INFLATABLE EAR DEVICE

摘要

A diaphonic valve utilizing the principle of the Synthetic Jet is disclosed herein. A diaphonic valve pump is provided for the inflation of an in-ear balloon. More complex embodiments of the present invention include stacks of multiple synthetic jets generating orifices as well as an oscillating, thin polymer membrane. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a novel application is provided for the creation of static pressure to inflate or to deflate an inflatable member (balloon). In addition, sound can be utilized to inflate or deflate an inflatable member in a person's ear for the purpose of listening to sound.

主权项

1. An insertable ear mold for placement in a person's ear canal, the ear mold comprising:
a deformable housing made of a soft elastic outer material defining an inner space; a sound receiver positioned within the inner space and having a sound port opening on a surface of the deformable housing, the sound receiver being capable of capturing an audio signal via the sound port; a processor positioned within the inner space and electronically coupled to the sound receiver; a power source positioned within the inner space and electrically connected to the processor; a sound tube positioned within the inner space and electronically coupled to the receiver, the sound tube having a port at one end opening on a surface of the deformable housing such that the port may be placed proximate a tympanic membrane in a user's ear; a sound actuated pump positioned within the inner space and coupled to the receiver, the pump being capable of discharging air from an egress port in response to the audio signal from the first receiver; and an inflatable member positioned within the inner space and coupled to the egress port to be filled by discharged air; wherein an audio signal received at the sound receiver is directed through the processor to drive the sound actuated pump to inflate the inflatable member, and the audio signal