3D Substrate for Hearing Aids Wrapping Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing assistance device manufacturers face challenges in accommodating additional features and functions due to size limitations, as existing thick film hybrid technologies restrict the expansion of hybrid circuits, leading to increased complexity and size, which conflicts with the goal of creating small and user-friendly devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of three-dimensional (3D) substrates that conform around the battery and provide structural rigidity, integrated conductive elements, and flexible antennas, allowing for efficient use of internal space and integration of various electronic components, including wireless electronics, while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional flat thick film hybrid substrates are used to accommodate additional features and functions, then the device functionality increases, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional flat substrates to three-dimensional folded substrates that wrap around the battery compartment. This dimensional change allows the substrate to utilize vertical and lateral space more efficiently, accommodating additional electronic components and features without increasing the overall device footprint, thereby resolving the contradiction between functionality and complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hybrid circuit is expanded to add features and functions, then the device capabilities improve, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is designed to wrap around and conform to the battery compartment, effectively nesting the electronic circuitry within the existing device volume. This nested configuration allows additional features to be integrated without requiring extra space, as the substrate utilizes the void space around the battery compartment
3Adaptability or versatility
If more electronic components are integrated into the hybrid circuit, then the device features increase, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into multiple folded sections or layers that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing, where each section can be produced using standard thick film hybrid techniques, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity compared to creating a single complex integrated circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
A heating assistance device for a user comprising a housing, a three dimensional electronic substrate disposed in the housing, the substrate adapted to conform to a battery of the hearing assistance device and hearing assistance electronics mounted to the substrate. Various embodiments include a flexible antenna configured to conform around a portion of the substrate, and spring loaded electrical contacts on the substrate, the contacts configured to mechanically engage and electrically connect to the flexible antenna.