阅读说明：本技术 听力保护校准适配器装置 (Hearing protection calibration adapter device ) 是由 M·B·威尔逊 C·I·哈伦德 孙伟 姜磊 廖华清 于 2020-06-04 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种校准装置及其制造方法。用于被配置成至少部分地突出到用户的耳道中的听力耳机的校准装置包括校准基座。校准基座包括校准插入件。在校准基座和校准插入件之间限定气室。校准装置还包括被限定在校准插入件上的至少一个耳机接收机构。所述至少一个耳机接收机构被配置成在给定耳机和气室之间形成密封连接以用于校准。耳机接收机构被配置成至少部分地接收给定耳机。还包括相应的制造方法。(The present invention relates to a calibration device and a method of manufacturing the same. A calibration device for a hearing earpiece configured to at least partially protrude into an ear canal of a user includes a calibration base. The calibration base includes a calibration insert. An air chamber is defined between the calibration base and the calibration insert. The calibration device also includes at least one headset receiving mechanism defined on the calibration insert. The at least one earphone receiving mechanism is configured to form a sealed connection between a given earphone and the air chamber for calibration. The headset receiving mechanism is configured to at least partially receive a given headset. A corresponding method of manufacture is also included.)

1. A calibration device for a hearing earpiece configured to at least partially protrude into an ear canal of a user, the calibration device comprising:

a calibration base comprising a calibration insert, wherein a plenum is defined between the calibration base and the calibration insert; and

at least one earphone-receiving mechanism defined on the calibration insert, the at least one earphone-receiving mechanism configured to form a sealed connection between a given earphone and a plenum for calibration, wherein the earphone-receiving mechanism is configured to at least partially receive the given earphone.

2. The calibration device of claim 1, further comprising a calibration tube receiver configured to operably couple the air chamber with a calibration system, wherein the calibration system provides calibration to a given earpiece held in the at least one earpiece receiving mechanism.

3. The calibration device of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one headset receiving mechanisms includes one or more microphone seals configured to engage with the given headset such that an airtight seal is achieved between the microphone seal and the given headset microphone.

4. The calibration device of claim 1, wherein each of the headset receiving mechanisms comprises a tensioning member, wherein the tensioning member is configured to retain the headset in the headset receiving mechanism during calibration.

5. The calibration device of claim 4, further comprising an ejector mechanism, wherein the ejector mechanism is configured to allow removal of one of the earphones from the calibration device.

6. The calibration device of claim 1, wherein the headset receiving mechanism comprises a stationary block and a tensioning member, wherein the tensioning member is spring loaded such that the headset is held in place between the stationary block and the tensioning member during operation.

7. The calibration device of claim 6, wherein the stationary block comprises a microphone seal, wherein the microphone seal is configured to seal one of the microphones of the given headset with the given headset positioned between the stationary block and the tensioning member.

8. The calibration device of claim 7, wherein an internal microphone seal is positioned on the calibration device between the stationary block and the tension member, wherein the internal microphone is configured to seal another microphone of the headset with the given headset positioned between the stationary block and the tension member.

9. The calibration device of claim 1, further comprising a calibration tube configured to be removably attached to the tube receiver at a first end and to the calibrator system at a second end opposite the first end.

10. The calibration device of claim 9, further comprising a cover, wherein the cover is configured to be removably coupled to the calibration base at a locking end of the calibration base and operably coupled to the calibration base at a connecting end opposite the locking end, wherein the cover is configured to move between an open position and a closed position.

11. A method of manufacturing a calibration device for a hearing earpiece configured to at least partially protrude into an ear canal of a user, the method comprising:

providing a calibration base comprising a calibration insert, wherein a plenum is defined between the calibration base and the calibration insert; and

providing at least one earphone receiving mechanism defined on the calibration insert, the at least one earphone configured to form a sealed connection between a given earphone and the air chamber for calibration, wherein the earphone receiving mechanism is configured to at least partially receive the given earphone.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing a calibration tube receiver configured to operably couple the plenum with a calibration system, wherein the calibration system provides calibration to a given earphone held in the at least one earphone receiving mechanism.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein each of the at least one headset receiving mechanisms includes one or more microphone seals configured to engage with the given headset such that an airtight seal is achieved between the microphone seal and the given headset microphone.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein each of the headset receiving mechanisms comprises a tensioning member, wherein the tensioning member is configured to retain the headset in the headset receiving mechanism during calibration.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising providing an ejector mechanism, wherein the ejector mechanism is configured to allow removal of one of the earphones from the calibration device.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the headset receiving mechanism comprises a stationary block and a tensioning member, wherein the tensioning member is spring loaded such that the headset is held in place between the stationary block and the tensioning member during operation.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the stationary block comprises a microphone seal, wherein the microphone seal is configured to seal one of the microphones of the given earphone with the given earphone positioned between the stationary block and the tensioning member.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein an internal microphone seal is positioned on a calibration device between the stationary block and the tension member, wherein the internal microphone is configured to seal another microphone of the headset with the given headset positioned between the stationary block and the tension member.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing a calibration tube configured to be removably attached to the tube receiver at a first end and to an aligner system at a second end opposite the first end.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising operably coupling a cover to the calibration base, wherein the cover is configured to be removably coupled to the calibration base at a locking end of the calibration base and operably coupled to the calibration base at a connecting end opposite the locking end, wherein the cover is configured to move between an open position and a closed position.

Technical Field

Example embodiments relate generally to calibration of hearing protection headsets, and more particularly, to portable calibration adapter devices for hearing calibration.

Background

Hearing devices with noise monitoring capabilities for industrial applications often require regular calibration to ensure the life and accuracy of the hearing device. The applicant has identified a number of drawbacks and problems associated with current hearing devices. The method and apparatus of the present disclosure have solved many of these identified problems through the efforts, originality, and innovations applied.

Disclosure of Invention

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of such elements. Its purpose is to present some concepts of the described features in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In an example embodiment, a calibration device for a hearing headset is provided. The hearing headset is configured to at least partially protrude into an ear canal of a user. The calibration device includes a calibration base including a calibration insert. An air chamber is defined between the calibration base and the calibration insert. The calibration device also includes at least one headset receiving mechanism defined on the calibration insert. The at least one earphone receiving mechanism is configured to form a sealed connection between a given earphone and the air chamber for calibration. The headset receiving mechanism is configured to at least partially receive a given headset.

In some embodiments, the calibration device further comprises a calibration tube receiver configured to operably couple the gas chamber with the calibrator system. The calibration system provides calibration to a given headset held in the at least one headset receiving mechanism. In some embodiments, each of the at least one headset receiving mechanisms includes one or more microphone seals configured to engage with a given headset such that an airtight seal is achieved between the microphone seal and the given headset microphone. In some embodiments, each earphone-receiving mechanism includes a tensioning member. The tensioning member is configured to retain the headset in the headset receiving mechanism during calibration. In some embodiments, the tensioning member is spring loaded. In some embodiments, the calibration device further comprises an ejector mechanism. The ejector mechanism is configured to allow the headset to be ejected from the calibration insert.

In some embodiments, the headset receiving mechanism includes a stationary block and a tensioning member. In such embodiments, the tensioning member is spring loaded such that the earphone is held in place between the stationary block and the tensioning member during operation. In some embodiments, the stationary block includes a microphone seal. The microphone seal is configured to seal one of the microphones of a given earphone with the given earphone positioned between the stationary block and the tension member. In some embodiments, the internal microphone seal is positioned between the stationary block and the tension member on the calibration device. In such embodiments, the internal microphone is configured to seal the other microphone of the headset given the headset positioned between the stationary block and the tension member.

In some embodiments, the at least one headset receiving mechanism comprises a first headset receiving mechanism and a second headset receiving mechanism. In such embodiments, the first earphone receiving mechanism is configured to receive a right ear earphone and the second earphone receiving mechanism is configured to receive a left ear earphone. In some embodiments, the calibration device further comprises a calibration tube configured to be removably attached to the tube receiver at a first end and to be attached to the calibrator system at a second end opposite the first end. In some embodiments, the calibration device further comprises a cover. The cover is configured to be removably coupled to the calibration base at a locking end of the calibration base and operably coupled to the calibration base at a connecting end opposite the locking end, and the cover is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, the cover includes one or more calibration tube hooks configured to hold the calibration tube in place if the calibration tube is not in use.

In another example embodiment, a method of manufacturing a calibration device for a hearing earpiece configured to at least partially protrude into an ear canal of a user is provided. The method includes providing a calibration base including a calibration insert. An air chamber is defined between the calibration base and the calibration insert. The method also includes providing at least one headset receiving mechanism defined on the calibration insert. The at least one earphone receiving mechanism is configured to form a sealed connection between a given earphone and the air chamber for calibration. The headset receiving mechanism is configured to at least partially receive a given headset.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing a calibration tube receiver configured to operably couple the plenum with a calibrator system. In such embodiments, the calibration system provides calibration to a given headset held in the at least one headset receiving mechanism. In some embodiments, each of the at least one headset receiving mechanisms includes one or more microphone seals configured to engage with a given headset such that an airtight seal is achieved between the microphone seal and the given headset microphone. In some embodiments, each earphone-receiving mechanism includes a tensioning member. The tensioning member is configured to retain the headset in the headset receiving mechanism during calibration. In some embodiments, the tensioning member is spring loaded.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing an ejector mechanism. In such embodiments, the ejector mechanism is configured to allow the headset to be ejected from the calibration insert. In some embodiments, the headset receiving mechanism includes a stationary block and a tensioning member. In such embodiments, the tensioning member is spring loaded such that the earphone is held in place between the stationary block and the tensioning member during operation. In some embodiments, the stationary block includes a microphone seal. The microphone seal is configured to seal one of the microphones of a given earphone with the given earphone positioned between the stationary block and the tension member. In some embodiments, the internal microphone seal is positioned between the stationary block and the tension member on the calibration device. In such embodiments, the internal microphone is configured to seal the other microphone of the headset with the given headset positioned between the stationary block and the tension member.

In some embodiments, the at least one headset receiving mechanism comprises a first headset receiving mechanism and a second headset receiving mechanism. In such embodiments, the first earphone receiving mechanism is configured to receive a right ear earphone and the second earphone receiving mechanism is configured to receive a left ear earphone. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing a calibration tube configured to be removably attached to the tube receiver at a first end and to be attached to the calibrator system at a second end opposite the first end. In some embodiments, the method further comprises operably coupling a cover to the calibration base. The cover is configured to be removably coupled to the calibration base at a locking end of the calibration base and operably coupled to the calibration base at a connecting end opposite the locking end, and the cover is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, the cover includes one or more calibration tube hooks configured to hold the calibration tube in place if the calibration tube is not in use.

The above summary is provided merely to summarize some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. It will be appreciated that the scope of the present disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments, some of which are described further below, in addition to those outlined herein.

Drawings

Having thus described certain example embodiments of the disclosure in general terms, reference will hereinafter be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is an external view of a calibration device in a closed position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is an external view of a calibration device in an open position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 2A is a calibration device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, with a cover in an open position;

fig. 2B is the calibration device of fig. 2A with the headset positioned within the headset receiving mechanism, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

3A-3D are various views of an example headset for use in a calibration device according to the present disclosure;

fig. 4A and 4B illustrate various example microphone seal positions within a headset receiving mechanism according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is another example embodiment of a calibration base according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a bottom view of a calibration insert according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 5C and 5D are schematic diagrams of the operation of the ejector button according to the present disclosure; and

fig. 6 illustrates a calibration pipe hook defined on a cover according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Some embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed, various embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

The components illustrated in the figures represent components that may or may not be present in the various embodiments of the present disclosure described herein, such that embodiments may include fewer or more components than shown in the figures without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Some components may be omitted from one or more of the figures or shown in phantom for visibility of underlying components.

Many hearing devices used in industrial applications measure sound using internal and/or external microphones that require calibration. While the initial calibration may be done during production of the hearing device, periodic calibration may be useful and/or necessary to maintain operation of the hearing device. Hearing devices used in industrial applications, such as high noise applications, require a certain degree of accuracy in order to provide adequate operating functionality. In some examples and for calibrating the hearing device, it is necessary to maintain an airtight seal between each of the internal and external microphones and the calibration device itself. The various embodiments discussed herein allow for a portable calibration device with an extended useful life due to the configurations discussed herein. In some examples, embodiments discussed herein allow the use of spring-loaded tensioning members to provide additional sealing capabilities beyond traditional seals. Additionally or alternatively, various example embodiments of the portable calibration device allow for a compact design, which in some examples allows for easy storage and field calibration after production without the need for complex systems.

Fig. 1A is an external view of a calibration device in a situation where the calibration device is closed according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the calibration device 10 may be portable and configured to be coupled to a calibrator system. In various embodiments, the calibrator system may be a sound calibrator. In various embodiments, the calibration system may be an acoustic source (e.g., a laboratory standard acoustic source may be used for calibration). In various embodiments, the calibration system may be configured to operate under harsh environmental conditions. For example, the calibration system may be a piston sounder (e.g., the piston sounder may operate according to the principle of four reciprocating pistons actuated by precision machined cams having a sinusoidal profile). In various embodiments, the calibrator system may be an external system configured to provide air to the microphone to calibrate the headset using the airtight seal provided by the calibration device 10 discussed herein. For example, the calibrator system may be a sound calibrator configured to generate a particular sound signal (e.g., a 250 hertz or 1000 hertz sinusoidal sound signal at 98dB or 114 dB).

As shown in fig. 1A, the calibration device 10 may have a calibration base 100 and a calibration cover 105. In various embodiments, the calibration cap 105 may be coupled to the calibration base 100. In various embodiments, the calibration cap 105 may be rotatably attached to the calibration base 100 at the coupling end 115 of the calibration base 100. In various embodiments, the calibration cover 105 may be configured to move between a closed position (fig. 1A) in which the cover is coupled to the calibration base 100 via the fastening mechanism 110, and an open position (fig. 1B) in which the fastening mechanism 110 between the calibration base 100 and the calibration cover 105 is disengaged such that the calibration cover rotates about the coupling end 115 to expose an interior of the calibration base (e.g., the calibration insert 211).

In various embodiments, as shown in fig. 1B, the calibration device 10 may be configured to lie flat or otherwise rest on a surface with the calibration device 10 in an open position. In various embodiments, the calibration cap 105 may have one or more recesses 107 to provide additional stability to the calibration device 10 in some examples with the calibration device 10 in an open position. As discussed below with reference to fig. 2A and 2B, with the calibration cover 105 open (e.g., the fastening mechanism 110 is separated), the at least one earphone receiving mechanism 200A, 200B may be exposed so that an earphone may be disposed therein for calibration using the calibration device 10.

In various embodiments, the calibration device 10 may be similar to the case where the calibration device 10 is in a closed position, such that in some examples, the calibration device may be portable (e.g., capable of being relatively easily carried). In various embodiments, the calibration base 100 and/or the calibration cover 105 may have a handle to allow the calibration device 10 to be carried by a person. Additionally, in some examples, the closed position of the calibration device 10 may provide a compact device that allows for quick and easy storage (e.g., the calibration device 10 may be stored when not in use). For example, all of the components required to connect the calibration device 10 to the calibration system may be stored within the calibration device 10 in the closed position. In various embodiments, the calibration cover 105 may be attached to the calibration base 100 in various ways not discussed herein. For example, the calibration device 10 may have multiple fastening mechanisms such that the calibration cover 105 may be completely removed from the calibration base 100 with the calibration device 10 in the open position.

In various embodiments, the calibration base 100 and/or the calibration cap 105 may define a rounded outer surface such that an ergonomic shape may be achieved in some examples. In various embodiments, the calibration base 100 may have a calibration base edge 101 and the calibration cover 105 may have a calibration cover edge 111. In various embodiments, with the calibration device 10 in the closed position, the calibration base edge 101 and the calibration cover edge 111 may engage each other such that the interior of the calibration device (discussed with reference to fig. 2A-2B) may be sealed (e.g., protected from the environment to allow storage).

Fig. 2A is yet another view of an example calibration device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, with a cover in an open position. In various embodiments, the calibration cap 105 may be configured to store or otherwise hold the calibration tube 230 in the event that the calibration tube 230 is not used (e.g., not coupled to the calibration tube receiver 220). In some examples, the calibration tube 230 may be operably connected at a first end to the calibration device and the calibration tube receiver 220 in the calibration insert 211.

As shown in fig. 2A and 6, the calibration cap 105 may define an interior compartment 201 within the calibration device 10. For example, with the calibration device 10 in the closed position, the interior compartment 201 of the calibration lid 105 may be defined between the interior surface 202 of the calibration lid 105 and the calibration insert 211 of the calibration base 100. In various embodiments, the interior compartment 201 of the calibration cap 105 may define a cap depth, which is defined as the distance between the interior surface 202 and the cap edge 203. In some embodiments, the lid depth may be sufficient to allow the calibration tube 230 to be housed within the interior compartment 201 with the calibration device 10 in the closed position.

In various embodiments, the interior compartment 201 of the calibration cap 105 may define one or more calibration tube hooks 225 and/or one or more calibration collars 235 configured to hold the calibration tube 230 in place during storage. In various embodiments, at least one of the calibration tube hooks 225 may provide a generally curved shape such that the calibration tube 230 is not subjected to stress and/or buckling when stored in some examples. In various embodiments, one or more calibration collars 235 may be provided to receive (e.g., slidably receive and/or surround) each end of calibration tube 230 with calibration tube 230 engaged with calibration tube hook 225, such as shown in fig. 2A. In various embodiments and where the calibration tube 230 may be held in place within the calibration cap 105, the calibration cap 105 may be able to move from an open position into a closed position.

In some examples, the fastening mechanism 110 may fasten the calibration cap 105 to the calibration base 100. In various embodiments, the cover depth may be sufficient to allow the calibration tube 230 to be retained without interfering with the calibration insert 211 of the calibration base 100 with the calibration device 10 in the closed position.

In various embodiments, the calibration base 100 may include a calibration insert 211, the calibration insert 211 configured to fit within the calibration base 100 and/or otherwise be secured by the calibration base 100. In some alternative embodiments, the calibration insert 211 may be integrally formed with the calibration base 100. In various embodiments, the calibration insert 211 may be a separate component operably coupled within the calibration base 100. In various embodiments where the calibration insert 211 is a separate component, the calibration insert 211 may be a tight fit and/or rigidly attached to the calibration base 100 (e.g., the calibration insert 211 may be glued into place).

In various embodiments, the calibration insert 211 may include at least one earphone receiving mechanism 200A, 200B, ejector activator 215, and calibration tube receiver 220. In various embodiments, the calibration tube receiver 220 may be configured such that the calibration tube 230 may be removably coupled to the calibration tube receiver 220 at a first end and coupled to a calibration system (not shown) at a second end.

As shown, in various embodiments, the calibration insert 211 of the calibration base 100 may include one or more headphone receiving mechanisms (e.g., a left headphone receiving mechanism 200A and a right headphone receiving mechanism 200B), an ejector activator (e.g., an ejector button 215), and a calibration tube receiver 220. In various embodiments, the left earphone receiving mechanism 200A and the right earphone receiving mechanism 200B may each include a left stationary block 205A and a right stationary block 205B, respectively, configured to engage a given earphone via the force provided by the tensioning members 210A, 210B. In various embodiments, the left headphone receiving mechanism 200A may be a mirror image of the right headphone receiving mechanism 200B.

In various embodiments, the left headphone receiving mechanism 200A may be configured to receive headphones designed for the left ear of the user, and the right headphone receiving mechanism 200B may be configured to receive headphones designed for the right ear of the user. In some examples, the stationary blocks 205A, 205B may protrude from the calibration insert 211 surface. In some embodiments, the stationary blocks 205A, 205B may have a height substantially equal to the height of the earpiece, and define a face opposite a given tension member 210A, 210B that is etched or otherwise molded into a pattern complementary to the earpiece (e.g., a substantially saw-tooth path, a relatively smooth path, etc.). In various embodiments, the left and right stationary blocks 205A, 205B may be molded as part of the calibration insert 211. Alternatively, the left and right stationary blocks 205A, 205B may be fixably attached to the calibration insert 211 such that the left and right stationary blocks 205A, 205B may each remain fixed relative to the calibration base 100.

In various embodiments, each of the one or more headphone-receiving mechanisms (e.g., left headphone-receiving mechanism 200A and right headphone-receiving mechanism 200B) may also include a tensioning member (e.g., left tensioning member 210A and right tensioning member 210B). In some examples, at least a portion of the tensioning members 210A, 210B may protrude from the calibration insert 211. In various embodiments, the tensioning members 210A, 210B may have a height that is substantially equal to the height of the earphone and defines a face opposite a given stationary block 205A, 205B, the face opposite the stationary block 205A, 205B being etched or otherwise molded into a pattern complementary to the earphone (e.g., a substantially saw-tooth path, a relatively smooth path, etc.).

The left and right tension members 210A, 210B may each be spring-loaded such that the respective spring provides a force on the respective tension member 210A, 210B in the direction of the respective stationary block 205A, 205B (e.g., a given tension member 210A, 210B has a restoring force in the direction of the respective stationary block 205A, 205B such that the tension member 210A, 210B may resist any attempted movement in the direction opposite the stationary block 205A, 205B). For example, the respective tensioning members 210A, 210B may be moved or otherwise urged away from the respective stationary blocks 205A, 205B to allow the earphones 212A, 212B to be placed between the respective tensioning members 210A, 210B and the respective stationary blocks 205A, 205B. In operation and once the user releases a given tensioning member 210A, 210B, the given tensioning member will move in the direction of the respective stationary block 205A, 205B into engagement with the respective earphone 212A, 212B. In various embodiments, the force provided by the spring-loaded tensioning members 210A, 210B may hold the earphones 212A, 212B in place during calibration. For example, in various embodiments, the spring-loaded tensioning members 210A, 210B may provide a 1.5N reaction force during calibration to hold the earphones 212A, 212B in place. In various embodiments, the force provided by the spring-loaded tensioning members 210A, 210B may depend on the force required to hold the headset in place during calibration.

Additionally, in various embodiments as discussed in more detail with reference to fig. 5A and 5B, the tensioning members 210A, 210B may each be configured to maintain a seal between a microphone seal provided in the earphone receiving mechanisms 200A, 200B and the earphone microphone of a given earphone 212A, 212B. In such embodiments, the seal provides a sealed fluid connection between the headset microphone and the docking portion to connect the calibration adapter. For example, the seal may be a soft material configured to selectively allow sound to pass therethrough. In various embodiments, the tensioning members 210A, 210B may be replaceable such that the calibration device 10 may be upgraded and/or maintained in operating conditions.

In various embodiments, the headphone receiving mechanisms 200A, 200B may be specifically designed for a given headphone design (e.g., the headphone receiving mechanisms 200A, 200B shown in fig. 4A and 4B are specifically designed to receive the headphones shown in fig. 3A-3D). In various embodiments, the shape of a given headset receiving mechanism 200A, 200B and the location of the seal may be based on the headset to be calibrated. In some embodiments, the same calibration device 10 may be used to calibrate one or more different headsets. In various embodiments, one or more of the components may be interchangeable such that the calibration device may receive a plurality of differently shaped headsets. For example, the headphone receiving mechanisms 200A, 200B and/or the tensioning members 210A, 210B may be replaced to fit different headphone shapes. In various embodiments, a microphone seal (e.g., microphone seals 400A, 400B, 410A, 410B) may provide a hermetically sealed connection between a given microphone of the headset and the calibration tube receiver 220 and subsequently the calibration system connected to the calibration tube receiver 220 via the calibration tube 230. In various embodiments, the microphone seals (e.g., microphone seals 400A, 400B, 410A, 410B) may be made of rubber, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, and/or the like. In various embodiments, the force provided by the tensioning members (e.g., tensioning members 210A, 210B) on the headset may also provide a sealing force in some examples, such that the microphone may be sealed in situations where the microphone seal is worn out due to extensive use.

In various embodiments, the calibration base 100 of the calibration device 10 may have an ejector activator (e.g., ejector button 215) configured to allow a headset to be ejected from a given headset receiving mechanism 200A, 200B. In various embodiments, the ejector button 215 may be connected to an ejector mechanism (e.g., ejector mechanism 540 shown in fig. 5D) that may raise (e.g., by a few millimeters) a given headset away from the calibration base 100. In such embodiments, the raising of a given earpiece may at least partially release the force provided by a given tensioning member 210A, 210B, such that the given tensioning member 210A, 210B disengages from a given earpiece 212A, 212B, such that the earpiece may be removed from a given earpiece receiving mechanism 200A, 200B. In some embodiments, the tensioning members 210A, 210B may be movable by the user independently of the ejector button 215. For example, a user may be able to manually move a given tensioning member 210A, 210B away from a given stationary block 205A, 205B by placing their finger on the tensioning member itself. In various embodiments, one or more different ejector mechanisms may be provided in place of or in addition to the ejector mechanisms discussed herein to allow the headset to be removed from the calibration device 10.

In various embodiments, the calibration base 100 of the calibration device 10 may have a calibration tube receiver 220, the calibration tube receiver 220 configured to be coupled to a calibration tube 230. In various embodiments, the calibration pipe receiver 220 may be connected to the microphone seal discussed above with reference to fig. 4A and 4B. In various embodiments, the type of calibration tube receiver 220 may be based on the calibration tube 230 used. For example, the calibration tube receiver 220 may be configured to receive an end of the calibration tube 230. In various embodiments, the calibration tube 230 may connect the calibration device 10 to a calibrator system configured to provide calibration to a sealed microphone within the calibration device. As shown in fig. 5A, the calibration tube receiver 220 may have threads and/or other types of adapters configured to removably couple the calibration tube 230 to the calibration device 10. In various embodiments, the at least one earpiece receiving mechanism 200A, 200B and the calibration tube receiver 220 may be in communication via a plenum. In various embodiments, a plenum is positioned between the calibration insert 211 and the calibration base 100. In an example embodiment, a plenum may be defined between the calibration base 100 and the calibration insert 211 (e.g., the calibration insert 211 and the calibration base 100 may define a sealed compartment). In various embodiments, a dedicated plenum container may be disposed between the calibration base 100 and the calibration insert 211. In various embodiments, the plenum may be in communication with the calibrator tube receiver 220 and the earphone receiving mechanisms 200A, 200B, such that the calibrator system may be coupled to the plenum and then to the earphones. For example, the air chamber may define any area between the calibration tube receiver 220 and the earphone receiving mechanisms 200A, 200B. In various embodiments, an airtight connection may be achieved between the headset and the calibration system in the event that the headset is engaged in at least one of the headset receiving mechanisms 200A, 200B and the calibration system is connected to the calibration device 10 (e.g., via the calibration tube 230 coupled with the calibration tube receiver 220).

Referring now to fig. 4A and 4B, each of the headset receiving mechanisms 200A, 200B may be configured with one or more microphone seals (e.g., microphone seals 400A, 400B, 410A, 410B). In various embodiments, microphone seals may be disposed in the stationary blocks 205A, 205B (e.g., external microphone seals 400A, 400B) and/or the calibration insert 211 (e.g., internal microphone seals 410A, 410B). Where the microphone seals are provided in the stationary blocks 205A, 205B, the microphone seals 400A, 400B may take the form of rubber or metal seals that surround one or more sealing channels 405A, 405B defined in the stationary blocks 205A, 205B. In operation and when the headset is secured in the headset receiving mechanism 200A, 200B, the seal engages a surface of the headset (e.g., proximate the microphone) so as to provide an airtight seal between the headset and the sealing channel 405A, 405B that may not allow sound to escape during calibration. In various embodiments, the microphone seal may provide an airtight connection between the headset and the air chamber within the calibration base 100 (e.g., the microphone seal may have an aperture that connects to the air chamber within the calibration base 100). In various embodiments, the calibration device 10 may be configured in some examples to increase life by using both sealing surfaces (e.g., 400A, 400B seals) and also using the engagement force provided by the tension members 210A, 210B. For example, the microphone seals 400A, 400B may degrade over time, but the tensioning members 210A, 210B may still provide sufficient force to seal the channels 405A, 405B between the stationary blocks 205A, 205B and a given earphone.

Where one or more of the microphone seals are disposed within the calibration insert 211 (e.g., the inner microphone seals 410A, 410B), the microphone seals 410A, 410B may take the form of rubber or metal seals that surround one or more seal channels 415A, 415B, 420A, 420B defined in the calibration insert 211. In some embodiments, a cavity within the calibration insert 211 may be defined for the inner microphone seals 410A, 410B. In operation and when the earpiece is secured in the earpiece receiving mechanism 200A, 200B, the seal engages a surface of the earpiece (e.g., proximate the microphone) so as to provide an airtight seal between the earpiece and the sealing channel 415A, 415B, 420A, 420B that may not allow sound to escape during calibration. In various embodiments, the microphone seal may provide an airtight connection between the headset (e.g., the microphone of the headset) and the air chamber within the calibration base 100 (e.g., the sealing channel may be a soft material configured to connect the air chamber to the headset within the calibration base 100). In various embodiments, the calibration device 10 may be configured in some examples to increase life by using both sealing surfaces (e.g., the seals of 410A, 410B) and also using the engagement force provided by the tensioning members 210A, 210B. For example, the microphone seals 410A, 410B may degrade over time, but the tensioning members 210A, 210B may still provide sufficient force to seal the channels 415A, 415B due in part to the weight of the headset.

Fig. 3A-3D illustrate an example left earpiece 212A for use in the calibration apparatus 10 as discussed herein. In various embodiments, the earpieces 212A, 212B can be configured to at least partially protrude into the ear canal of the user during use (e.g., the earpieces 212A, 212B can be in-ear headsets). As shown, in various embodiments, the headset discussed herein (e.g., left headset 212A) may have one or more microphones (e.g., internal and/or external microphones). In various embodiments, a headset (e.g., the left headset 212A shown in fig. 3A-3D) may have one or more external microphones 300. In some embodiments, the external microphone 300 may have a removable cover 305 (shown installed in fig. 3A and removed in fig. 3B). In various embodiments, the removable cover 305 may be removed (e.g., the earphone receiving mechanism may form a seal with the external microphone 300) for the calibration process. In various embodiments, a headset (e.g., the left headset 212A shown in fig. 3A-3D) may have one or more internal microphones 310. In various embodiments, the internal microphone 310 may also need to be sealed during the calibration process. In various embodiments, each microphone on a given earpiece 212A, 212B may need to be sealed to allow the calibration to be effective.

Fig. 5A and 6 illustrate another example calibration base used in various embodiments of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise stated, the operation of the calibration base 100 of fig. 5A and 6 is the same as the calibration base 100 discussed above with reference to fig. 2A and 2B. As shown in fig. 5A, in various embodiments, the left headphone receiving mechanism 200A can include a left headphone aperture 505A and a tensioning member 210A. Likewise, in various embodiments, the right earphone receiving mechanism 200B may comprise a right earphone aperture 505B and a tension member 210B. In various embodiments, the respective tensioning members 210A, 210B may be spring loaded (e.g., one or more springs 510A, 510B may be attached to the tensioning members 210A, 210B at a first end and to the calibration insert 211 at the other end such that when the tensioning members 210A, 210B are moved away from the area where the earpieces are to be disposed, the springs contract and provide resistance to such movement (e.g., the force of the springs maintains engagement of the earpieces 212A, 212B and the tensioning members 210A, 210B during operation.) in various embodiments, the respective tensioning members 210A, 210B may be configured to protrude into the respective earpiece holes 505A, 505B such that the tensioning members 210A, 210B engage the respective earpieces 212A, 212B to retain the earpieces within the respective earpiece holes 505A, 505B. Ejector button 215) to disengage one or more tensioning members 210A, 210B from a respective earpiece 212A, 212B by raising a given earpiece 212A, 212B so as to allow removal of the earpiece from the calibration device 10. As shown in fig. 5A, in various embodiments, the calibration tube receiver 220 may include threads to allow the calibration tube 230 to be removably attached to the calibration base 100. Fig. 6 illustrates a calibration tube 230 coupled to the calibration tube receiver 220, in accordance with various embodiments.

In various embodiments, the calibration device 10 may be operably coupled to a calibration system to calibrate one or more earphones held within the earphone receiving mechanisms 200A, 200B. In various embodiments, in operation, the calibration tube 230 may be operably coupled to the calibration system at one end and then attached to the calibration tube receiver 220 of the calibration device 10 at the opposite end of the calibration tube 230. In various embodiments, the calibration tube receiver 220 may be in communication with an air chamber, which may also be coupled with one or more earphone receiving mechanisms, such that an airtight connection may be achieved between one or more microphones of the earphones 212A, 212B received by the earphone receiving mechanisms 200A, 200B. As discussed above, the calibration system may be an acoustic source (e.g., a laboratory standard acoustic source may be used for calibration). In various embodiments, the calibration system may be configured to operate under harsh environmental conditions. For example, the calibration system may be a piston sounder (e.g., the piston sounder may operate according to the principle of four reciprocating pistons actuated by precision machined cams having a sinusoidal profile). As such, the calibration device 10 may be operably coupled to a calibration system (e.g., via the calibration tube 230) that isolates the microphones of the earpieces 212A, 212B installed in the earpiece receiving mechanisms 200A, 200B.

As shown in fig. 5B, each earphone-receiving mechanism 200A, 200B may have one or more calibration tube adapter connectors 520A, 520B configured to connect a given earphone-receiving mechanism 200A, 200B to the calibration tube receiver 220 (e.g., via connector 530). For example, the air chamber discussed above may be defined in the tube connecting the one or more calibration tube adapter connectors 520A to the calibration tube receiver 220. Additionally or alternatively, one or more calibration tube adapter connectors 520A, 520B may be operably coupled to a separate plenum (e.g., a plenum may be defined between one or more of the calibration tube adapter connectors 520A, 520B and the calibration tube receiver). As shown in fig. 5B, each earphone-receiving mechanism 200A, 200B may define one or more springs 510A, 510B, the springs 510A, 510B configured to hold the earphones 212A, 212B in place during calibration (e.g., the springs may hold a given tension member 210A, 210B in place during calibration).

Referring now to fig. 5C and 5D, the operation of the ejector button 215 is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. As shown in fig. 5C, where the headset is positioned with the headset receiving mechanism 200A, the ejector button 215 (e.g., depressible button, etc.) may be engageable by a user (e.g., the user may be able to depress the ejector button 215). In various embodiments, ejector button 215 may be connected to an ejector mechanism 540 within headphone receiving mechanism 200A, 200B that is configured to engage with at least one of the components of headphone receiving mechanism 200A, 200B. For example, as shown in fig. 5D, the ejector mechanism 540 may be configured to engage with a given earpiece 212A, 212B upon activation to lift the earpiece away from the calibration insert such that the force provided by the tension member on the earpiece is reduced, thereby allowing the earpiece to be removed. In various embodiments, ejector mechanism 540 may interact with other components of headphone receiving mechanisms 200A, 200B to assist in the removal of headphones from a given headphone receiving mechanism. In various embodiments, each headphone receiving mechanism 200A, 200B may have an ejector mechanism 540 that is activated by either a common or separate ejector button. In various embodiments, the ejector button 215 may be any type of activation mechanism.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of particular example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.