which is the worst case scenario.

The bubble characteristic used in the estimation is a 1 cm diameter spherical surface with a 0.1 mil (0.00025 cm) wall thickness. The calculation was made for two internal pressures of 100 Pa and 1 kPa (relative to the external atmospheric pressure).

In general, for delivery of gas through the polymer:

J = P (dp / dx), where

J is the gas flux through the polymer membrane with units (cm ^{3 of} gas / ((cm ² ) of the membrane) (seconds)), P is the gas permeability of the membrane, (dp / dx) is the drive pressure gradient across the membrane, The x-coordinate represents the distance in the film thickness direction.

The penetration of Kraton® into the air is 1x10 ^-9 ((cm ^{3 of} air) (cm of film thickness)) / ((cm ² membrane area) (seconds) (pressure in cm of Hg)) [ Citation: KS Laverdue "Transport Phenomena within Block Copolymers: The Effect of Morphology and Grain Structure" Ph. D. Dissertation, Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 2001.]

는 295(cm Hg)/(cm 두께)이고, 내부 기포 압력이 1 kPa이면 2950 (cm Hg)/(cm 두께)이다.Drive pressure gradient (dp / dx) when internal bubble pressure is 100 Pa

Is 295 (cm Hg) / (cm thickness) and 2950 (cm Hg) / (cm thickness) if the internal bubble pressure is 1 kPa.

The resulting air flux (J) through the membrane is ³ × ^{10 −7} (cm ^{3 of} air) / (cm ² of membrane) (seconds) when the internal bubble pressure is 100 Pa, and J is ³ × ¹⁰ when the internal bubble pressure is 1 Pa. ^-6 (cm ^{3 of} air) / (cm ² of membrane) (seconds). Based on the volume and surface area of a 1 cm diameter bubble, these calculations show that via a 100 Pa internal pressure, the bubble loses about 2% of the gas at 12 hours, and at 1 kPa, about 20% of the gas at 12 hours. And this time period represents the considered normal length of daily wear. The calculation is a measure that considers that the air pressure inside the bubble remains constant throughout the process. This is a good approximation to the 2% loss found for 100 Pa, so the calculation is very precise. However, the measurements are poor for 20% loss at 1 kPa, because such a significant loss obviously reduces the bubble pressure, reducing the driving force for additional air loss. Thus, 20% at 1 kPa is the worst case measurement. The calculation is also sensitive to bubble thickness. For example, twice the wall thickness for 0.2 mils would discard the gas loss rate at half to 1% for 100 Pa. Increasing the wall thickness to 1 mil (bubble wall thickness perfectly perforated for the present invention) discards all calculated percentages of loss by a factor of 10.

The calculation is the most accurate for the case where a diaphonic valve is used to periodically increase the pressure in the bubble. In the present case, in order to maintain a pressure of 1 kPa in a bubble of 0.1 mils thick for at least 12 hours by intermittent use of a diaphonic valve (described further herein), the device may We need to build about 20%. This is a very small amount of pumping and falls below the approximate maximum of 20 minutes per day of pumping needed to keep it below 5% of battery usage.

Actual experimental examination of the bubbles of the present invention has shown that it can expand and remain inflated without any noticeable loss of pressure for at least one day and in some cases up to a week.

Effect of Atmospheric Pressure on Bubbles

An inflatable ear conduit sealing device such as the present device should be able to tolerate changes in external atmospheric pressure without loss of sealing or causing inconvenience to the user. For example, if a user with air bubbles in his ear quickly climbs to the top of a large building or on an airplane, the resulting drop in atmospheric pressure will cause the air bubbles in the ear to expand. Too much expansion of bubbles in the ear can lead to discomfort. In contrast, if a user with an inflated bubble in his ear descends quickly from the top of a large building or off an aircraft, the resulting increase in atmospheric pressure will reduce the bubble volume. Too much shrinkage of the bubbles can result in a loss of acoustic ear seal.

In the first step, it is necessary to determine the change in the maximum atmospheric pressure that the expanded bubble can experience in the user's ear. At this time, it is necessary to design the bubble and expansion system to withstand these changes in atmospheric pressure without suffering the adverse effects of the described types.

For air at the bubble, pV = constant, where p is pressure and V is volume. This is the lower part of the ideal gas called Boyle's law. In fact, it is effective for air above the range of pressure, temperature and humidity found on the ground.

p가 초기 압력 값(P)으로부터 압력에서의 변화와 동일하도록 허용되고,

V가 초기 부피 값(V)으로부터 기포의 부피에서의 변화와 동일하도록 허용되면, pV는 일정하고, 다음의 수학식 1을 얻는다:

p is allowed to equal the change in pressure from the initial pressure value P,

If V is allowed to be equal to the change in the volume of the bubble from the initial volume value (V), then pV is constant and the following equation (1) is obtained:

[Equation 1]

p)(V +

V)pV = (p +

p) (V +

V)

This can be rearranged to show the following equation (2):

[Equation 2]

V/V = 부피에서의 분수 변화 = (I/(I+

p/p)) - 1.

V / V = fractional change in volume = (I / (I +

p / p))-1.

V/V 및

p/p는 반대 부호를 가질 필요가 있다 - 즉, 압력에서의 양의 변화(증가)(

p/p)는 부피에서의 음의 변화(감소)(

V/V)를 초래한다. 또한, -(100%)^*

V/V는 압력 변화로 인해 다루어질 필요가 있는 팽창된 기포의 부피에서의 백분율 변화(양의 수로서)를 제공한다.In Equation 2,

V / V and

p / p needs to have the opposite sign-that is, the change in quantity (increase) in pressure (

p / p) is the negative change (decrement) in volume (

V / V). Also,-(100%) ^*

V / V provides a percentage change (as a positive number) in the volume of expanded bubble that needs to be handled due to pressure changes.

FIG. 33 shows a plot of atmospheric pressure versus altitude in meters constructed using a barometric pressure calculator found on the Internet (http://hyperhysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Kintic/barfor.html). do. The calculation suggests that elevator boarding in a large building should not pose many problems with bubble contraction or expansion. For example, the tallest building in the world is 800 meters, so bubbles rise by about 8% when they rise from the bottom (at sea level) to the top. Other very tall buildings in the world, the United States, and Asia are in the 500 m range and exhibit only a volume increase of about 5%. The tallest building in Europe is 300m (similar to the Eiffel Tower), which provides a bubble volume change of about 3%.

Commercial aircraft riding up and down high mountains are more challenging for pressure changes in air bubbles. As shown in FIG. 33, such elevation changes can result in bubble volume changes in the range of 15% to 25%. 35 and 35 show the bubble 31 of the present invention in the ear as it undergoes a significant change in external atmospheric pressure. Bubbles (31) are placed in the ear conduit, such as a loose inflated bag, and come into contact with a significant length of the ear conduit wall. At low atmospheric pressure (FIG. 34), the bubbles 31 are especially larger when they extend less clearly along the ear conduit. At higher atmospheric pressures (FIG. 35), bubbles 31 are smaller and extend very little distance along the ear conduit. The difference in position and bubble volume in the ear conduit between FIGS. 34 and 35 is not sufficient, even a 25% change in bubble volume (ie, causing discomfort or disrupting the acoustic seal in the ear) , Even in the worst case scenario).

Another problem with the foam of the present invention is surface crushing. Deformation at the bubble surface can result in natural residence of the bubble along the ear canal surface, which may be rough, for example, due to the presence of hair. The bubble surface may also be deliberately distorted by other mechanical or chemical treatment techniques by embossing. The advantage of crushing at the bubble wall is that it can assist the bubble in accommodating slight or customary volume changes in response to slight or customary changes in external atmospheric pressure.

Donut-shaped bubble composition

36 and 37 are the "expandable donuts" schematically shown. In this embodiment, the inflatable donut-shaped bubble 32 inserted into the user's ear is a toroidal or donut-shaped inflatable member 30 having a tube 40 running through a hole in the center of the toroid. It consists of A hole passing through the center of the donut-shaped bubble 32 is a sound produced by the acoustic driver (receiver) to allow air bubbles sealed in the ear to enter the ear conduit between the seal and the user's eardrum. Provides a direct path for

36 and 37 illustrate a pressure tube for transmitting the pressure generated by the acoustic drive pump 27 described herein, and an audio signal entering the device 10 via a cable 48. Shows electrical wires for The wire provides a signal for driving the acoustic driver (receiver). Pressure in the cable presses the earpiece housing 49. The ear portion housing 49 is connected to the expandable donut-shaped bubble 32 through an outer tube 49 surrounding the inner acoustic sound tube 40. The pressure causes the bubble 32 to expand in the ear or to actively contract to remove it from the ear by reversing the pressure using the pressure routing manifold 46 (described herein).

37, a donut-shaped bubble 32 can be removed from the ear portion for cleaning or replacement (described further herein). This is achieved by a coupling 70 between the portions of the sound tube 40 connecting the ear portion housing 69 to the donut-shaped bubble 32. The central tube is of course the sound tube 40 and the outer-coaxial tube 69 transmits pressure to expand the donut-shaped bubbles 32.

38 shows a photograph of a donut-shaped bubble 32. 39 shows a picture of the first step of attaching the bubble 32 to the ear portion, the connection of the acoustic sound tube 40. 40 shows a photograph of a second step of attaching bubble 32 to a pressure or inflation (outer) tube 69.

41 shows another embodiment of a donut configuration of the inflatable in-ear device 10. In this design, the acoustic driver 60 that provides the audio signal is fully or partially contained within the inflatable donut-shaped bubble 32.

Bubble expansion tone

All embodiments of the disclosed structure utilize sound to inflate or maintain the expansion of the polymer bubble 31 in the user's ear, which may be initially generated by other external means. The sound inflating bubble 31 may be the program material itself, or it may be a special tone designed to inflate (shrink) bubble 31. To the extent that the inflation tone can be inconvenient for the user, the end of the sound tube 40 may be blocked during play of the inflation tone. However, this feature is only possible for embodiments using sound tube 40 and other means for air inlet. For example, the air inlet tube 37 or groove may be located on the exterior of the sound tube 40. Without the air inlet tube 37, the only source of air for expanding the bubbles 31 is through the sound tube 40. Blocking sound tube 40 in a device without an air inlet tube renders bubble 31 inflatable.

The expansion tone need not be offensive to the user. Sound driven pumping based on synthetic jets can be tuned to different frequencies by adjusting such design parameters and sound tube diameter and length, port location, port size, and the like. Thus, the device 10 may be configured such that the inflation tone or series of tones may be a signal start sound for the device, giving comfort to the user and similar to the start tune commonly played by personal computers, cell phones and the like. Can be. Moreover, the inflation tone can be at a frequency above or below the user's listening range.

The inflation tone can be programmed into a device specifically configured to use the present technology. However, the expansion tone can also be supplied by an external source. For example, in a hearing aid that includes recorded program material but only picks up, amplifies and transmits ambient sound, the inflation tone can be supplied to device 10 by an external device playing a tone or starting sound sequence. . Such external devices may be small and take the form of handheld speakers or sound generators, which are eared as part of the process of initiating device 10.

variable Trapped  Tuning of Ear Conduits to Volumetric Resonators

FIG. 42 shows the result of inserting an inflatable donut-shaped bubble 32 into the ear of a user creating a variable trapped volume from the space in the ear conduit between the eardrum and the polymer membrane of the sealing donut. This variable trapped volume is similar to the variable trapped volume inside a blocked bubble driven as described in the '356 application, and has the same benefit of producing a completely rich sound. The composition of the donut-like bubbles in the ear also decreases over the eardrum's bias by allowing excess sound energy to be absorbed by the bubbles rather than the eardrum. Impedance matching aspects of donut bubble expansion disclosed herein relate to this feature. In particular, by tuning the donut bubble expansion and tuning the impedance associated with the space behind the eardrum (middle ear), excessive sound energy flows away from the eardrum. Some of this excess sound energy entering the donut-like bubbles is introduced into the ear canal wall for direct contact with the cochlea via a process commonly known as bone structure. Impedance matching and sound energy absorption aspects of the donut-shaped bubbles also reduce the occlusion effect or booming of its own voice due to resonance in the sealed ear conduit.

Thus, in this configuration, the volume of air is trapped in the ear conduit between the inflatable seal and the tympanic membrane. The sound tube passing in between the sound tube 40 and the donut-shaped bubble 32 allows the sound to pass directly from the acoustic driver (receiver) to the trapped volume in the ear conduit. In this embodiment, the sound tube acts as a transducer for delivering sound energy towards the tympanic membrane and also for delivering sound energy to the bubble space surrounding the sound tube.

This configuration effectively transforms the sealed bubble configuration discussed specifically in the '356 application. As described above, in this sealed bubble configuration, sound is delivered to the sealed bubble 32, which forms a resonant cavity or variable volume in the ear.

In the donut configuration of the present application, sound is delivered in volume between the donut-shaped bubble 32 and the eardrum in the ear canal. Therefore, the space in the ear conduit becomes a resonant cavity of variable trapped volume. In addition, the donut-shaped bubbles 32 cause these resonant cavities in the tympanic membrane to be variable trapped in volume, such that the location and vibrational compliance of the bubbles 32 are donut-shaped bubbles 32. This can be tuned by adjusting the pressure at. This allows precise control of the acoustic properties of the resonant volume in the ear conduit and thus the sound registered on the eardrum.

The tympanic membrane is a vibrating membrane with a back pressure provided by the volume of the inner ear. The expandable donut-shaped bubble 32 is also a membrane that vibrates in response to sound converted into the trapped volume of the ear conduit. Thus, the trapped volume of the ear conduit is the surface of the donut-shaped bubble 32, two vibrating membranes, a resonant cavity blocked by the ear conduit. By adjusting the pressure in the donut-shaped bubble 32, the mechanical compliance can be adjusted. This affects what part of the sound (amplitude and frequency) is transmitted to bubble 32 and eardrum. This form of impedance matching allows precise control over the volume and sound quality experienced by the user.

In an alternative or complementary field of view, the resonant cavity in the ear conduit may be viewed as a trapped volume that acts as a compliance for coupling the acoustic signal from the receiver to the diaphragm / bubble.

hybrid  ear Mold

The device 10 may be configured inside a conventional ear mold having at least one membrane window 71 in the ear mold facing the eardrum, through which vibrations of the device may approach the eardrum of the user. In some embodiments, at least one other port in the ear mold causes the inflatable bubble 31 to be exposed to the surrounding environment outside of the ear. The variable pressure of the membrane bladder 72 provides the audio (variable impedance matching and variable resonant volume) and occlusion performance of the device within the context of a conventional ear mold. Conventional ear molds on their own (without including an internal diaphonic ear lens) do not achieve variable impedance matching and variable resonant volume characteristics.

In FIG. 43, the variable pressure membrane 72 is shown at two expansion volume levels. When the volume of the membrane changes to increase compliance, this allows to increase the amount of external sound delivered to the user's eardrum while minimizing the amount of occlusion experienced by the user.

Manufacture of prescribed bubbles

As mentioned above, the physical properties of the foam material affect the performance of the bubbles in the ear. Related bubble material properties include thickness, area density (weight per unit area of film), tensile modulus, strength, elasticity, air penetration, surface hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity, storage modulus, and mechanical damping coefficient. The particular direction dependent properties (tensile modulus, strength, elasticity, storage modulus, loss modulus, complex modulus, mechanical damping modulus) of the thin polymer film material used to produce the bubbles can vary along varying coplanar directions. That is, the polymer film for the bubble configuration may be anisotropic with respect to certain properties. The polymer film may also be isotropic with respect to the coplanar properties of the direction dependency. The polymer film used in the bubble configuration is anisotropic for coplanar properties of some direction dependencies, and may be isotropic for coplanar properties of other direction dependencies.

The values of these polymer film properties, and variations in these properties with orientation across the polymer bubble surface, control bubble performance. Performance aspects affected by this include acoustic transmission of sound to the eardrum, sealing of the ear conduits, occlusion of the ear conduits, wearer comfort, sealed bubbles and sealing resonances of the ear conduits, and variable resonance, sound impedance do.

Various bubble material properties can be selected (by careful selection of various types and grades of bubble film materials) to create bubbles suitable for addressing the listening problems of a given user or patient. For example, sound transmission and resonance can be maximized in the frequency range where the user has the largest listening loss. Different predetermined prescribed bubbles are created to address common listening problems such as listening loss in various commonly encountered frequency ranges. These defining bubbles are distinguished by color coding or different key codes in detachable couplings where the bubbles are connected to the body of the listening device (including the transducer). A correctly defined bubble and sound tube assembly will install the coupling on the device. For more unusual listening needs, bubbles can be created to meet those needs of the individual. Personalized bubbles can be assigned a unique key code on the detachable coupling. Thus, only custom defined bubbles will adapt to the user's listening device with unique listening or ear health issues.

Further different portions of the bubble 31 can be optimized to selectively improve different functions. For example, the back of the bubble (outside of the ear) can be optimized to block sound transmission, improving isolation and avoiding feedback. The waist of the bubble (in contact with the side of the ear conduit) can be optimized to improve the sealing function of the bubble or to provide some air penetration for comfort and ear health. The front of the bubble (toward the tympanic membrane) can be optimized to improve the acoustic properties of the volume trapped in the ear canal. Single bubbles with gradients in various properties across the surface (module, penetration, elasticity, damping, etc.) perform all or part of the particular function found.

One example of creating tailored foam material properties and creating tailored gradients of those properties across the bubble surface is to coat or inject a base polymer foam material with a modifier. A particular example of the process is to take bubbles formed from a semi-permeable polymer material and inject a polymer latex into the semi-permeable structure to change the density, penetration, thickness, and various mechanical coefficients of the bubble material. This type of injection can be made to different degrees in different areas on the bubble surface, resulting in gradients in bubble material properties. Likewise, the coating process can vary over the surface of the foam material to create surface gradients in performance related properties.

The described process yielded a useful variation of bubble properties when the base foam material was expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and the injected latex was a water-based polyurethane latex. By injecting polyurethane latex into the ePTFE bubble at different degrees in different areas of the bubble, gradients in performance related properties are created on the bubble surface. The degree of latex injection into the ePTFE is controlled by controlling the concentration of latex particles in the solution used to treat the ePTFE, or by the length of exposure of the ePTFE into the treatment solution, or both.

3. into sound tube Coaxial Diaphonic  Integration of valve

The sound tube 40 of the present invention may be implemented in various forms based on the desired characteristics of the device 10.

One or more small ports or orifices 73 in the wall of the sound tube 40 allow a path between the interior of the sound tube 40 and the space inside the polymer bubble 31 (or the donut-shaped bubble 32). to provide. The small port or orifice in the sound tube acts as a port for the synthetic jet based pump as described above and allows sound to bubbles. As such, sound energy in the bubble is transferred to the ear canal wall, increasing the richness of the sound.

Thus, when the transducer 20 produces sound, the principle of synthetic jets (described in more detail above), and other aspects of the actuation of a diaphonic valve, including flaps, polymer sleeves, inlet ports, etc. Through a small orifice 73 in the wall of the tube 40, it directs the flow of air from the sound tube 40 to the polymer bubble 31. In this way, sound energy from the transducer 20 can be used to inflate the polymer bubble 31 in the user's ear.

During the process of insertion and expansion into the ear, the device shown in FIG. 44 introduces the air necessary to expand the bubble 32 from the ear conduit below the sound tube 40 into the bubble 32. This process helps to introduce the device into the ear conduit, where in other cases air already in the ear conduit may be pressurized (potentially inconvenient) or discharged to make room in the conduit for air bubbles 32. Because there is a need.

FIG. 44 shows a pattern of six ports 73 arranged equidistantly (at an angle of 50 degrees) along a line around the outer periphery of the sound tube 40. This particular port arrangement works well, but other port arrangements include arrangements with fewer or more ports, and arrangements in which rings of two or more ports surround the sound tube at different locations along the sound tube 40. It also works. The size of the port 73 and the position along the sound tube 40 affect the pumping efficiency as a function of the sound frequency produced by the transducer 20. By changing the position of the port 73 for a given sound frequency, or by changing the sound frequency for a given position of the port 73, the pumping action of the device is reversed and the polymer bubble 32 is removed for removal from the ear. It is also possible to actively contract. Thus, through the fixed configuration of the port 73, the transducer 20 generates one tone (frequency of sound) when the expansion of the bubble 32 is desired, and the other tone when the shrinkage is desired. Can be generated.

The device shown in FIG. 44 utilizes a single transducer 20 to inflate the bubble 32 and maintain the bubble pressure and to generate sound for the program material a human hears. The device 10 has the advantage of collecting energy to inflate the polymer bubbles 32 while allowing an unobstructed path from the transducer 20 to the user's eardrum.

Another embodiment of this technique is similar to that shown in FIG. 44, but with two separate transducers (discussed specifically herein), one generating tones to inflate the bubble 32 (or 32). And a device 10 having two separate transducers, the other being for generating program material for the user. In this case, both transducers supply each sound output to a common sound tube 40, which acts as a pumping mechanism for the air bubbles 31 and a sound path for the program material to the eardrum.

FIG. 45 shows a modification of the coaxial structure shown in FIG. 44, which increases the air pumping efficiency of the device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the tight installation sleeve 33 of thin polymer film covers the section of the sound tube 40, which includes an area comprising the port 73. The sleeve 33 is attached to the outside of the sound tube 40 with a hermetic seal at position A. Sleeve 33 ends in position B but is not attached (sealed) at this point.

The device 10 will also act when the sealed and open ends of the polymer sleeve 33 are reversed, ie when the sleeve 33 is sealed at B and opened at A. The device 10 will also act when both ends A and B of the sleeve 33 are open.

In another working embodiment, both ends A and B of the sleeve 33 are sealed. In this embodiment, the polymer sleeve 33 has one or more small holes or ports 74. These holes 74 in the polymer sleeve 33 are not side by side with the orifice or port 73 in the sound tube 40 and are not side by side with any air inlet tube (discussed further herein) openings. .

However, to continue the illustration of the present invention, an embodiment is contemplated in which the sleeve 33 is sealed at A and open at B.

As shown in the cross section of FIG. 45, the polymer sleeve 33 covers the port 73 at the wall of the sound tube 40.

The embodiment of FIG. 45 introduces the air needed to inflate the polymer bubbles 32 from the sound tube 40. Thus, when inserted into the ear, this embodiment introduces air into the bubble 32 from the ear conduit.

46 shows another embodiment of a coaxial device in which an air inlet tube 37 is added to allow air to enter from the outside of the ear conduit to inflate the polymer bubble 31.

The air inlet tube 37 has one end outside of the bubble 31 and outside of the ear conduit. The air inlet tube 37 leads to bubbles 31, leading to the side of one of the ports 73 at the wall of the sound tube 40 along the way.

There are as many design variations as possible in the configuration of the air inlet tube 37. FIG. 47 shows an embodiment where the air inlet tube 37 is connected to the side of all six ports 73 in the wall of the sound tube 40. This particular arrangement of port 73 is, of course, illustrative and not limited for the present invention. There may be some ports 73 and may be arranged in different patterns.

FIG. 47 shows the sound tube 40 for connecting individual air inlet tube sections 76 for each port 73 to the main air inlet tube 37 which guides the outside of the ear conduit and the outside of the bubble 31. An air inlet tube 37 using a circular manifold 75 at the base is shown. Another branched configuration for the air inlet tube 76 causes the main air inlet tube 37 to reach the multiple ports 73, which is claimed as part of the present invention. 46 and 47 show the inlet tube 76 running inside the wall of the sound tube 40 to the point of separating the port 73 in the sound tube wall. Tube 76 may also be a small tube attached to the outside or inside of sound tube 40.

The air inlet tube 76 is not necessary to separate the port at the wall of the sound tube 40. As shown in FIG. 48, the air inlet tube 37 may have its own outlet on the outer surface of the sound tube 40. In this case, the air inlet tube outlet 77 is below the polymer sleeve 33, which surrounds the sound tube 40, which is the sleeve 73 in the sound tube wall and the position 33 in the example (B). Is located between the open ends of the plurality of air inlet tube section outlets 77 of one of the types shown in FIG. 47 or of a number of other possible branch configurations. 73 may be located on the surface of the sound tube 40 between the open end of the polymer sleeve 33.

49 shows that the air inlet tube 37 is located at the outlet at the outer sleeve 33 of the sound tube 40, below the polymer sleeve 33, between the port 73 and the open end of the polymer sleeve 33. Another embodiment of a coaxial device with 77 is shown. In this case, the circular manifold 75 distributing inlet air is located at the position of the air inlet tube outlet 77. One particular embodiment of the manifold 75 at the air inlet tube outlet 77 is a channel at the surface of the sound tube 40 running around the circumference of the sound tube 40. This channel is supplied by the air inlet tube 37 and maintains a closed circular manifold when the polymer sleeve 33 covers it. However, when the polymer sleeve 33 moves away from the outer surface of the sound tube 40 due to the synthetic jet action of the port, this inlet air manifold exhausts the inlet air.

The design features of the inlet air tube system (length and diameter of the tube, size, location and number of inlet air inlets and outlets, etc.) control the amount of resistance and impedance to the inlet air flow. The air is drawn through the inlet air tube system under the pressure difference produced by the acoustic pumping of the device. This pump-generating pressure should be sufficient to overcome the line-resistance in the inlet air tube system. By balancing the flow resistance with respect to the inlet air and the features of the device 10, the source of air used to inflate (or maintain the expansion) of the polymer bubble is air from the ear conduit (out of the sound tube 40). Proper balance between and inlet air can be achieved. For example, it is desirable to use a portion of the air in the ear conduit as part of the bubble expansion so as not to overpress the ear conduit when the device is inserted. However, it is desirable to prevent too much air from entering the ear conduit during bubble expansion (or maintaining expansion), as this results in partial vacuum in the ear conduit, which is inconvenient for the user. By tuning the flow resistance of the air inlet tube, a balance is achieved when the correct (most comfortable) amount of air is taken from the ear conduit and the remainder comes through the air inlet tube.

All embodiments of the design shown in FIGS. 44-49 are also transducers 20 (see FIG. 50) not received in bubble 31, or transducers 20 partially received in bubble 31. (See FIG. 51). These two figures show one particular air inlet tube configuration coupled with a bubble 31 that does not receive the transducer 20 or with a bubble 31 that partially receives the transducer 20. . However, it is implied that all possible air inlet tube designs and all possible sound tube port designs can be combined with bubbles that do not receive the transducer or partially receive the transducer.

In other embodiments, in FIGS. 52-59, air inflow along the outside of the sound tube 40 proceeds through the groove (s) 78 at the outer surface of the sound tube 40. Groove 78 is covered by polymer sleeve 33 on the outer vyauys of sound tube 40. Groove (s) 78 covered by polymer sleeve 33 form an efficient air inlet tube 37 along the exterior of sound tube 40.

FIG. 52 shows an embodiment where the same type of air inlet tube 37 shown in the previous embodiment routes air to the base of the sound tube 40. Connect air inlet tube 37 to groove 78 at the outside of sound tube 40 at point A, and polymer sleeve 33 is secured to the outside of sound tube 40 at point A. . In FIG. 52, bubble 31 does not receive transducer 20.

FIG. 53 shows an embodiment in which bubble 31 receives transducer 20 and air inlet tube 37 routes air to point A, where sound tube 40 is at point A. FIG. The groove 78 from the outside starts.

FIG. 54 shows an embodiment similar to FIG. 52 except that there is no air inlet tube 37 to guide the start of the groove 78 at point A on the outside of the sound tube 40. In this embodiment, since the bubble 31 covers only the sound tube 40, it is important that the end of the groove 78 near the transducer 20 protrude beyond the point A along the groove 79. Provide ingress into air.

FIG. 55 shows an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 54 except that there are six grooves 78 on the outside of the sound tube 40 providing air inflow past point A. FIG. Other embodiments similar to FIG. 55 may have fewer or more such grooves 78.

FIG. 56 shows an embodiment where there are multiple grooves 78 on the outside of the sound tube 40 to provide air ingress. Multiple grooves 78 are supplied with air from circular manifold 75 at the base of sound tube 40, which in turn is supplied by air inlet tube 37.

FIG. 57 shows an embodiment similar to FIG. 56 with multiple grooves 78 outside of sound tube 40 providing air ingress past point A. FIG. However, in Fig. 57, the groove 78 is a curve rather than a straight line. In this example, the grooves are spiraled around the sound tube 40.

FIG. 58 illustrates an embodiment similar to FIG. 57 except that there are two sets of helical grooves 78 spiraling around the sound tube 40. One set of helical grooves rotates clockwise (right helix) and the other set of helical grooves rotates counterclockwise (left helix). Two sets of helical grooves cross each other.

In all embodiments in FIGS. 52-58, air inlet grooves 78 outside of sound tube 40 are shown to separate orifices (ports) 78 in sound tube 40. Another embodiment terminates past an orifice (port) 73 similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 48, or terminates in a groove around the outer periphery of the sound tube 40 similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 49. On the outside of the tube 40 there are these air inlet grooves 78.

59 shows an embodiment of coaxial device 10 in which sound tube 40 has an open end (point C) in bubble 31. In this embodiment, the bubble 31 is operative to further transmit sound down the ear canal towards the eardrum. Any embodiment in which the sound tube 40 terminates at the open end in the bubble 31 must have an air inlet system. All types of air inlet systems shown in FIGS. 52-58 are possible with sound tubes 40 terminating at the open end at bubble 31 as in FIG. Moreover, an embodiment having a sound tube 40 terminating at an open end (point C) in bubble 31 may have a bubble for receiving sound tube 40 (shown in FIG. 50), or a transducer It may have a bubble that fully or partially receives 20 (see FIGS. 49 and 51).

Alternative features

Waveform control of acoustically actuated pumps

The waveform is fed to an acoustic driver that provides sound to operate the acoustically actuated pumping device as a major influence on pumping performance. For example, the type of waveform shown in FIG. 60 is particularly efficient for pumping in the acoustically actuated pump 27. The rise time is about 5% of the cycle and the fall time is about 95% of the cycle. Compared to the sine wave of the same peak-to-peak value, this waveform produces approximately 30% more pressure from the resulting pump. This allows for relatively fast diaphragm movements during the discharge cycle and slower movements during the suction cycle. This uses a manually operated fire siren.

By adjusting the waveform, an acoustically actuated pump 27 of a type that does not include a membrane valve (described herein) can be operated backwards. Thus, electronic waveform control can be used in this case to achieve the same type of pumping reversal described above with a pressure routing manifold.

It is also possible to reverse the pumping direction of the acoustically actuated pump 27 by adjusting the impedance through the use of differently sized inlet and pressure outlet ports. However, this approach is less used to inflate and deflate in-ear bubbles 31 because it requires a physically varying tube. The use of pressure routing manifold 46 (FIGS. 15 and 16) or electronic waveform control in the pumping direction is probably more convenient for this application.

Transducer  Impedance Pressure Feedback Control Circuit

When using the diaphonic valve 22 or 50 to pressurize the expandable member (such as the expandable bubble 31), it is desirable to be able to detect the achieved pressure and regulating pumping through the feedback mechanism. This can prevent excessive or degraded expansion of the system. The back pressure on the diaphragm valve 22 or 50 increases the pressure load on the transducer 20 driving the pumping system. The degree of pressure load on the transducer 20 changes the electrical impedance of the transducer 20. Therefore, this measurement of transducer impedance provides a measure of speaker load, thus providing a measure of back pressure in the system. The feedback circuit can be used to monitor and control the transducer operation, as sensed by the transducer electrical impedance to maintain control of system pressurization.

In addition, the use of pressure sensing devices (not shown) in the audio or pressurized transducers (not shown) may be coupled to appropriate feedback-servo circuitry to achieve programmable pump / pressure regulation.

Mechanical reversal of pump action

As described herein, the use that can reverse the pumping direction of diaphonic valve 22 or 50 is some value. This allows control of the pressure level in the inflatable member 30, and also allows for active contraction and active expansion of the bubbles 31 (or 32). Two methods of achieving reversal of the pumping direction are disclosed and include alternatives to waveforms sent to the routing manifold 46 (FIGS. 15 and 16) and drive transducers.

A third method of reversing the pumping direction of diaphragm valve 22 or 50 is to mechanically change the acoustic and static pressure impedance of the inlet port and tube to achieve the reverse flow action of the valve. Changing the acoustic impedance of the inlet port orifice and tube to the audio frequency used in the diaphragm valve 22 or 50 or appropriate constraints of the inlet flow will result in the reversal of the flow in the device 10. This allows the diaphragm valve 22 or 50 to switch variably between expansion and contraction modes without using a routing manifold or similar device. Without being limited to such an approach, the flow constraint method may include a device for mechanically reducing the inner diameter of the flexible tube attached to the diaphonic valve inlet tube 37, or in the case of a port that does not use any inlet tube. The conical tip may be variably advanced to the inlet port orifice to achieve flow reversal. Thus, applying some classes of flow spoilers to the inlet port or inlet tube can be used to reverse the flow of diaphonic valve 22 or 50.

move Orifice

61 shows the orifice 61 in the moving diaphragm 28. Diaphragm 28 may be a rigid or flexible material. As indicated by the arrow, the diaphragm 28 vibrates perpendicular to its surface. Vibration is symmetrical and is shown in the figure as a serrated waveform. Symmetric sine waves have similar results. This creates a synthetic jet fluid flow through the orifice 61 in both directions. For example, when the diaphragm 28 moves to the right, the fluid moves to the left through the orifice 61, producing a synthetic jet on the left side. When the diaphragm 28 moves to the left, the fluid moves to the right through the orifice 61, producing a synthetic jet on the right side. FIG. 61 shows a symmetrical arrangement in which the flow results of two opposing jets cancel each other out. Thus, this symmetrical arrangement is not useful for pumping fluids.

However, if the symmetry of the system is broken, one of the two composite jets is stronger than the other, and the device 10 will pump in one direction than the other. FIG. 62 illustrates the application of an asymmetric waveform to a symmetrical device if one method of breaking symmetry, thus pumping fluid, is different.

A further way of breaking the symmetry of the system is to have the orifices 61 in the moving diaphragm 28 having the same shape as one of the conical concave or protruding funnels, each of which faces in one direction rather than the other. These embodiments are shown in FIGS. 63A and 63B, respectively.

In FIG. 64, the waveform driving the vibration of the diaphragm 28 is symmetrical, while the orifice 61 does not. The narrow, condensing fluid flow from left to right produces a larger composite jet on the right than on the left. It is also possible to create embodiments competing the method of FIGS. 62 and 63, ie to produce asymmetric vibration waveforms and conical orifice shapes to improve pumping efficiency.

Each example described and illustrated herein has one inlet port 52, one pressure equalization port 56 and one port 61 in the diaphragm 28. However, other embodiments according to the present invention may include multiple inlet ports, multiple pressure equalization ports, and multiple ports in the diaphragm. Moreover, another embodiment according to the present invention may combine the port (s) and pressure equalization port (s) in the diaphragm. The position of the orifice 61 in the diaphragm 28 may vary in different embodiments to produce different pumping effects. For example, when the reciprocating motion is greater, the position of the port 61 near the center of the diaphragm 28 produces a larger pumping effect than the position of the port near the edge of the diaphragm 28.

Transducer  At the diaphragm Orifice

FIG. 65 shows an example where the moving orifice 61 described in the previous section is used to convert the balanced armature sound transducer 20 into a sound actuation pump 27. The balanced armature 21 is coupled to the diaphragm 28 covering the chamber 80 and is connected to the discharge port 59. In the conventional mode of operation of the balanced armature transducer 24, the electrical signal corresponding to the sound activates the balanced armature 21, which vibrates the diaphragm 28, producing sound from the discharge port 59. do.

In the pumping embodiment shown in FIG. 65, the diaphragm 28 has a small hole or orifice 61. When the diaphragm 28 is actuated by a balanced armature 21, the orifice 61 acts as a moving orifice and produces a synthetic jet. If one of the two asymmetric conditions shown in FIG. 63 (asymmetric waveform supplied to the transducer) or 64 (conical orifice) or both is present, vibration of the diaphragm 28 will produce an asymmetric composite jet. Once the symmetry is directed in the correct direction, the net flow of fluid exits the outlet port 59. The inlet port 52 at the wall of the device preferably permits a conventional amount of fluid as the fluid flow to the device, which is then pumped out of the outlet port 59.

By reversing the asymmetric condition of the moving orifice 61 in the system (by changing the phase of the asymmetric waveform by 180 degrees or otherwise creating a conical pore entrance face), the device 10 can be made to pump in reverse. In this case, the inlet can be an outlet or vice versa. Therefore, a device of the type in FIG. 65 that uses waveforms to create symmetry of moving orifices 61 is a sound actuating pump 27 that can act in either direction depending on the waveform of the signal sent to transducer 20. . This creates an effective reversal of the pumping direction for the expansion and contraction of the inflatable bubble 31.

The pumping efficiency of the device 10 in FIG. 65 can be increased by adding a membrane check valve 81 with an orifice 82 to the inlet port 52, to the outlet port 59, or both. Can be. This arrangement with valve 81 on inlet port 52 is shown in FIG. 66. The valve 81 is similar in design to that used in some embodiments of the aforementioned diaphonic valve using a flexible membrane that covers the orifice 63 (see check valve 62 in FIG. 18).

In FIG. 66, the membrane 83 has pores or orifices 82 that are not parallel to the inlet port 52 but off center. Flow through the inlet port 52 bends the membrane 83 and causes fluid to flow through both orifices 82, 52. The back pressure seals the membrane 83 against the inlet port 52, which blocks the laminar flow.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 66 increases pumping efficiency by preventing backflow, but prevents switching in the pumping direction by changing the waveform supplied to the transducer 20.

double Transducer

FIG. 67 shows another embodiment of a sound actuation pressure pump 27 using two transducers 20. The sound waves produced by the two transducers interfere with each other across the membrane 84 (which may be rigid or flexible) through the orifice 85 in the membrane 84. By adjusting the individual waveforms of the sound produced by the two transducers 20, and by adjusting the relative phases of these waves, the device is either port 1 to port 2 or port 2 to port 2. To 1 to create a pressure differential drive fluid flow. Thus, the device 10 of FIG. 67 represents another means for reversing the flow direction of the sound actuation pump 27. In this case, reversal is achieved by electronically changing (switching) the waveforms supplied to the two transducers 20.

The effect is also a single transducer using the use of a sound delivery tube configured to optimize the phase and impinge the difference in the membrane orifice between two sound waves coming from the same transducer septum, from one or both sides of the transducer septum. Can be achieved through the use of

Coaxial Diaphonic  Pump and move valve Orifice  Combination of pump

Higher forward (bubble expansion) pumping efficiency can be generated by combining the port 61 at the diaphragm 28 and the coaxial diaphonic valve 22 at the transducer back volume, as shown in FIG. 68. . FIG. 69 shows the same general embodiment, but with the addition of a tubular extension 79 of the transducer back volume to accommodate the diaphonic valve 22.

The embodiment of FIGS. 68 and 69 that combines the moving orifice 61 and the coaxial diaphonic valve 22 in the diaphragm 28 provides a dual sound generating pumping action. The coaxial diaphonic valve 22 always pumps in the forward direction (expansion of the bubble 31). The orifice 61 in the diaphragm 28 requires an asymmetric waveform to pump in the forward direction, increasing the pumping action of the coaxial diaphonic valve 22. The orifice 61 in the diaphragm 28 may also have a conical form (discussed further herein) to further increase pumping in the forward direction. Combinations of all these effects (coaxial diaphonic valves, ports in the diaphragm, asymmetric waveforms, cone shapes of the ports in the diaphragm) can be combined to produce the highest pumping efficiency.

FIG. 99 illustrates one embodiment using an output tube 86 that expands a diaphonic valve 22 and a donut-shaped bubble 32 in the transducer back volume. The embodiment of FIG. 99 may or may not include pressure equalization port 56, port 61 in diaphragm 28, or both.

In various embodiments disclosed herein, the transducer back volume acts like a pressure bulb tank. The pressure must be pressurized before it can be delivered to the inflatable member 30. Thus, an approach to reducing the backside volume of the transducer 20 is in a more responsive and efficient pumping device. This applies to all the embodiments disclosed herein.

100 shows an example in which the backside volume of the transducer is reduced by filling the void space with the space filling material 87. Of course, this should be done so as not to interfere with the action of the transducer 20 (moving part, electric or magnetic field).

101 illustrates another approach to reducing the backside volume of the transducer, ie, adding partition 88 to the backside volume. This is shown for a relatively simple case of a pump based on a port in diaphragm 28. Partition 88 creates a smaller lower portion of the backside volume, which is used for the pressure / pumping function of transducer 20. The remainder of the rear volume is not involved in pumping. If the balanced armature 21 is outside of the divided lower portion of the rear volume used for pressure generation, the drive pin must be fed through the rear volume partition with a gasket or seal, and this gasket or seal allows freedom of movement. However, it resists leakage of pressure.

The approach of adding a partition to the backside volume can be applied to any of the embodiments provided in this disclosure. When this is done, it is necessary for these valves to be connected to or placed in the smaller divided portion of the rear volume used for pressure generation.

Auto Insert / Retract Mechanism

The use of a pressurization mechanism, such as an autonomous diaphragm valve, provides the pneumatic action of the device at or near the same location of the inflatable bubble 31. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 70, the pressure is moved to pressurize the linear actuator 89 that moves the inflatable bubble 31 from within the protective cowl 90 or cover and inserts it into the ear conduit. Swell variably in the stomach When the pressure flow is reversed from the pressurizing means, the inflatable bubble 31 automatically contracts and is retracted into the protective housing 91. In addition, electric mechanical or manual operating means can be used to achieve this use.

As shown in FIG. 71, the actuator 89 may include a staged expansion and contraction needle valve 92. In one embodiment, the actuator 89 has a cylinder 93 with a piston 94 reciprocating therein. Moreover, the collapsible and expandable cylindrical skirt 95 may be made of an ePTFR fabric or other polymer film material without holes attached to the bottom of the cylinder 93 and the bottom of the piston 94 to seal the space during operation. Can be. Moreover, the progressive diameter needle 92 provides for controlling the passage of the fluid (eg air) through the cylinder 94 through the passages extending through the piston 94. The passage through the piston 94 includes a port 96 for receiving the needle 92, the needle 92 having a distal end 97 and a proximal portion 98, and the distal end 97 having a proximal portion. Smaller in diameter than 98.

In operation, when pressurized fluid enters cylinder 93 from pressure delivery tube 69 (FIG. 70), piston 94 is moved such that inflatable bubble 31 is inserted into the user's ear. Once the port 96 of the piston 94 is around the distal end 97 of the needle 92, the pressure causes the cylinder 93 to exit through the passage in the piston 94. The exiting pressure is used to inflate the inflatable bubble 31 previously inserted into the user's ear.

Once the inflatable bubble 31 is retracted and removed from the user's ear, the pressure is relieved from the cylinder 93 via the pressure transfer tube 69 (FIG. 70). This causes the inflatable bubble 31 to contract through the passage provided by the piston 94 and the space between the piston port 96 and the distal end 97 of the needle 92. Once the inflatable bubble 31 is retracted, the piston 94 moves towards the proximal portion 98 of the needle 92 and the inflatable bubble 31 is retracted from the user's ear.

Use of active noise cancellation to quiet bubble expansion

Previously, it is known that certain embodiments of device 10 equipped with a Sonion 44AO300 dual transducer have the best energy efficiency of pumped air to expand air bubbles in the ear at a frequency of about 3 kHz. At this operating frequency, device 10 may use less than 5% of the battery power available in existing hearing aids to inflate and maintain bubble 31 in the ear over a 12 hour period. However, doing this requires the initial and intermittent use of an expansion tone of about 3 kHz at a significant amplitude (magnitude).

Other embodiments based on other transducers and other diaphonic valve configurations may have the most energy efficient pumping at somewhat different frequencies. However, all such devices have the frequency or frequency range where pumping is most efficient, and these tones will often have the potential to offend the user when played with sufficient amplitude (size) to achieve bubble expansion.

In order to solve this potential problem of unpleasant expansion tones, the present invention preferably utilizes two transducers in the device 10. The acoustic output of the two transducers during the expansion of the bubble creates a noise cancellation (reduction in amplitude) and / or a shift in the listening frequency, so that it is completely or partially out of phase to make the expansion process less disturbing to the user.

Embodiments of the present invention include the aforementioned balanced armature transducer paired with a second transducer. The device creates pressure from sound pressure vibrations in the rear volume of one of the transducers, which pressure is used to inflate bubbles 31 (blocked or donut-shaped) in the user's ear. The other transducer is used to produce a sound output that is matched (as far as possible) in frequency and amplitude and is 180 degrees out of phase with the output of the first transducer. This arrangement quiets the device during bubble expansion.

For this device 10, during normal hearing aid (or other audio) operation, one of the two transducers may be turned off and the other transducer may provide audio material to the user. This requires a switching configuration that can be mechanical or electronic, where one transducer is turned on and off. Both transducers can be operated in phase, enhancing the signal of each other during normal hearing aid operation. This requires a switching configuration that can be mechanical or electronic, where one transducer has an inverted (out of 180 degree phase for bubble expansion) and again switched (in phase during normal listening) electrical input.

Another example is two transducer devices where the audio outputs of the two transducers can act out of phase during bubble expansion to quiet the device, but both transducers are incorporated into a pump that acts from the rear volume. Through two pumps that act to inflate the bubble 31, the device 10 will inflate the bubble 31 more quickly. Preference is given to applications in which the bubble expansion process is rapid (less than 20 seconds, preferably less than 10 seconds) or quiet.

Devices that provide active sound cancellation using two transducers can inflate bubbles 31 in the user's ears and maintain inflation while continuing to play audio program material (hearing aid functions, communications, MP3 audio, etc.) Air can be pumped to make it work. This can be accomplished by superimposing the audio data signal on the expansion tone in one of the two transducers. Other transducers play only the expansion tone, but are out of phase 180 degrees. The net effect is that the expansion tone is completely or partially canceled out and the audio signal remains intact.

Alternatively, in two transducer devices (described above), both transducers can play audio material, which can be the same or different, but is out of phase and does not cancel itself out. At the same time, the expansion tone in each transducer is superimposed on this audio material. However, the two transducers play the same expansion tone that is 180 degrees out of phase with each other, producing an offset or partial cancellation of the expansion tone, while audio material from both transducers is heard by the user.

72 shows a schematic diagram of a particular embodiment of two transducer devices 10. This example is constructed using the Sonion 44A0300 dual transducer, which provides the four transducers required for the device in a single package. Although the particular example shown in FIG. 72 uses a device to inflate a donut-shaped bubble 32, the application of the same dual transducer approach to blocked (driven) bubbles is evident.

As shown in FIG. 73, the Sonion 44AO300 dual transducer can be wired so that the polarity of one of the transducers can be switched for the other polarity. To inflate the sealed bubble 31, the two component receivers of the Sonion 4400 are driven in line with opposite polarities. This action reduces the sound in the receiver tube you bought. Once the desired inflation pressure is reached, the inflation signal is switched off and the receiver section is driven in line with the additional polarity.

The circle in FIG. 73 is configured and measured to determine and verify the sound pressure available for pumping against the sound pressure provided to the hearing aid user. FIG. 74 shows the difference in sound pressure level (SPL) measured at the Zwistocki coupler (approximate to the signal at the user's eardrum), working out of 180 degree phase, in contrast to the Series Addition, in which the transducer acts in phase. It is shown that it is 30dB lower for the Series Subtraction arrangement corresponding to the transducer. In addition, the rear volume SPL in either of the two transducers available to generate the pumping pressure is 80 dB higher than the SPL experienced by the user with active cancellation of the expansion tone.

Replaceable Bubble and Sound Tube Assemblies

FIG. 75 shows a coaxial embodiment of device 10 in which bubble 32 and sound tube 40 are connected to transducer 20 via coupling 100. As shown in FIG. 76, this coupling portion 100 allows separation of the bubble 31 and the sound tube 40 from the rest of the device 10, including the transducer 20.

In normal use, bubble 32 and sound tube 40 become dirty and need to be cleaned. Detachable coupling 100 allows bubble 31 and sound tube 40 to be removed from the rest of device 10 for easy cleaning.

In addition, the bubble 31 and the sound tube 40 may be worn due to use or may be damaged in handling by a user. The detachable coupling 100 allows damaged, worn or dirty bubbles and sound tube assemblies to be removed and cleaned and / or replaced with new ones. Due to the relatively complex nature of the polymer sleeve 33 and bubble 33 covering the sound tube 40, the bubble 33 and sound tube assembly is the design of the disposable portion of the device 10. It is periodically removed and designed to be replaced with a new bubble and sound tube assembly.

The use of the detachable bubble 31 and the sound tube assembly 40 can also be combined with other pumping mechanisms in addition to the coaxial device 10. For example, each may be combined with a synthetic jet acoustic pumping device based on an orifice in a plate, or other diaphonic valve embodiments, as described herein.

The replaceable bubble 31 and the detachable coupling 100 between the sound tube assembly 40 and the transducer 20 will necessarily include a connection for the air inlet route in embodiments utilizing an air inlet route. The embodiment shown in FIG. 75 utilizes a groove 78 at the outer surface of the sound tube 40 for the air inlet. This groove 78 accesses the outside air at a distance between the detachable coupling 100 and the point A, at which point the polymer sleeve 33 starts. Therefore, in this embodiment, air inflow is achieved without the need for an air inlet connection through the detachable coupling 100.

FIG. 77 illustrates an embodiment in which the removable / replaceable bubble 32 and the sound tube assembly 40 include a sound tube that terminates at the open end within the bubble 32.

Removable coupling with lock and key mechanism

Bubble 31 (or 32) and sound tube assembly 40 may be of different sizes to accommodate natural variations in ear conduit size among the user. In addition, by tailoring the properties of the bubble material (strength, stiffness, elasticity, density, air penetration), different bubble types can be created, for example, to suit hearing aid patients for different listening or ear related problems.

Thus, in particular in hearing aid applications, the bubbles 31 and sound tube assembly 40 may be considered similar to the prescribed contact lenses for the eye.

The simplest embodiment of the detachable coupling shown in FIGS. 75 and 76 is a smooth pair of friction installations, concentric rings or short cylinders. The first outer cylinder 101 is installed in the second inner cylinder 102 which creates the coupling. As shown slightly in FIGS. 78 to 83, the outer cylinder 101 can be connected to the removable bubble 31 and the sound tube assembly 40, while the inner cylinder 102 is the transducer 20 and the device. It may be connected to the body of (10). Alternatively, the outer cylinder 101 may be attached to the body of the transducer 20 and the device 10, and the inner cylinder 102 may be attached to the removable bubble 31 and the sound tube assembly 40. Can be. The type of coupling 100 shown in the figures can be achieved by constructing an inner cylinder 102 of rigid material (such as rigid plastic) and an outer cylinder 101 of flexible or rubber material (such as rubber plastic). . Alternatively, the coupling shown can also be achieved in that the outer cylinder 101 is made of a rigid material and the inner cylinder 102 is made of a flexible or rubber material. In addition, both the inner and outer cylinders 101 and 102 may be rigid materials, or both may be flexible or rubber materials.

Coupling 100 that connects removable bubble 31 and sound tube assembly 40 to the body of transducer 20 and device 10 may be color coded to help the user select the correct defined bubble. have. In this case, when defining the device, the audiologist will install the body of the device 10 in the engagement of a particular collar that matches the collar of the engagement on a prescribed bubble appropriate for that particular patient.

78B shows an example of a “lock and key” recognition mechanism for the detachable coupling where bubble 31 and sound tube assembly 40 are connected to transducer 20. The pattern of markings on mating surfaces of the detachable bonds must match for the bond to be made. Different defined bubble and sound tube assemblies will have different patterns at half of the detachable coupling. They need to match the marking at the other half of the coupling on the fixed body of the device by the transducer. Half of the coupling secured on the device will be determined by the defining physician and will ensure that the patient utilizes the appropriate bubble and sound tube assembly. Locking and key matching the appropriate defining bubble and sound tube assemblies into the body of the user's device may also be combined with the color coding of the aforementioned engagement. This provides a convenient way for the user to select the correct bubble based on the collar of the engagement portion associated with the safety mechanism based on lock and key matching to prevent the attachment of false bubbles.

The lock and key aspect of the detachable coupling can be achieved with the shape, spacing and depth of the grooves on the concentric cylindrical surface, as shown in FIG. 78B. Other ways of achieving such lock and key mechanisms include variations in the size and shape of the concentric mounting parts. For example, the coupling part 100 may be composed of a concentric tube of a rectangular, square, triangular, rhombohedral, pneumatic or star-shaped cross section. These different cross-sectional shapes may be combined with patterns of other markings or grooves of the type shown in FIG. 78B.

The lock and key engagement portion 100 may be held together by the friction shown in FIG. 78B or may include an additional locking mechanism. For example, once the concentric tubes pass through each other, the outer tube can be twisted around the circumference to the inner tube to lock the joint. Alternatively, the coupling can be screwed together with threads on the mating surfaces of the concentric tubes, where the placement of the threads (size, spacing, depth, etc.) provides for recognition (ie lock and key mechanism).

Different combinations of the two or more locking and recognition mechanisms described are possible.

When an embodiment incorporating an air inlet tube that supplies air from around the rear of the transducer, when combined with a removable sound tube and bubble assembly, the detachable coupling should include a through hole for the air inlet route.

FIG. 79 shows an air inlet tube 37 installed in the wall of the outer concentric cylinder 101 of the detachable coupling 100. In this example, the air inlet tube 37 runs in the wall of the cylindrical coupling 100 parallel to the cylindrical axis of the coupling 100. The air inlet tube 37 may also be located on the wall of the inner cylinder 102 of the detachable coupling (not shown) and also delivers air parallel to the cylindrical axis of the coupling 100. FIG. 80 shows that the air inlet tube 37 passing through the outer cylinder 101 of the detachable coupling 100 can be combined with the lock and key matching installed in the concentric portion of the detachable coupling 100. do. The positioning of the air inlet tube through hole in the inner cylinder of the detachable coupling 100 can likewise be combined with the lock and key matching code on the coupling.

FIG. 81 shows an air inlet through hole in the detachable engagement portion 100 achieved by a slot or groove in the outer surface of the inner member of the engagement portion covered by the inner surface of the outer member of the engagement portion. Likewise, the air inlet through hole may be achieved by slots or grooves in the inner surface of the outer member of the engaging portion covered by the outer surface of the inner member of the engaging portion.

FIG. 82 shows an air inlet through hole in the detachable engagement portion 100 achieved by a matching groove in the inner surface of the outer portion of the engagement portion and the outer surface of the inner portion of the detachable engagement portion. This type of air inlet through hole needs to be engaged with the lock and key matching of the joint surface to ensure that the grooves on the two members of the joint match each other.

83 shows the air inlet through hole in the detachable joining portion 100 achieved with the tube at the wall of the outer member 101 of the joining portion across the tube in the inner member of the joining portion. This requires matching of holes at the inner surface of the outer member and at the outer surface of the inner member 102. Achieving matching of holes in the engagement surface needs to be combined with lock and key matching to ensure that this type of engagement ensures that the members of the engagement portion always meet in the same orientation. Another embodiment is similar to FIG. 83, but with an air inlet through hole crossing from the inner member to the outer member 101 of the engagement portion 100.

The air inlet tube 37 through the embodiment shown in FIGS. 77-83 is all shown with a detachable coupling 100 of cylindrical cross section. Concentric joints of other cross-sectional shapes (rectangular, square, triangular, rhombohedral, oval or star-shaped) are possible. The air inlet tube 37 through the embodiment shown in FIGS. 77-83 can similarly expand into these other cross-sectional shapes for the detachable coupling 100.

The air inlet tube 37 through the embodiment in FIGS. 77-83 shows a single through hole route (tube or channel). Multiple parallel through holes of this type are also possible, and these embodiments are particularly useful for air inlet systems of the type shown in the other figures.

supplement Pumping

The expansion of the polymer bubble 31 may be mechanically supplemented by an external device located outside the ear canal, directly outside the ear canal or cord connecting the device 10 to an external electronic device such as a digital music player. These external pumping devices can be powered electronically or manually. Air is injected into the polymer bubble 31 via, for example, the air inlet tube 37 shown in FIG. 46 or through a separate tube connecting a manual pump to the inside of the polymer bubble 31.

Examples of replenishment pumping methods for device 10 include variations in syringe pump (not shown) or syringe pump concepts. The plunger, which may be a rod or sphere, is moved through the tube to compress air at its pressure. The tube containing the compressed air of the syringe pump is connected inside the bubble so that the syringe pump can be used to inflate or deflate the bubble by pushing or pulling the plunger out of the tube.

Another example of a replenishment pumping method for device 10 includes a diaphragm pump (not shown) in which the flexible diaphragm is mechanically tightened to withdraw air from the chamber received by the diaphragm. The chamber has two check valves, where one valve opens when the chamber is pressurized to allow air to flow from the chamber into the polymer bubble, and the other check valve is shut off under pressure, but under partial vacuum, the diaphragm releases. Allow the chamber to refill when it loses.

Another example of a replenishment pumping method for the device 10 includes tightening the tube itself that connects the bubbles to the outside air. The tube containing the appropriate check valve functions in a similar manner to the diaphragm pump described.

Another example of a supplemental pumping method is to perform a peristaltic pumping motion on a tube that connects bubbles to outside air. This peristaltic action can be performed manually or via a power driven peripheral pump.

The expansion of the polymer bubble 31, the contraction of the bubble 31, and the maintenance of pressure during the use of the device 10 may be by the described external method, by the pumping action of the device pump 27, or by the external method and It can be achieved by a combination of device pumping. For example, external methods are used to replenish the pumping of the device 10 during rapid expansion and contraction, while the pumping action of the device pump keeps the bubble pressurized during use.

Feedback control through pressure regulation

Loss of ear canal seals in hearing aids can lead to unpleasant and potentially dangerous feedback because hearing aid speakers and microphones are physically close and are no longer isolated from each other. Embodiments of the device 10 preferably include a control mechanism (not shown) based on hardware (electronics) or software. When feedback control is activated, the gain of the electronic device is temporarily reduced. In response to this action, the device 10 allows to increase the pumping action, thereby increasing the expansion in the polymer bubble 31 and improving the ear conduit seal. This pressure is triggered by an onset of feedback and reduces the feedback coupling path between the device receiver and the microphone.

Double wall Rib type  bubble

84 shows an alternative design for the polymer bubble 31. In this embodiment, the bubble 31 is a double-wall, and only the space between the inner wall 103 and the outer wall 104 is pressurized by the pumping action of the sound actuating pump 27, the outer pump or a combination of the two. do. Connecting the ribs 105 between the inner wall 103 and the inner wall 104 of the bubble 31 allows the double-walled bubble 31 to remain in shape. In FIG. 84, the rib 105 is shown to run vertically along the length of the bubble 31. However, other rib arrangements are possible including lateral ribs running around the circumference, such as bubbles, spiral patterns of ribs, and the like.

Rib 105 may or may not be permeable to air. They function to set the distance between the inner wall 103 and the outer wall 104 of the bubble 31 when inflated and need not be impermeable to air to achieve this. The ribs 105 may be made of air permeable material or may have holes in them. The rib 105 may also be replaced with a discrete post placement that fixes the distance between the inner and outer surfaces of the double-walled bubble 31.

This embodiment of the device 10 has a less stringent pumping requirement in expanding bubbles, for example, than the embodiment shown in FIG. 36 due to the greatly reduced expanded volume in the double-wall ribbed bubble 31. Has The internal space of the bubble 31 including the transducer 20 does not need to be pressurized.

Combined  Multi-from inflatable tube Chamber type  bubble

Similar to the double-walled bubble 31, in the embodiment of FIG. 84 the required expansion volume is minimized by having the interior of the pressurized bubble. 85 shows an example of bubble design created by tying inflatable polymer tube 106 together. FIG. 85 shows that using smaller, larger diameter tubes provides thicker bubble walls, while FIG. 86 shows that using a larger number of tubes of smaller diameter produces thinner bubble walls. Shows that.

This design requires a circular pressure manifold in which the pressure generated by the diaphonic valve is distributed to each of the tubular bubble wall sections. 85 and 86 are examples of bubbles that receive the transducer 20. The same bubble can be incorporated into any of the devices described above where the transducer is outside the bubble or is partially received by the bubble.

The inflatable tubular sections of the device in FIGS. 85 and 86 may be glued together laterally by an adhesive or melt or solution bonding process. Alternatively, the tubular section 106 may remain unbonded laterally along its length. In this case, the tubes 106 are joined together at or near the two ends. Expansion of the unbound tube stiffens the structure and provides foam 31 with its shape.

Bubble 31 may be formed from six tubes 106 and twenty or more tubes 106. The number of tubes 106 is actually limited as needed to distribute air flow and pressure to all of them through the pressure manifold.

Multi-tone ear-conduit test

Two tone ear conduit tests are described in conventional ear tips including foam, silicone, or rubber inserts: http://www.sensaphonics.com/test/index.html. This approach can be applied to evaluate the ear seal obtained with the device 10. In this approach, the user inserts the device, hears continuously played low frequency tones (such as 50 Hz) and high frequency tones (such as 500 Hz) and listens together at the same volume level. When the two tones are played together, the ear seal is good if the user hears them all at about the same level. If the two tones are not at or near the same level, the device needs to be adjusted to get a better ear seal.

RIC Pressure / electric coupling for types of hearing aids

87-90 provide details of an embodiment of a bubble assembly used as a receiver in a hearing aid of the Canal or RIC type described above. In this embodiment, the output of the pump 109 and the signal processing circuit 111 located in the hearing aid body 120 (FIG. 89) is connected to the receiver 122 via a connection tube 113 that carries both electrical and pressure signals. (FIG. 88) and bubble 31 (FIG. 87). Receiver 122 and bubble 31 are both inserted into the ear canal of the user.

Coaxial Diaphonic  Alternative design of valve and sound tube combination

102 shows an alternative sound tube 40 of that shown in the previous figure. In this embodiment, the sound tube 40 has two sections, the larger diameter section 107 attached to the transducer 20 and the body of the device and the smaller eardrum extending from the end of the bubble 31. It is separated into sections 108 of diameter. The two tubes overlap one another at the junction. The smaller diameter tube 108 fits inside the larger diameter tube 107, leaving a gap 110 between the inner wall of the outer tube 107 and the outer wall of the inner tube 108. Spacing 110 performs the same function in the embodiment of FIG. 102 as a circle of orifices or ports in previous sound tube 40. To maintain the spacing 110, it is necessary to have a spacer (not shown) that separates and maintains the two concentric tubes by the small spacing required.

FIG. 103 illustrates adding a polymer sleeve 33 of the type first shown in FIG. 45 to the embodiment of FIG. 102. The polymer sleeve 33 is blocked at point A (sealed to the outside of the sound tube) and opened at point B. The addition of the polymer sleeve 33 increases the pumping efficiency of the device in FIG. 103 compared to FIG. 102.

104 shows the addition of an air inlet tube 37 to this embodiment. In general, any of the air inlet tube designs described above can be used as this alternative sound tube 40. For example, there may be one or more air inlet tubes in the sound tube. The outlet point of the air inlet tube in the sound tube is from the position shown in FIG. 104 (in the rim of the larger section outside of the sound tube), below the polymer sleeve (between points A and B), the section of the sound tube. It can be changed to any other position in the outer surface of or the gap between the two tubes.

105 shows that an alternative sound tube 40 can be used as a bubble 31 that does not receive the transducer 20. Alternative sound tube 40 may also be used as bubble 31 to partially receive the transducer (not shown).

106 shows that this alternative sound tube 40 can be used as a detachable coupling 100 between the air bubbles 31 and the body of the device 10 including the sound tube assembly 40 and the transducer 20. It shows what can be. Thus, alternative embodiments of the sound tube 40 may be incorporated into the removable bubble 31 and the sound tube assembly 40. Alternative embodiments of the sound tube 40 may be used in removable bubble and sound tube assemblies for listening devices and hearing aids. Alternative embodiments of the sound tube 40 can be used in defined removable bubbles and sound tube assemblies for listening devices and hearing aids, and have color coded or key coded joints to prevent the use of false bubbles in the device. Can be.

Pressure relief and protection device

Any for releasing pressure from bubbles slowly or rapidly (eg, debris disc-type pressure relief valves) for removal by the user as a safety feature to prevent excessive pressurization and potential bursting of the bubbles at the ear. The number method is preferably used in the embodiment of the present invention. Another safety feature includes a tether in the bubble or bubble and sound tube assembly that is removed from the ear when separated from the in-ear audio device. All these aforementioned methods and devices can be applied to the new embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure.

With improved manufacturing capabilities Diaphonic  valve

The embodiment of the flat diaphonic valve 50 shown in FIGS. 17-19 of this application includes a plastic film layer attached to a portion of the stainless steel layer and a portion machined from stainless steel. In order to fabricate a large number of diaphonic valves at reduced cost, it is desirable to have an embodiment of a flat diaphonic valve 50 made of parts that are easily and quickly manufactured and assembled.

FIG. 107 illustrates the layer structure of an eight layer assembly that forms a diaphonic valve 50 when stacked as shown in FIG. 108 over a chamber or volume in which sound is produced. In this example, the chamber is the rear volume of the balanced armature transducer (Sonion 4000 series), and the holes in the first layer of the diaphragm valve are 0.25 mm assembly holes in the transducer case (the transducers of FIGS. 17 and 18). Hole 57 of the housing 45).

Layers of this structure are steel, stainless steel, aluminum, other metals, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyether ketone (PEK), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyamide (nylon), polyester, polyethylene, high density Polyethylene, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Expanded Polytetrafluorostyrene (ePTFE), Fluoropolymer, Polycarbonate, Acryltrityl Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO), polysulfone (PSU), polyimide, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyolefin, plastic It can be made from a wide range of materials, such as engineering plastics, thermosets, thermoset elastomers, Kraton®, copolymers or block copolymers. The layer may also consist of a mixture or composition of these materials or a version of these materials with added fillers, modifiers, coloring agents and the like. Different layers of the structure may be composed of the same material or different materials.

In one example, the version of the device shown in FIG. 108 may be made of PET plastic. The properties of the layers shown in FIG. 107 are as follows:

Layer 1: material PET: inlet chamber / channel cover; Overall dimensions 0.04 x 2.5 x 5.0 mm; 0.25 mm orifice.

Layer 2: inlet channel with inlet valve flap chamber; Overall dimensions 0.4 x 2.5 x 5.0 mm plates; 0.3 mm chamber; 0.1 mm channel; 0.2 mm orifice.

Layer 3: material PET, valve seat / synthetic jet / inlet flap chamber; Overall dimensions 0.4 x 2.5 x 5.0 mm; 3mm chamber; 0.14 mm synthetic jet orifice.

Layer 4: material PET; Valve flap membrane; Overall dimensions 0.0009 x 2.5 x 5 mm, two 0.2 x 0.2 mm flaps.

Layer 5: material PET; Inlet valve seat / orifice and partial discharge flap chamber; Overall dimension 0.04 x 2.5 x 5,0 mm; 0.3 x .3mm flap chamber.

Layer 6: material PET; Inlet / outlet tube port and main outlet flap chamber; 0.3 x 2.5 x 5.0 mm; 0.4 mm tube port; 0.3 x 3 mm flap chamber; 0.2 mm channel.

Layer 7: PET; Discharge channel; 0.4 x 2.5 x 5 mm; 0.2 mm channel.

Layer 8: PET; Exhaust channel cover; 0.01 x 2.5 x 5, .0 mm.

FIG. 109 tracks air flow through the various layers and channels of the diaphonic valve of FIG. 108. This is shown in layers not assembled for clarity. Of course, flow can occur when the layers are stacked as in FIG. The single-headed arrows in the straight line indicate the direction of air flow. The double-headed arrow in the dotted line indicates the direction of the acoustic vibration (sound). 108 and 109 are actually dual diaphragm valves and comprise two diaphonic valves in a series of arrangements. The first valve (top of layers 3-5) faced by air from the inlet tube operates in reverse with sound pressure that sucks air through the orifice. The second valve (middle of layers 3-5) operates in a normal manner with sound pressure that pushes air through the orifice. The output of the first diaphonic valve becomes the input to the second diaphonic valve. This series of arrangements boosts the pressure output of the device over a single diaphonic valve.

The length and cross section of the channel and the orifice and flap size in the layers of FIGS. 108 and 109 are selected to optimize the performance of the device. In particular, these selections control the acoustic impedance, the impedance to the air flow, and the phase relationship of sound waves following different paths through the structure. Depending on these choices, these dual diaphonic valves can be optimized for higher air flow or higher pressure generation or some combination of the two. These design parameters also affect how the double diaphonic valve is performed as the number of sound frequencies. The device is optimized to generate the appropriate pressure and air flow in the sound frequency range normally encountered for its intended use, for example hearing aids or music listening.

108 and 109 are designed to allow for high efficiency, large scale manufacturing. As shown in FIG. 110, a 2.5 × 5.0 mm rectangular layer may be placed in a rectangular array on a sheet of material such as, for example, PET or PEEK plastic. The 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of material will hold up to 4730 such substrates. Different sized sheets of material will hold these different numbers of substrates disposed in the array. The entire substrate array shown in FIG. 110 can be created by a range of high efficiency processors. For example, the polymeric material can be silk screen printed or ink jet printed to form these patterns on the exit layer. The pattern can be created by lithographic process, followed by chemical etching. The pattern can also be generated by laser micromachining via an excimer (ultraviolet) laser or other laser cutting process. Laser micromachining can be done very efficiently on a commercial scale, and an array of diaphonic valve layers forms the base from which PET, PEEK or other materials can be produced, including plastics and metals.

An example of a fabrication process for producing many assembled copies of the diaphonic valves of FIGS. 108 and 109 is shown in FIGS. 111-113. Using an excimer laser driven by a computed plate, a given layer of 8 layer structure (FIG. 108), but the internal structure of a 2.5 x 5.0 mm frame around each substrate is in a rectangular array on a sheet (film) of PEEK plastic. Is cut. Sheets of different layers of diaphragm valves are produced on different plastic seat thicknesses depending on the required layer thickness. This process produces a sheet in the array that contains many copies of the structure of a particular layer. The array pattern and dimensions are the same for the seats of all the different layers of the diaphonic valve structure (FIG. 108), so that when all eight layers of sheets are stacked and properly aligned in the correct order (FIG. 111), the functional structure is in the seats. Aligned. The laminated sheets of substrate are adhered to each other by heat, solvent, welding, laser welding, adhesive or some other means, yielding the structure of FIG. 112. Particular use is a UV cut adhesive or plastic sheeting precoded with an adhesive that is activated by removal of heat, radiation, or baking layer.

Once all the sheets comprising the substrate are glued together (FIG. 112), a laser is used to cut the frame around each diaphonic valve, cutting all the sheet layers simultaneously. This produces a complete diaphonic valve (FIG. 113). Alternatively, the laser can be used to completely cut as well as score or penetrate through the frame surrounding each diaphragm valve, leaving a diaphonic valve connected to the seat for ease of handling. However, these seats of the diaphragm valve can be easily separated into individual diaphragm valves by blocking along the laser score or penetration. This process can also be done on a roll of material, which is laser processed and bonded in a continuous process, rather than the batch processing of the sheet just described.

The underside of layer 1 of this diaphonic valve structure on a sound source, such as the case of a balanced armature transducer, can be produced with an adhesive coating. This adhesive remains inactive throughout the manufacturing process of the multilayer diaphragm valve structure described above. This adhesive on the underside of layer 1 can be activated by removal of heat, radiation, or baking layer, with one activation allowing the entire assembled diaphonic valve to adhere to the sound source.

Multiple diaphonic valves can be manufactured in the same hierarchical, stacked substrate arrangement. They can be arranged in parallel or in series in a combination of parallel series of connections. FIG. 114 illustrates an eight hierarchical system of substrates, when stacked as in FIG. 108, creates a dual-duplex diaphonic valve having four diaphonic valves arranged in two pairs. Each of these pairs is a series of arrangements of reverse valves followed by forward valves of the type in FIG. 108. The acoustic pressure and air flow through this double-double diaphragm valve are shown in FIGS. 117 and 118, respectively. These two reverse-forward pairs are arranged in such a way that they can be primarily in line or mainly in parallel, depending on the tuning of the air flow impedance in the structure. This is because the reverse-forward valve pairs in FIGS. 114 and 117 are above individual holes in the transducer case and are connected to a common transducer back volume. The connection of these pairs is parallel so that air and static pressure can flow through this back volume connecting the two reverse-forward valve pairs. However, if the orifice flow impedance is tuned to minimize air flow through the back volume of the transducer, the connection of the two reverse-forward valve pairs is primarily in line with the output of the first valve pair supplying the input of the second valve pair. have. This is the case shown in FIG. This predominantly series configuration is desirable because it boosts the final output pressure.

FIG. 115 illustrates an eight-tiered system of substrates that, when stacked as in FIG. 108, produce a triple-double diaphonic valve having six valves in a row. The acoustic pressure and air flow through this triple-double diaphonic valve are shown in FIGS. 119 and 120, respectively. When the impedance is adjusted to resist air flow through the transducer back volume, the air flow and pressure outputs of each alternate reverse and forward valve feed each other in line. Placing the diaphonic valve in line as in FIG. 117 boosts the pressure output of the system.

There is an embodiment where the layer 4 comprising one flap for each synthetic jet orifice is absorbed and the synthetic jet operates without the flap. There is also an embodiment where the flap is on the downstream side of the orifice for the reverse synthetic jet diaphonic valve, but without the flap on the forward acting synthetic jet diaphonic valve. While flaps exist on the downstream side of the orifice for forward acting synthetic jet diaphonic valves, there are also embodiments where no flaps are present on reverse acting synthetic jet diaphonic valves.

FIG. 116 illustrates an embodiment that allows a multiple diaphonic valve system (in this case tri-duplex) to operate from a single sound source (single hole in the rear volume of a balanced armature transducer). The first layer of the embodiment in FIG. 115 is replaced by two layers, resulting in an overall structure having nine layers. The first layer of these layers includes a single hole located over a single sound source. The second layer is a slot manifold that distributes this sound source to three reverse-forward dual diaphonic valves. To the extent that the impedance to air flow in the slot manifold of the second layer is high, this embodiment mainly maintains a series of connections of three reverse-forward diaphonic valve pairs.

In-ear device  To prevent ear wax (ear wax) on the skin Diaphonic  valve

Building earwax on in-ear devices is a resistive problem, which causes transducers and other mechanical and electronic pairs of hearing aids, headsets, and other in-ear listening devices to fail. Earwax is present in the ear conduits as waxy solid and vapor phases. Such ear wax can penetrate parts of an in-ear device (eg, RIC, hearing aids), such as the interior of a sound tube and the internal structure of a balanced armature transducer, which are not in direct contact with the inner surface of the ear canal. Ear wax can be hard as a solid, impairing the internal structure of the in-ear device. Obstruction of earwax vapor is also a problem for earwax and other structures located within the ear. This impairment of earwax is a major cause of failure of listening devices and other in-ear devices.

The diaphonic valve in any embodiment disclosed herein reduces or eliminates earwax of the in-ear device by creating positive pressure in the sound tube and front volume of the transducer, thereby preventing the expansion of earwax vapor. It can be used to The slow air flow pumped by the diaphonic valve or valves through the in-ear device, which may include the body of the hearing aid, and ultimately through the ear, also removes this vapor from the ear conduit, Earwax in the ear canal on the outside can be reduced. This removal also mitigates the heat and effects of sudden atmospheric pressure changes that can be uncomfortable for the wearer. This removal process requires the use of an ear tip or ear conduit to escape a small amount of air flow. The various in-ear bubbles described herein provide an example of ear seals that allow air out of the scent. In addition, this amount of pressure, earwax removal system based on diaphonic valve generation pressure from the sound, is applicable to open the rescue receiver in the RIC listening device because air flow may exit the ear conduit. Small tubes may be placed in the closed structure ear tips for pressure release, wax vapors, humidity and heated air.

Positive pressure and slow air flow can be achieved using the range of diaphonic valve embodiments to reduce earwax buildup. FIG. 121 shows a balanced armature transducer 20 with a diaphonic valve 50 operating in reverse to pump air to the front volume, creating a positive pressure in the front volume and sound tube 40. . FIG. 122 shows a diaphonic valve 50 that operates in half to pump air into the rear volume of the balanced armature transducer 20. This pressure separates the backside volume from the frontal volume, pressurizes the first volume and the sound tube 40 and passes through a compensation port 56 that prevents the expansion of earwax vapor. 123 draws air from the inlet tube 37 through the diaphonic valve 50 to the sound tube 40 creating a positive pressure through the discharge tube 38 to prevent expansion of earwax vapor. Shown is a diaphonic valve 50 attached to the rear volume of a balanced armature transducer 20 that uses acoustic pumping energy to move. An embodiment similar to FIG. 123 is possible, where the diaphonic valve 50 acts at the front volume rather than the rear volume. 124 shows the transducer 20 with a reverse diaphragm valve 50 on the front volume and another diaphragm valve 50 on the back volume with an outlet 59 connected to the sound tube 40. All of these diaphonic valves 50 act to create positive pressure in the front volume and the sound tube 40 to prevent the expansion of earwax vapor. Many other single and multiple diaphonic valve structures are possible, which utilizes acoustic energy to pump air into the transducer front volume and sound tube to create positive air pressure, and keeps the wax vapors out . In all these embodiments, the source of inlet air must be outside the ear canal or connected to the outside of the air through a tube or other carrier.

FIG. 125 shows an embodiment in which the sound tube 40 pressurized by the operation of the diaphonic valve 50 feeds a blocked polymer bubble 31 of porous material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). Illustrated. This creates a constant air flow through the bubble surface that prevents the expansion of earwax vapors. 125 shows one possible diaphonic valve 50 device; Any arrangement in FIGS. 121-124 and many others may be created to expand the porous bubble to create a positive pressure and air flow out to prevent expansion of earwax vapor. 125 shows a porous bubble 31 attached to the end of the sound tube 40. Such porous bubbles may also partially or fully receive the body of the transducer 20 and may have a positive pressure and positive air flow generated by the operation of one or more diaphonic valves 50. In addition, the bubbles in FIG. 125 may be replaced with smaller flat covers on the ends of the sound tubes 40 that are transparent or largely transparent to sound and porous to airflow. An example of a suitable material for this is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).

It should be emphasized that the foregoing embodiments of the invention, in particular any "preferred" embodiments, are merely possible implementations just described in order to fully understand the principles of the invention. Many modifications and variations can be made to the above-described embodiment (s) of the present invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.

The problems described in the previous description and the accompanying drawings are exemplary only and not limiting. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of the applicant's contribution. The actual scope of protection is intended to be limited to the following claims when viewed from the appropriate recognition based on the prior art.

Claims (330)

A pressure generating system for an ear device,
Electronic signal generator,
A first receiver (acoustic driver) electronically coupled to the signal generator, the receiver capable of generating an audio signal in response to an electrical signal received from the signal generator;
In a first mode, a first sound operational pump coupled to a first receiver, the pump capable of releasing air from an exhaust port in response to an audio signal from the first receiver;
An expandable member coupled to the discharge port, filled by the discharged air and adapted to be located in the ear canal of the user;
And a pressure generation system for the device. The method of claim 1, wherein the first sound operation pump,
A conical orifice aligned with the first substrate and the discharge port,
An ingress port for directing air to the orifice,
A discharge tube 38 hydrodynamically coupled to the narrow end of the conical orifice by a first end
And a pressure generation system for the device. The pressure generation system of claim 2, further comprising a tube connected to the inlet port. 4. The pressure generation system of claim 3 wherein the inlet port passes through the substrate. 4. The pressure generation system of claim 3 wherein the inlet port is on a proximal side of the substrate. 4. The pressure generation system of claim 3 wherein the inlet port is on the distal side of the substrate. The method of claim 2, wherein the first sound operation pump,
A plurality of adjacently stacked substrates each composed of conical orifices, the orifices being aligned with the discharge port of the first sound motion pump;
An inlet port for directing air to the first orifice,
A discharge tube 38 fluidically coupled to the discharge port of the first sound motion pump by the first end is provided.
And a pressure generation system for the device. 8. The pressure generation system of claim 7 further comprising a port coupled to the inlet port. The pressure generating system of claim 8, wherein the inlet port passes through the substrate. The pressure generating system of claim 8, wherein the inlet port is on a proximal side of the substrate. The pressure generating system of claim 8, wherein the inlet port is at the end of the substrate. 8. The pressure generation system of claim 7 wherein the number of substrates is no greater than three. 8. The pressure generation system of claim 7, further comprising a film located between adjacent substrates. The pressure generating system of claim 13, wherein the membrane comprises at least one pore. The pressure generating system of claim 14, wherein the at least one pore is offset from an orifice of each adjacent substrate. The system of claim 15, further comprising a tube connected to an inlet port of the first substrate, the inlet port proximate to the membrane. 17. The pressure generation system of claim 16 wherein the inlet port is proximate to the first substrate. The pressure generation system of claim 16, wherein the inlet port passes through the first substrate. The pressure generation system of claim 1, further comprising a routing manifold connected to the first sound motion pump and the inflatable member to control the expansion and contraction of the inflatable member. The pressure generation system of claim 2, further comprising a routing manifold connected to the inlet port, the outlet port, and the inflatable member to control the expansion and contraction of the inflatable member. 21. The routing manifold of claim 20 wherein the routing manifold has an expansion mode in which air is directed from the perimeter to the inlet port and from the discharge tube 38 to the inflatable member, and the air is from the inflatable member to the inlet port and the discharge tube 38 Pressure generation system for the device, which is capable of switching between shrinking modes facing away from The device of claim 1, further comprising a second receiver (acoustic driver) electronically coupled to the signal generator, the second receiver capable of generating an audio output signal in response to an electrical signal received from the signal generator. Pressure generation system. 23. The pressure generation system of claim 22 wherein the second receiver (acoustic driver) is connected to an acoustic sound tube facing the audio output signal of the second receiver. 24. The pressure generation system of claim 23 wherein the inflatable member is coupled to an outlet port through an acoustic sound tube. The pressure generating system of claim 23, wherein the inflatable member is toroidal-shaped defining a passageway and the acoustic sound tube extends through the passageway of the inflatable member. The pressure generating system of claim 1, further comprising an acoustic sound tube connecting the inflatable member to the discharge port of the first sound motion pump. 27. The pressure generation system of claim 26 wherein the inflatable member is toroidal-shaped defining a passageway and the acoustic sound tube extends through the passageway of the inflatable member. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising a second receiver (acoustic driver) electronically coupled to the signal generator, wherein the second receiver is capable of generating an audio output signal in response to an electrical signal received from the signal generator. The receiver is connected to an acoustic sound tube, through which an audio output signal of a second receiver is directed, the pressure generation system for the device. The pressure generating system of claim 1, wherein the inflatable member is removable from the discharge port of the first sound motion pump. The pressure generating system of claim 1, wherein the electronic signal generator, the first receiver (acoustic driver), and the first sound motion pump are fixed in the housing and the inflatable member is detachably connected to the housing. The pressure generation system of claim 1, wherein the electronic signal generator, the first receiver (acoustic driver), and the first sound motion pump are fixed within the housing, the housing located within the inflatable member. 28. The pressure generation system of claim 27 wherein the electronic signal generator, the first receiver (acoustic driver), and the first sound motion pump are fixed in a housing, the housing located in a passageway of the inflatable member. 23. The pressure generation system of claim 22 wherein the second receiver (acoustic driver) is located within the inflatable member. The pressure generation system of claim 1, further comprising an impedance matching configuration. 35. The pressure generation system of claim 34 wherein the impedance matching arrangement comprises mechanical compliance of the inflatable member. The pressure for the ear device of claim 1, wherein the first sound operating pump comprises an operating cycle having an intake stroke and an exhaust stroke, the intake stroke comprising a range of about 60 to about 99% of the operating cycle time. Generating system. 37. The pressure generation system of claim 36 wherein the intake stroke comprises about 95% of an operating cycle time. 37. The pressure generation system of claim 36 wherein the operating cycle is reversible. The pressure generation system of claim 1, wherein the audio signal from the first receiver comprises a sawtooth waveform. 40. The pressure generation system of claim 39 wherein the serrated waveform is asymmetrical. 41. The pressure generation system of claim 40 wherein the serrated waveform is reversible. The pressure generation system of claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensor coupled to the inflatable member. 43. The pressure generation system of claim 42 wherein the pressure sensor is coupled to a first sound motion pump to regulate pumping. The pressure generation system of claim 1, further comprising a feedback mechanism for controlling expansion of the inflatable member. 45. The pressure generation system of claim 44 wherein the feedback mechanism comprises a pressure sensor for determining pressure in the inflatable member. 46. The pressure generation system of claim 45 wherein the pressure sensor is coupled to a first sound motion pump to regulate pumping. 45. The pressure generation system of claim 44 wherein the feedback mechanism comprises a feedback-servo circuit coupled to the first sound motion pump. The pressure generation system of claim 1, wherein in a second mode, the first sound operational pump is capable of flowing air to the pump through the discharge port. An insertable ear mold for placement in an individual's ear conduit,
A deformable housing made of soft elastic outer material defining an interior space,
A sound receiver having a sound port opening on a surface of a deformable housing and located in an interior space, the sound receiver capable of capturing an audio signal through a sound port;
A power source electronically connected to the sound receiver and located within the interior space;
A sound tube located in an interior space and electronically coupled to the receiver, the sound tube having a port at one opening on a surface of the housing that is deformable such that the port is positioned proximate the eardrum at the user's ear;
A sound actuating pump disposed within the interior space and coupled to the receiver, the pump capable of releasing air from the exhaust port in response to an audio signal from the first receiver;
An inflatable member located within the interior space and coupled to the discharge port to be filled by the discharged air,
The audio signal received at the sound receiver is directed through a processor to drive a sound motion pump to inflate the inflatable member, and the audio signal, and the insertable ear mold for placement in the ear canal of the individual. As a sound action pump,
A housing,
A chamber located in the housing and blocked on all sides, the side of the chamber including a diaphragm having an orifice therein, the side including a discharge port extending through the surface of the housing;
An inlet port defined on the surface of the housing,
As an actuator coupled to the diaphragm, the operation of the actuator causes the actuator to cause vibratory movement of the diaphragm.
Including, sound-operated pump. 51. The sound motion pump of claim 50, wherein the vibrational movement of the diaphragm is symmetrical. 51. The sound motion pump of claim 50, wherein the vibrational movement of the diaphragm is asymmetrical. 53. The sound motion pump of claim 52, wherein the asymmetric vibrational movement of the diaphragm is reversible. 53. The sound motion pump of claim 51 wherein the orifice is conical. 53. The sound motion pump of claim 52 wherein the orifice is conical. 51. The sound motion pump of claim 50, wherein the actuator comprises one of a balanced armature or moving coil speaker. 51. The sound actuating pump of claim 50, further comprising a check valve at the inlet port. 51. The sound operated pump of claim 50, further comprising a check valve at the discharge port. 58. The sound operated pump of claim 57, further comprising a check valve at the discharge port. 59. The sound actuating pump of claim 57 wherein the check valve is a flexible membrane attached in the housing at the inlet port and having an opening offset from the inlet port. 51. The sound motion pump of claim 50, further comprising a check valve at the orifice of the chamber. As a sound action pump,
A housing defining an inner chamber,
A membrane extending over the inner chamber and having an orifice therein for separating the chamber into first and second subchambers,
A first flow port extending from the wall in the first subchamber,
A second flow port extending from the wall from the second subchamber,
A first transducer sound wave transmitted in a first phase to a first subchamber,
A second transducer sound wave delivered in a second phase to a second subchamber,
The first phase of the first sound wave and the second phase of the second sound wave are modulated to produce a net fluid flow from one of the first or second flow ports to the other of the first or second flow ports. Pump. 63. The sound motion pump of claim 62, wherein the fluid flow is reversible. 63. The sound motion pump of claim 62, wherein the adjusted first and second phases produce vibrational movement of the membrane. 65. The sound motion pump of claim 64, wherein the vibrational movement of the membrane is symmetrical. 65. The sound motion pump of claim 64, wherein the vibrational movement of the membrane is asymmetric. 67. The sound motion pump of claim 66, wherein the asymmetric vibrational movement of the diaphragm is reversible. 63. The sound motion pump of claim 62, wherein the membrane orifice is conical. 63. The sound motion pump of claim 62, wherein the membrane orifice is conical. 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the first transducer sound wave is generated by a first transducer coupled to the first subchamber, and the second transducer sound wave is generated by a second transducer coupled to the second subchamber. Sound action pump. 63. The sound motion pump of claim 62, wherein the first transducer sound wave and the second transducer sound wave are generated by the same transducer. 72. The sound motion pump of claim 71, further comprising a sound delivery tube coupling a transducer to each of the two subchambers to optimize the phase difference. A diaphonic ear assembly,
A housing having an open end and a closed end,
Pressure means coupled to the housing at a closed end, the pressure means being capable of delivering fluid in a first direction;
A linear actuator located in the housing at a closed end and connected to the pressing means, the actuator being movable from the first position to the second position in response to the pressing means for delivering fluid in a first direction;
An audio transducer located within the housing and attached to the actuator, the audio transducer having a pump capable of discharging through the discharge port;
A sound tube coupled to the exhaust port of the audio transducer,
A contracted member coupled to a sound tube and located in a housing, the contracted member is expandable by the released air and is suitable for being located in the ear canal of the user, wherein the contracted member moves the actuator to the second position. When the contracted member is moved away from the housing
Comprising, a diaphonic ear assembly. 74. The diaphonic ear assembly of claim 73, wherein the charred member is automatically inflated when moved from the harness. 74. The diaphragm ear assembly of claim 73, wherein the urging means is capable of delivering fluid in a second direction opposite the first direction. 76. The diaphragm ear assembly of claim 75, wherein the actuator is movable from the second position to the first position in response to the pressurizing means for delivering fluid in the second direction. 77. The diaphragm ear assembly of claim 76, wherein the retracted member is pulled into the housing when the actuator moves to the first position. 74. The diaphragm ear assembly of claim 73, wherein the urging means comprises a sound motion pump. 74. The diaphonic ear assembly of claim 73, wherein the housing is cylindrical. 74. The diaphragm ear assembly of claim 73, wherein the linear actuator comprises a pneumatic cylinder and comprises a piston moving within the cylinder. 76. The diaphonic ear assembly of claim 75, wherein the urging means is reversible between fluid transfer in a first direction and a second direction. 81. The linear actuator of claim 80 further comprising an inflatable skirt attached to the bottom of the piston in the cylinder and a progressive needle valve connected to the pressurizing means and extending through the skirt to the piston through a port at the bottom of the piston. Wherein the progressive needle valve has an opening bent below the end, wherein the diameter of the port is larger than the diameter of the needle at the point passing through the bent opening. 83. The diaphragm ear assembly of claim 82, wherein the piston comprises a passageway aligned with the port at one end and with the contracted member at the other end. 84. The diaphonic ear assembly of claim 83, wherein the fluid delivered to the actuator is routed through the passageway to the retracted member. A method of inflating an ear audio device within a user's ear conduit, the method comprising:
Positioning the inflatable member in a user's ear conduit, the inflatable member being connected to a sound transducer having an electronic signal generator, a power source, and a sound motion pump;
Generating an electronic signal by an electronic signal generator,
Generating an audio signal by the sound transducer in response to the electronic signal;
Operating a pump to operate in a cycle in response to an audio signal, wherein the cycle of operation comprises:
Introducing air at the inlet port of the pump,
Venting air from the discharge port of the pump
Including, operating steps,
Capturing the air discharged to the inflatable member coupled to the discharge port.
≪ / RTI &
The inflatable member inflates the ear audio device within the ear conduit of the user to a point that secures the member in the ear conduit of the user. 86. The method of claim 85, further comprising delivering an audio signal to a user's ear (tympanic eardrum). 86. The device of claim 85, further comprising generating a second audio signal in response to the electronic signal and transmitting the second audio signal to the ear (tympanic ear) of the user. How to let. 86. The method of claim 85, wherein positioning the inflatable member comprises positioning the membrane such that there is a volume of air between the membrane and the eardrum of the user. 89. The user of claim 88, wherein the volume of air has a first impedance, the trapped air at the inflatable member has a second impedance, and the method further comprises matching the first and second impedances. To inflate the ear audio device within the ear canal of the patient. 90. The method of claim 89, wherein matching the first and second impedances includes mechanical compliance of the inflatable member. 86. The method of claim 85, wherein inflow of the pump cycle comprises about 60 to 99% of the operating cycle time. 92. The method of claim 91, wherein the introducing step comprises about 95% of the operating cycle time. 86. The method of claim 85, wherein the pump cycle is reversible to reverse air flow from the inlet port to the outlet port. 86. The method of claim 85, wherein the generated audio signal for actuating the pump comprises a sawtooth waveform and the operating cycle of the pump corresponds to a cycle of the waveform. 95. The method of claim 94, wherein the sawtooth waveform is asymmetrical. 95. The method of claim 95, wherein the asymmetric sawtooth waveform is invertible. 86. The method of claim 85, further comprising adjusting an operating cycle of the pump. 98. The user of claim 97, wherein adjusting the operating cycle of the pump comprises a pressure sensor coupled to the inflatable member, the sensor capable of transmitting a signal to change the audio signal at a predetermined pressure reading. To inflate the ear audio device within the ear canal of the patient. 86. The method of claim 85, further comprising a feedback mechanism to control the inflation of the inflatable member. 107. The method of claim 99, wherein the feedback mechanism includes a pressure sensor to determine pressure in the inflatable member. 107. The method of claim 99, wherein the feedback mechanism comprises a feedback-servo circuit connected to one of a pump, an electronic signal generator, or a sound transducer. A device that delivers sound to your ears.
A first transducer capable of generating an audio signal (tone) in response to the electrical signal;
An electrical signal input connected to the transducer,
An inflatable member having sidewalls configured to define an interior space and be located within a user's ear conduit;
A first sound tube having a side wall and an opposite end, the tube being connected to the transducer at one end and to the inflatable member at the opposite end, the sound tube defining a passageway defined from the inside of the sound tube to the outside of the sound tube. And the passageway of the sound tube is located within the inner space of the inflatable member.
A device comprising sound delivered to a user's ear. 107. The device of claim 102, wherein the passageway comprises an opening defined within a sidewall of the sound tube. 109. The device of claim 103, wherein the opening comprises at least one port. 109. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein the sound tube comprises a first tubular section having a diameter and attached to the transducer at one end, and a second tubular section having a diameter less than the diameter of the first tubular section. The tubular section is installed in the first tubular section and extends towards the user's eardrum when positioned in the user's ear conduit. 107. The system of claim 105, wherein the sound tube includes a plurality of spacers disposed between the first tubular section and the second tubular section to create a gap, wherein the opening comprises a gap. device. 107. The device of claim 102, wherein the transducer is received within an interior space of the inflatable member. 107. The device of claim 102, wherein the sound tube is received in an interior space of the inflatable member. 107. The device of claim 102, wherein the sound tube includes a plurality of ports defined on the sidewalls. 109. The device of claim 109, wherein the number of ports is in the range of 2 to 12. 118. The device of claim 110, wherein the number of ports is six. 118. The device of claim 111, wherein the port is a uniform space around the tube sidewall in a single plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tube. 109. The device of claim 109, wherein the plurality of ports are spaced around the tube sidewall in a single plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tube. 109. The device of claim 109, wherein the plurality of ports are spaced around the tube sidewall in a plurality of planes transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tube. 118. The device of claim 111, wherein the sound tube is received within an interior space of the inflatable member. 118. The device of claim 112, wherein the sound tube is received within an interior space of the inflatable member. 107. The device of claim 102, wherein the transducer produces a first tone and a second tone. 118. The device of claim 118, wherein the first tone and the second tone are generated alternately. 118. The device of claim 118, wherein the first tone and the second tone are produced simultaneously. 119. The device of claim 119, wherein the transducer comprises a sound motion pump to receive at least one of the first tone or the second tone, and in response generate air flow. 107. The device of claim 102, wherein the transducer comprises a sound motion pump to receive an audio signal and in response generate an air flow. 118. The device of claim 118, wherein the air stream is directed to the sound tube and passes through a passageway to inflate the inflatable member. 118. The device of claim 118, wherein the air stream is directed to the sound tube and passes through a passageway to inflate the inflatable member. 118. The device of claim 118, wherein the air flow is directed through the passage from the inflatable member to the sound tube and through the passage to inflate the inflatable member. 118. The device of claim 118, wherein the sound pump flows in the first direction in response to the first tone and in the opposite direction in response to the second tone. 103. The device of claim 102, further comprising a second transducer coupled to the electrical signal input and capable of generating an audio signal (tone) in response to the electrical signal. 126. The apparatus of claim 126, wherein the first transducer includes a sound motion pump to expand the inflatable member in response to the audio signal, and the second transducer is sound operated to deflate the inflatable member in response to the audio signal. A device, comprising a pump, for delivering sound to a user's ear. 126. The apparatus of claim 126, further comprising a second sound tube coupled to the second transducer at one end and coupled to the inflatable member at the opposite end, wherein the audio signal from the second transducer is coupled to the user through a sound tube. A device that delivers sound to the ear of the user, directed towards the eardrum. 107. The sound of claim 102, further comprising a length of material having two ends covering a passageway defined in the sidewall of the sound tube, wherein at least one end of the material is attached to the sound tube to form a seal. Device to deliver. 131. The device of claim 129, wherein one end of the material located between the passageway and the transducer at the sidewall of the sound tube is attached to the sound tube to form a seal. 131. The device of claim 129, wherein both ends of the material are attached to a sound tube to form a seal. 131. The device of claim 131, wherein the material comprises a port, wherein the port of material is offset from the passage of the sound tube. 131. The device of claim 129, wherein the material comprises a cylindrical sleeve. 117. The apparatus of claim 111, further comprising a sleeve of material having two ends covering a plurality of ports defined on the sidewalls of the sound tube, wherein at least one end of the sleeve is attached to the sound tube to form a seal. Device that delivers to the user's ear. 134. The device of claim 134, wherein both ends of the sleeve are attached to a second tube to form a seal. 137. The device of claim 135, wherein the sleeve comprises a port, the port of the sleeve being offset from a plurality of ports defined at the sidewall of the sound tube. 134. The device of claim 134, wherein the transducer comprises a sound motion pump to receive an audio signal and, in response, to generate an air flow. 138. The device of claim 137, wherein air flow is directed from the ear conduit of the user to the sound tube and through the passage to the inflatable member. 138. The device of claim 137, wherein the air stream directs sound from the inflatable member through the passageway to the sound tube to retract the inflatable member. 137. The device of any one of claims 102, 106, 109, 120, 126, 129, or 134, comprising: a first end extending out of the inflatable member; And an air inlet tube having a second end in the interior space of the air inlet to direct air flow between the interior space of the inflatable member and the periphery. 141. The device of claim 140, wherein the portion of the air inlet tube that includes the second end comprises a channel in the sidewall of the sound tube. 145. The device of claim 141, wherein the second end is located adjacent to a passageway in the side wall of the sound tube. 143. The device of claim 141, further comprising a ring manifold hydrodynamically coupled to the second end of the air inlet tube. 143. The device of claim 143, further comprising at least one air delivery tube hydrodynamically coupled to the ring manifold. 145. The device of claim 144, wherein the at least one air delivery tube has one end located adjacent the passageway at the sidewall of the sound tube. 143. The device of claim 143, wherein the ring manifold is located at the base of the sound tube connected to the transducer to deliver sound to the user's ear. 145. The device of claim 143, wherein the ring manifold is located on a sound tube adjacent to the passageway. 121. The apparatus of claim 120, further comprising an air inlet tube having a first end extending out of the inflatable member and a second end in the interior space of the inflatable member, the air inlet tube pumping between the inflatable member and the perimeter. A device for directing air flow, the air flow generated by the sound pump having a pressure greater than the line resistance in the air inlet tube. 149. The device of claim 149, wherein air pressure in the inflatable conduit of the user and the inflatable member is balanced by an air inlet tube. 107. The device of claim 102, wherein the transducer is coupled to a sound tube external to the inflatable member. 161. The method of claim 150,
A plurality of ports defined on the side walls of the sound tube,
A sound motion pump in the transducer to generate air flow in response to the audio signal,
A sleeve of material having two ends covering a plurality of ports defined on a side wall of the sound tube, at least one end of the sleeve being attached to the sound tube to form a seal;
An air inlet tube having a first end extending out of the inflatable member and a second end in the interior space of the inflatable member, the air inlet tube directing air flow between the inflatable member and the periphery;
And a device for delivering sound to a user's ear. 151. The device of claim 151, further comprising a ring manifold hydrodynamically coupled to the second end of the air inlet tube. 107. The device of claim 102, wherein the transducer is partially included within the interior space of the inflatable member. The method of claim 153, wherein
A plurality of ports defined on the side walls of the sound tube,
A sound motion pump in the transducer to generate air flow in response to the audio signal,
A sleeve of material having two ends and covering a plurality of ports defined on the sidewall of the sound tube, at least one end of the sleeve being attached to the sound tube to form a seal;
An air inlet tube having a first end extending out of the inflatable member and a second end in the interior space of the inflatable member, the air inlet tube directing air flow between the inflatable member and the periphery To
A device comprising sound delivered to a user's ear. 154. The device of claim 154, further comprising a ring manifold hydrodynamically coupled to the second end of the air inlet tube. 103. The air inlet tube of claim 102, further comprising an air inlet tube for directing air flow between the inflatable member and the periphery;
A first end extending out of the inflatable member,
A second end in the inner space of the inflatable member,
At least one groove defined in the side wall of the sound tube and fluidly coupled at one end to the second end
A device comprising sound delivered to a user's ear. 168. The device of claim 156, wherein the transducer and the sound tube are located within an interior space of the inflatable member. 168. The device of claim 156, wherein the transducer is located outside of the inflatable member and the sound tube passes through a wall of the inflatable member. 168. The device of claim 156, wherein the transducer is partially received within the inflatable member. 167. The device of claim 156, wherein the end of the groove is located adjacent the passageway at the sidewall of the sound tube. 161. The user of claim 160, further comprising a sleeve of material having two ends and covering the passageway at the sidewall of the sound tube, wherein at least one end of the sleeve is attached to the sound tube to form a seal. Device to deliver. 161. The device of claim 161, wherein both ends of the sleeve are attached to a sound tube to form a seal. 162. The device of claim 162, wherein the sleeve comprises a port, the port of the sleeve being offset from the passageway in the sidewall of the sound tube. 162. The device of claim 156 or 161, further comprising a ring manifold that hydrodynamically couples the second end of the air inlet tube to the end of the groove. 175. The system of claim 164, wherein the sound tube includes a plurality of ports defined on the sidewalls and a plurality of grooves fluidly coupled to the second end of the air inlet tube via a ring manifold. device. 167. The device of claim 165, wherein the number of grooves corresponds to the number of ports defined on the sidewalls of the sound tube. 175. The device of claim 164, wherein the ring manifold is located at the base of a sound tube connected to the transducer. 175. The device of claim 164, wherein the ring manifold is located on a sound tube adjacent to the passageway in the sound tube. 167. The device of claim 166, wherein the number of ports and the number of grooves are in the range of two to twelve. 172. The device of claim 169, wherein the number of ports and the number of grooves is six. 175. The device of claim 169, wherein the groove is disposed spirally on the outer surface of the sound tube. 172. The device of claim 171, wherein the spirally disposed grooves form one of the right helix, the left helix, or both. A device that transmits sound to a user's ear,
A first transducer capable of generating an audio signal (tone) in response to the electrical signal;
An electrical signal input connected to the transducer,
An inflatable member having sidewalls configured to define an interior space and be located within a user's ear conduit;
A first sound tube having a side wall and an opposite end, the tube being connected to the transducer at one end and to the inflatable member at the opposite end, the sound tube defining a passageway defined from the inside of the sound tube to the outside of the sound tube. A passage of the sound tube, the first sound tube being located in the interior space of the inflatable member,
An air inlet tube having a first end extending out of the inflatable member and a second end in the interior space of the inflatable member, the air inlet tube directing air flow between the interior space and the periphery of the inflatable member Inlet tube
A device for transmitting sound to a user's ear. 173. The device of claim 173, wherein the passageway comprises at least one port defined on a sidewall. 176. The device of claim 174, wherein the number of ports is in the range of 2-12. 175. The device of claim 175, wherein the number of ports is six. 176. The device of claim 176, wherein the port is uniformly spaced around the tube sidewall in a single plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tube. 172. The device of claim 173, wherein the transducer produces a first tone and a second tone. 178. The device of claim 178, wherein the first tone and the second tone are generated alternately. 178. The device of claim 178, wherein the first tone and the second tone are generated simultaneously. 181. The device of claim 180, wherein the transducer comprises a sound motion pump to receive and in response generate at least one of the first tone or the second tone. 175. The device of claim 173, wherein the transducer comprises a sound motion pump to receive the audio signal and in response to generate an air stream. 182. The device of claim 182, wherein the sound pump directs flow in the first direction in response to the first tone and in the opposite direction in response to the second tone. 174. A user's ear according to claim 174, further comprising a sleeve of material having two ends and covering a plurality of ports defined on the sidewalls of the sound tube, at least one end of the sleeve being attached to the sound tube to form a seal. Device that sends sound. 185. The device of claim 184, wherein both ends of the sleeve are attached to a second tube to form a seal. 185. The device of claim 185, wherein the sleeve comprises a port, the port of the sleeve being offset from a plurality of ports defined at the sidewall of the sound tube. 176. The device of claim 173, wherein the portion of the air inlet tube comprises a channel at the sidewall of the sound tube. 183. The device of claim 173, further comprising a ring manifold hydrodynamically coupled to the air inlet tube. 189. The device of claim 188, wherein the air inlet tube comprises a plurality of air delivery tubes fluidly coupled to the ring manifold. 172. The device of claim 102 or 173, further comprising a coupling mechanism for detachably connecting the sound tube to the transducer. 192. The device of claim 190, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a locking mechanism that secures the sound tube to the transducer when coupled. 192. The coupling mechanism of claim 190, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a first component attached to the transducer and a second component attached to the sound tube, the first and second components being connectable, for transmitting sound to a user's ear. device. 192. The device of claim 190, wherein the sound tube comprises an air inlet tube that terminates adjacent to the coupling mechanism outside of the interior space of the inflatable membrane. 192. The coupling mechanism of claim 190, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a first ring having an inner circumference and a second ring having an outer circumference, wherein the outer circumference of the second ring fits a sound in the ear of the user that fits within the inner circumference of the first ring. Sending device. 194. The device of claim 194, wherein the first and second rings are coded to indicate specific characteristics of the device. 199. The device of claim 195, wherein the first and second rings are color coded. 199. The device of claim 195, wherein the first and second rings are key coded. 196. The device of claim 196, wherein the first and second rings are key coded. 199. The device of claim 195, wherein one of the first or second rings is made of a rigid material and the other of the first and second rings is made of a flexible material. 199. The device of claim 195, wherein the second ring is frictionally fitted within the first ring. 196. The device of claim 195, wherein the second ring is threaded around the outer circumference and the first ring is correspondingly threaded around the inner circumference such that the ring engages in a threaded manner. 172. The device of claim 102 or 173, further comprising an external sound device coupled to a sound tube, the external sound device emitting a tone to inflate or deflate the inflatable member. 202. The device of claim 202, further comprising a valve to block the sound tube during expansion or contraction of the inflatable member. 202. The device of claim 202, wherein the tone comprises a starting tone during inflation. 202. The device of claim 202, wherein the tone comprises a shutdown tone during contraction. 202. The device of claim 202, wherein the tone is inaudible. 172. The device of claim 102 or 173, further comprising an external pump for inflating the inflatable member. 207. The device of claim 207, wherein the external pump operates to retract the inflatable member. 207. The device of claim 207, wherein the external pump comprises a syringe pump. 208. The device of claim 208, wherein the external pump comprises a syringe pump. 207. The device of claim 207, wherein the external pump comprises a diaphragm pump. 208. The device of claim 208, wherein the external pump comprises a diaphragm pump. 207. The device of claim 207, wherein the external pump is manually operated. 208. The device of claim 208, wherein the external pump is manually operated. 174. The device of claim 102 or 173, further comprising feedback control to overcome loss of sealing in the user's ear conduit. 215. The device of claim 215, wherein the feedback control comprises hardware (electronic device). 215. The device of claim 215, wherein the feedback control comprises software. 215. The device of claim 215, wherein the feedback control comprises an audio signal that increases air flow to the inflatable member. 174. The device of claim 102 or 173, wherein the inflatable member comprises an outer wall and an inner wall at least partially sealed to the outer wall to include a volume of air. 219. The device of claim 219, wherein the inflatable member further comprises a spacer rib connecting the outer wall to the inner wall. 220. The device of claim 220, wherein the spacer rib is disposed longitudinally in the inflatable member. 220. The device of claim 220, wherein the spacer rib is laterally disposed within the inflatable member. 220. The device of claim 220, wherein the spacer rib is disposed spirally within the inflatable member. 219. The device of claim 219, wherein the transducer is located within an interior space of the inflatable member. 219. The device of claim 219, wherein at least one of the outer wall and the inner wall is comprised of an anisotropic material. 219. The device of claim 219, wherein at least one of the outer wall and the inner wall is comprised of isochronous material. 226. The device of claim 226, wherein one of the outer wall or the inner wall is comprised of anisotropic material. 219. The device of claim 219, wherein the inflatable member is coated with a material to optimize the selected functional characteristics. 228. The device of claim 228, wherein the coating material comprises polymer latex. 229. The device of claim 229, wherein the polymer latex comprises polyurethane latex. 234. The device of claim 230, wherein the polyurethane latex is water soluble. 228. The device of claim 228, wherein the coating material comprises ammonia-fumed silica. 228. The device of claim 228, wherein the inflatable member is coded to correspond to optimized functional characteristics. 229. The device of claim 229, wherein the inflatable member is color coded to correspond to optimized functional characteristics. 228. The device of claim 228, wherein the back section of the inflatable member is coated to optimize blocking of sound transmission. 228. The device of claim 228, wherein the middle section of the inflatable member is coated to optimize sealing properties. 228. The device of claim 228, wherein the front section of the inflatable member is coated to optimize acoustical properties. 228. The device of claim 228, wherein the outer surface of the inflatable member is coated to enhance optimized properties on the gradient. 229. The device of claim 229, wherein at least one of the outer wall and the inner wall is comprised of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). 245. The device of claim 239, wherein the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene is injected into polyurethane latex. 219. The device of claim 219, wherein at least one of the outer wall and the inner wall is comprised of polyurethane. 219. The device of claim 219, wherein the inflatable member comprises a closed, convex bubble form. 219. The device of claim 219, wherein the outer and inner walls have a thickness less than about 10 mils (0.254 mm). 245. The device of claim 243, wherein the outer and inner walls have a thickness of less than about 3 mils (0.762 mm). 245. The device of claim 243, wherein the outer and inner walls have a thickness of less than about 1 mil (0.0254 mm). 219. The device of claim 219, wherein the outer and inner walls are comprised of a material having low air penetration. 246. The device of claim 246, wherein the material comprises pores having a diameter in the range of about 0.5 to 1.0 micron. 246. The device of claim 246, wherein the material comprises pores having a diameter of about 0.5 microns. As an ear device,
An inflatable member having an interior space defined by the surface and a ferrule attached to the surface in the interior space,
A sound tube having a first and a second end and located in the interior space, the sound tube being coupled to the ferrol at one end,
A coupling portion connected to an end of the sound tube and having an elastic band connecting the coupling portion to the inflatable member;
A pressurized tube that is open at each end and passes through the engagement portion from the outside of the inflatable member to the interior space of the inflatable member
Including the ear device. 249. The apparatus of claim 249, further comprising a receiver assembly, wherein the receiver assembly comprises:
A housing;
A channel having a port passing through the housing and engaging one end of the pressure tube outside the inflatable member,
The sound port which attaches and detaches to a coupling part,
A receiver located in the housing and connected to the sound port,
Electrical and pressure interface ports extending from the housing for connection to the audio device
Including the ear device. 251. The ear device of claim 250, wherein the audio device is a hearing aid. 252. The ear device of claim 250, further comprising a pump assembly detachably connected to the electrical and pressure interface ports. 252. The ear device of claim 250, further comprising a processor detachably connected to the electrical and pressure interface ports. 107. The ear device of claim 105, wherein the second tubular section is retracted into the first tubular section. 107. The ear device of claim 106, further comprising a polymer sleeve having a first end in contact with the first tubular section and a second end in contact with the second tubular section. 255. The ear device of claim 255, wherein the sleeve forms a seal with the first tubular section. 255. The ear device of claim 255, wherein the sleeve forms a seal with a second tubular section. 260. The ear device of claim 256, wherein the sleeve forms a seal with a second tubular section. 260. The ear device of claim 258, wherein the sleeve comprises a port. 174. The ear of any one of claims 102, 105, 150, 153, or 173, further comprising a coupling attached to a sound tube for detachably connecting the inflatable member to the transducer. device. 260. The ear device of claim 260, wherein the engagement portion comprises a locking mechanism. 260. The ear device of claim 260, comprising a first portion attached to a sound tube and a second portion attached to a sound tube, the two portions being correspondingly coded. 263. The ear device of claim 262, wherein portions of the engagement portion are color coded. As a balanced armature transducer pump,
An outer housing defining a front volume,
An inner housing within the outer housing and containing a rear volume,
Balanced armature located within the inner housing,
An electric coil around one arm of the armature so that the current through the coil causes the arm to oscillate,
Located on the wall of the inner housing, a flexible diaphragm coupled to the arm to separate the front and rear volume and vibrate singly,
A homogenization port defined within the wall of the inner housing,
An inlet port defined on the wall of the outer housing to introduce air into the housing,
A discharge port defined on the wall of the outer housing for discharging air from the housing,
The vibration of the diaphragm causes a fluid flow from the discharge port to the inlet port through the homogenization port. 270. The balanced armature transducer pump of claim 264, wherein the equalization port is located within the septum. 265. The balanced armature transducer pump of claim 265, wherein the equalization port comprises conical recesses. 270. The balanced armature transducer pump of claim 264, wherein the arm of the armature oscillates in an asymmetrical waveform. 268. The balanced armature transducer pump of claim 266, wherein the arm of the armature oscillates in an asymmetrical waveform. 268. The balanced armature transducer pump of claim 267, wherein the waveform has a raised portion longer than the lowered portion. 270. The balanced armature transducer pump of claim 269, wherein the waveform is reversed. 263. The balanced armature transducer pump of claim 264, further comprising a flap valve over the inlet port to prevent air from reversing from the port. 263. The balanced armature transducer pump of claim 264, further comprising a coaxial diaphonic valve located within the inlet port. 265. The balanced armature transducer pump of claim 265, further comprising a coaxial diaphonic valve located within the inlet port. 263. The balanced armature transducer pump of claim 264, further comprising a diaphonic valve located within the rear volume of the inner housing. 263. The balanced armature transducer pump of claim 264, further comprising a space-filling material in the rear volume of the inner housing. 263. The balanced armature transducer pump of claim 264, further comprising a partition in the rear volume located between the diaphragm and the balanced armature. 280. The balanced armature transducer pump of claim 276, wherein the inlet port is in a wall of a housing on the diaphragm side of the partition. 264. The balanced armature transducer pump of claim 264, wherein the diaphragm is coupled to the arm via a pin. As a sound action pump,
A housing having an opening defined therein,
A first substrate located within the housing, the substrate having an orifice, the roypiece being aligned with an opening in the housing;
An inlet tube having a first end positioned proximate to the orifice, a body passing through the housing, and a second end open about the periphery;
A coupling for attaching to a sound source,
A passage providing fluid communication between the sound source attached to the joint and the orifice of the substrate
Including, sound-operated pump. 280. The sound motion pump of claim 279, wherein the orifice has a cylindrical shape proximate to the passageway. 280. The sound motion pump of claim 279, wherein the inlet tube passes through a first substrate. 280. The sound motion pump of claim 279, wherein the inlet tube is distal to the first substrate. 280. The sound motion pump of claim 279, wherein the inlet tube is proximate a first substrate. 280. The sound motion pump of claim 279, further comprising a discharge tube located in the opening of the housing proximate and extending from the orifice. 280. The sound motion pump of claim 284, further comprising a tube adapted to couple to the inflatable member and coaxial to the discharge tube. 280. The sound motion pump of claim 279, further comprising a second substrate located in a housing proximate the first substrate and having an orifice therefrom, the orifice being aligned with the orifice of the first substrate. 289. The sound motion pump of claim 286, wherein the inlet tube passes through a second substrate. 280. The sound motion pump of claim 286, wherein the inlet tube is proximate a second substrate. 290. The sound motion pump of claim 286, further comprising a film having a defined at least one orifice located between the first and second substrates. 278. The sound motion pump of claim 279, further comprising a sound source hydrodynamically coupled to the engagement portion. 290. The sound motion pump of claim 290, wherein the sound source produces sound waves that generate static pressure at the distal end of the substrate orifice. A method of generating static pressure using acoustic vibrations,
Providing a sound source fluidly coupled to the housing, the housing including an opening, the substrate having an orifice, the orifice being aligned with the opening in the housing, and the inlet tube being located proximate the orifice Providing a second end open at about the periphery;
Directing sound waves from a sound source at the substrate
Comprising, a method of generating static pressure using acoustic vibrations. 303. The method of claim 292, further comprising attaching a swellable member in an opening of the housing. 292. The method of claim 292, further comprising attaching a discharge tube at the opening of the housing. 303. The method of claim 294, further comprising attaching the inflatable member to the end of the discharge tube. An in-ear device for delivering sound to a user's ear,
Sound generation source,
A first transducer coupled to the sound generating source, the first transducer capable of generating static pressure in response to the acoustic signal from the sound generating source;
A second transducer coupled to the sound generating source, the second transducer capable of generating static pressure in response to the acoustic signal from the sound generating source;
An inflatable member fluidly coupled to the output of at least one of the first and second transducers
In-ear device for delivering sound to a user's ear. 299. The in-ear device of claim 296, wherein the first and second transducers are balanced armature transducers or moving coil speakers. 297. The in-ear device of claim 296, further comprising a sound tube coupling the inflatable member to one of the first transducer, the second transducer, or both. 297. The in-ear device of claim 296, further comprising a diaphonic valve coupled to at least one of the transducers. 299. The diaphonic valve of claim 299, wherein
A first layer defining an inlet channel fluidly coupled to the opening in the housing of the transducer,
A second layer defining a synthetic jet port fluidly coupled to the inlet channel,
A third layer having a membrane comprising a flap valve covering the synthetic jet;
A fourth layer defining an outlet port fluidly coupled to the synthetic jet port.
In-ear device for delivering sound to a user's ear. 299. The in-ear device of claim 296, wherein the first and second transducers are completely received within the inflatable member. 301. The in-ear device of claim 301, wherein the sound generating source is fully received within the inflatable member. 299. The in-ear device of claim 296, wherein the first and second transducers are partially received by the inflatable member. 302. The in-ear device of claim 302, wherein the sound generating source is partially received within the inflatable member. 299. The in-ear device of claim 299, wherein the first and second transducers and diaphragm valves are completely contained within the inflatable member. 299. The in-ear device of claim 299, wherein the first and second transducers and diaphonic valves are partially received within the inflatable member. 299. The diaphonic valve of claim 299, further comprising a fifth and sixth layer located between the third and fourth layers,
The fifth layer has a defined check valve port offset from the flap valve of the third layer,
The sixth layer is offset from the check valve port of the fifth layer and has a defined check valve port and a flexible membrane,
In-ear device for delivering sound to the user's ear. 306. The in-ear device of claim 306, wherein the composite jet port and the check valve port have raised rims. An in-ear device for delivering sound to a user's ear,
Sound generation source,
A first transducer coupled to the sound generating source, the first transducer capable of generating static pressure in response to the acoustic signal from the sound generating source;
An inflatable member that is hydrodynamically coupled to the output of the first transducer
In-ear device for delivering sound to a user's ear. 309. The in-ear device of claim 308, further comprising a second transducer coupled to the sound generation source, the second transducer capable of generating static pressure in response to the acoustic signal from the sound generation source. . 309. The in-ear device of claim 308, wherein the first and second transducers are balanced armature transducers or moving coil speakers. 309. The in-ear device of claim 308, further comprising a sound tube coupling the inflatable member to the first transducer. 309. The in-ear device of claim 308, further comprising a diaphonic valve coupled to the first transducer. 313. The valve of claim 312, wherein the diaphonic valve is
A first layer defining an inlet channel fluidly coupled to the opening in the housing of the first transducer,
A second layer defining a synthetic jet port fluidly coupled to the inlet channel,
A third layer having a membrane comprising a flap valve covering the synthetic jet port,
A fourth layer defining an outlet port fluidly coupled to the synthetic jet port.
In-ear device for delivering sound to a user's ear. 309. The in-ear device of claim 308, wherein the first transducer is fully received within the inflatable member. 314. The in-ear device of claim 314, wherein the sound generating source is fully received within the inflatable member. 309. The in-ear device of claim 308, wherein the first transducer is partially received by the inflatable member. 316. The in-ear device of claim 316, wherein the sound generating source is partially received within the inflatable member. 314. The in-ear device of claim 313, wherein the first transducer and the diaphragm valve are completely received within the inflatable member. 313. The in-ear device of claim 313, wherein the first transducer and the diaphonic valve are partially received within the inflatable valve. 313. The valve of claim 313, wherein the diaphonic valve further comprises fifth and sixth layers located between third and fourth layers,
The fifth layer has a defined check valve port offset from the flap valve of the third layer,
The sixth layer having a defined check valve port and a flexible membrane offset from the check valve of the fifth layer, in-ear device for delivering sound to a user's ear. 314. The in-ear device of claim 320, wherein the composite jet port and the check valve port have raised rims. 302. The in-ear device of claim 302, wherein the inflatable member comprises a plurality of laterally aligned inflatable tubes. 325. The in-ear device of claim 322, wherein the tubes are longitudinally sealed to each other in a three-dimensional elliptical form. 322. The in-ear device of claim 322, wherein the number of inflatable tubes is in the range of 4-40. 342. The in-ear device of claim 324, wherein the number of inflatable tubes is in the range of 6-20. 308. The in-ear device of claim 308, wherein the inflatable member includes a plurality of laterally aligned inflatable tubes. The device of claim 326, wherein the tubes are longitudinally sealed to each other in a three-dimensional elliptical form. 309. The in-ear device of claim 308, wherein the number of inflatable tubes is in the range of 4-40. 328. The in-ear device of claim 328, wherein the number of inflatable tubes is in the range of 6-20.

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