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Bone-conduction hearing-aid transducer having improved frequency response

  • US 20070041595A1
  • Filed: 07/07/2006
  • Published: 02/22/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/07/2005
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A bone conduction audio transducer, comprising:

  • a electroactive actuator;

    said electroactive actuator comprising a normally flat electroactive ceramic disc bonded between a metal substrate and a conductive superstrate; and

    an electrode layer bonded to said metal substrate;

    wherein said substrate and said superstrate exert a compressive stress on said electroactive ceramic disc;

    and wherein said compressive stress on said electroactive ceramic disc deforms said normally flat disc into an arcuate domed disc;

    and wherein said electroactive actuator deforms becoming more arcuate in response to a voltage being applied across said electrode layer and said conductive superstrate;

    and wherein said deformation of said electroactive actuator exerts a force against a mastoid surface against which said electroactive actuator placed;

    first and second electrical tabs electrically connected to said electroactive actuator;

    said first electrical tab comprising a first strip of conductive material bonded at one end to said conductive superstrate;

    said second electrical tab comprising a second strip of conductive material bonded at one end to said electrode layer;

    an electrical connector for receiving an electrical signal having a voltage and a frequency;

    said connector comprising a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal;

    said first electrical terminal being electrically connected to a second end of said first electrical tab;

    said second electrical terminal being electrically connected to a second end of said second electrical tab; and

    a housing for said electroactive actuator and said electrical connector;

    said housing having a recess therein for retaining said electrical connector;

    said housing having a cavity thereon for retaining said electroactive actuator;

    wherein said force exerted by said electroactive actuator in response to said electrical signal received by said electrical connector is substantially constant in a frequency range between 250 Hertz and 8 kilohertz.

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