Auditory Device Cable Arrangement for Symmetric Ear Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional receiver-in-canal (RIC) type hearing aids require separate electronics modules and cables for each ear, limiting versatility and necessitating multiple versions for different ear sizes, which increases manufacturing complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A single, symmetrically designed auditory device with a self-adjusting cable that can fit both ears and accommodate varying ear sizes, featuring a neutral position for the receiver that minimizes torque and pressure, allowing the device to be used in either ear with identical modules and adjustable cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate electronics modules and cables are provided for each ear, then the hearing aid can be customized for specific ear measurements, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single electronics module that can be used for both ears through symmetric design. The housing includes a symmetric plane that allows the module to be positioned in either the left or right ear, eliminating the need to manufacture separate modules for each ear. This reduces device complexity while maintaining adaptability to different ears.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cables of different lengths are manufactured for each ear, then the cable can fit specific ear measurements, but the manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cable flexible and capable of assuming different configurations. Instead of manufacturing cables in fixed lengths for each ear, the cable is designed to be pliable and can be positioned at optimal lengths during fitting. The cable includes a flexible section that allows it to bend and adapt to different ear canal paths, enabling a single cable design to serve both ears.
3Ease of manufacture
If the receiver is connected with a fixed-length cable, then the assembly is simple to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate varying ear sizes and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the cable length and configuration variable rather than fixed. The cable is designed with different sections having different properties - a rigid section for structural support and a flexible section for adaptation. The flexible section allows the cable to be extended or compressed to accommodate different ear sizes and positions, enabling a single design to fit various anatomical variations.
4Ease of operation
If asymmetric electronics modules are designed for left and right ears, then the fit can be optimized for each ear, but the inventory and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent actually applies the reverse of asymmetry - it uses symmetry to solve the problem. The electronics module housing is designed with a symmetric plane that allows identical modules to be used for both ears. The symmetric design enables the module to be positioned correctly in either ear without requiring asymmetric modifications, thereby reducing the quantity of different module types from two to one.
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
Enables the use of identical hearing aids for both ears and reduces manufacturing complexity by accommodating different ear sizes with minimal force and pressure, providing a discreet and versatile solution.
Implementation Method 1
the receiver is presented in a neutral position when no external force other than gravity is acting upon the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An auditory device includes an electronics module, a receiver and a cable connecting the electronics module to the receiver. The electronics module includes an enclosure shaped to be positioned behind an outer portion of either a left ear or a right ear of a user and circuitry within the enclosure. The receiver is configured for being located in either a left or a right ear canal of the user. When inserted into the left ear canal, the receiver occupies a left ear canal insertion position, and when inserted into the right ear canal, the receiver occupies a right ear canal insertion position. The cable and the receiver are shaped and configured such that the receiver is presented in a neutral position when no external force other than gravity is acting upon the receiver, the neutral position being between the left ear canal insertion position and the right ear canal insertion position.