A novel opto-electromagnetic actuator coupled to the tympanic membrane
Journal
Journal of Biomechanics
Journal Volume
41
Journal Issue
16
Pages
3515 - 3518
Date Issued
2008
Author(s)
Abstract
A new type of electromagnetic vibration transducer designed to be placed onto the tympanic membrane was developed. The actuator consisted of two photodiodes, two permanent magnets, an aluminum ring, two opposing wound coils, a latex membrane and a Provil Novo? membrane. An optic probe was designed to allow sound and light signals to enter the ear canal, thereby preventing the acoustic occlusion effect of traditional ear molds. Two light-emitting diodes were used for carrying the input signals. The corresponding photodiodes were used for receiving the light signals and generating currents in the actuator. The opto-electromagnetic vibration actuator was fabricated and tested using a Laser Doppler vibrometer. The actuator showed displacements of vibration between 30 and 1 nm from 300 to 6500 Hz and reduced in amplitude at higher frequencies. The average gain of the actuator with 140 μA on the umbo displacement was about 20 dB relative to 87 dBA at the distance of 6 cm from the tympanic membrane and 0 μA in actuator. ? 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Other Subjects
Alumina; Electromagnetism; Hearing aids; Lattice vibrations; Light emitting diodes; Magnetic materials; Magnets; Membranes; Photodiodes; Transducers; Aluminum rings; Ear canals; Electromagnetic actuators; Electromagnetic vibrations; Higher frequencies; Input signals; Laser doppler vibrometer; Light emitting diode leds; Light signals; Opto-electromagnetic; Tympanic membranes; Actuators; article; auditory canal; device; eardrum; electromagnetic field; hearing aid; light; light emitting diode; priority journal; sound transmission; transducer; vibration; Acoustic Stimulation; Electronics; Equipment Design; Equipment Failure Analysis; Humans; Magnetics; Man-Machine Systems; Optical Devices; Physical Stimulation; Transducers; Tympanic Membrane; Vibration
Type
journal article