Transducer devices and methods for hearing
US9949035B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 2016 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2460/13
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A device to transmit an audio signal to a user may comprise a mass, a piezoelectric transducer, and a support to support the mass and the piezoelectric transducer with the eardrum. The piezoelectric transducer can be configured to drive the support and the eardrum with a first force and the mass with a second force opposite the first force. The device may comprise circuitry configured to receive wireless power and wireless transmission of an audio signal, and the circuitry can be supported with the eardrum to drive the transducer in response to the audio signal, such that vibration between the circuitry and the transducer can be decreased. The transducer can be positioned away from the umbo of the ear to drive the eardrum, for example on the lateral process of the malleus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.