External ear canal pressure regulation system
Inventors
George, David • Buckler, George • Sullivan, David Brice
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10278868-B2
Publication Date
2019-05-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
An external ear canal pressure regulation device including a fluid flow generator and an earpiece having a first axial earpiece conduit fluidicly coupled to the fluid flow generator, whereby the earpiece has a compliant earpiece external surface configured to sealably engage an external ear canal as a barrier between an external ear canal pressure and an ambient pressure.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an external ear canal pressure regulation device configured to be positioned between a first external ear canal pressure within a first external ear canal and ambient pressure. A first barrier is adapted to form the separation between the first external ear canal pressure and ambient pressure, and a first fluid flow generator is configured relative to the first barrier for producing a first pressure differential between the first external ear canal pressure and ambient pressure.
A first pressure sensor generates a first pressure sensor signal that varies based upon change in the first pressure differential amplitude. A pressure sensor signal analyzer includes a first pressure differential amplitude comparator that compares a pre-selected first pressure differential amplitude to the first pressure differential amplitude, and generates a first pressure differential amplitude compensation signal. A first fluid flow generator controller is responsive to the compensation signal to control the first fluid flow generator to achieve the pre-selected first pressure differential amplitude.
The device further supports pressure differential amplitude oscillation by controlling operation of the fluid flow generator using a pressure sensor signal analyzer that compares a pre-selected pressure differential amplitude oscillation frequency to a pressure differential amplitude oscillation frequency indicated by the pressure sensor signal. Further embodiments include optional pressure relief valves and pressure sensors, and architecture expansions that introduce a second barrier and a second fluid flow generator for a second location and/or a second external ear canal pressure differential.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim is clm-00001. It includes 3 inventive features focused on barrier-based ear-canal/ambient pressure differential generation, sensing of pressure differential amplitude, and closed-loop control using a comparator that generates a compensation signal to control a fluid flow generator to achieve a pre-selected pressure differential amplitude.
Barrier-formed pressure differential between ear canal pressure and ambient pressure
A first barrier is adapted to be positioned between a first external ear canal pressure within a first external ear canal of a user and an ambient pressure, wherein a first fluid flow generator generates a first pressure differential between the first external ear canal pressure and the ambient pressure when the first barrier is at the first location.
Pressure differential amplitude sensing
A first pressure sensor generates a first pressure sensor signal which varies based upon change in the first pressure differential amplitude.
Comparator-driven compensation control to reach pre-selected pressure differential amplitude
A first pressure sensor signal analyzer comprising a first pressure differential amplitude comparator compares a pre-selected first pressure differential amplitude to the first pressure differential amplitude, generates a first pressure differential amplitude compensation signal, and a first fluid flow generator controller is responsive to control the first fluid flow generator to achieve the pre-selected first pressure differential amplitude.
Across the independent claim, the invention is directed to generating and regulating a pressure differential created by a barrier between ear-canal pressure and ambient pressure, sensing changes in pressure differential amplitude, and using a comparator/controller compensation signal to drive the fluid flow generator to a pre-selected pressure differential amplitude. Dependent claims also add oscillation frequency comparator control, and extend the architecture to a second ear canal/location with a second barrier and second control loop.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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