Angled Magnetic Loop Antenna for Hearing Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless receiver devices for hearing instruments face challenges in maintaining sensitivity due to varying orientations with respect to the user's head, leading to increased complexity and size, as well as user instruction needs for proper alignment.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic loop antenna with portions oriented at 60 to 120 degrees ensures optimal orientation regardless of the hearing instrument type, minimizing space and eliminating the need for a rotatable connector, resulting in a simpler, smaller, and more robust design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable connector is provided to adapt the orientation of the receiver device to different hearing instrument types, then the adaptability of the receiver device is improved, but the device complexity and dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple segments or portions (first portion and second portion) that can be independently oriented at different angles. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimally positioned for different hearing instrument types without requiring a rotatable connector, thus maintaining adaptability while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rotatable connector that operates in one dimension (rotation), the patent employs antenna portions oriented at different angles in three-dimensional space. This dimensional approach allows the antenna to adapt to various orientations when connected to different hearing instrument types, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable connector is provided to adapt the orientation of the receiver device, then the adaptability is improved, but the device dimensions increase due to space required for mechanical rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple segments or portions (first portion and second portion) that can be independently oriented at different angles. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimally positioned for different hearing instrument types without requiring a rotatable connector, thus maintaining adaptability while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rotatable connector that operates in one dimension (rotation), the patent employs antenna portions oriented at different angles in three-dimensional space. This dimensional approach allows the antenna to adapt to various orientations when connected to different hearing instrument types, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical connections are made flexible to allow connector rotation, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple segments or portions (first portion and second portion) that can be independently oriented at different angles. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimally positioned for different hearing instrument types without requiring a rotatable connector, thus maintaining adaptability while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rotatable connector that operates in one dimension (rotation), the patent employs antenna portions oriented at different angles in three-dimensional space. This dimensional approach allows the antenna to adapt to various orientations when connected to different hearing instrument types, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the receiver device is oriented to optimize antenna sensitivity, then the signal reception quality is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to user instruction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple segments or portions (first portion and second portion) that can be independently oriented at different angles. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimally positioned for different hearing instrument types without requiring a rotatable connector, thus maintaining adaptability while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rotatable connector that operates in one dimension (rotation), the patent employs antenna portions oriented at different angles in three-dimensional space. This dimensional approach allows the antenna to adapt to various orientations when connected to different hearing instrument types, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The angled magnetic loop antenna maintains consistent performance across different hearing instrument types, reducing the complexity and size of the receiver device while ensuring optimal antenna orientation, thus enhancing user experience and manufacturing simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic loop antenna (20) for receiving audio signals from a remote source (12) via a wireless link (22)
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver device for receiving audio signals from a remote source has a magnetic loop antenna for receiving radio frequency signals carrying audio signals, a signal processing unit for reproducing audio signals from the radio frequency signals received by the antenna, an output interface which is capable of being mechanically connected to an input interface of a hearing instrument to be worn at a user's ear in order to supply the audio signals from the signal processing unit as input to the hearing instrument, and a housing enclosing the antenna and the signal processing unit. The antenna is designed as a printed board circuit with a loop-shaped conductor on an at least partially flexible insulating substrate. A first portion defines a first plane and a second portion defines a second plane, the first plane and second planes being oriented at an angle of 60° to 120° relative to each other.