Integrated Battery Door Switch for Hearing Aids

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hearing assistance devices require cost-effective and space-efficient switches for adjusting operational parameters, as momentary switches in small devices rely on complex micro molded mechanical components that occupy valuable housing space.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an integrated switch within the battery door of hearing assistance devices, electrically connected through the hinge to the device's electronics, allowing for adjustment of parameters such as volume, using a conductive spring member and operator assembly that completes a circuit upon user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If momentary switches are used in small hearing assistance devices, then the device can adjust operational parameters, but the device requires costly and complex micro molded mechanical components that occupy space within the housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational parameter adjustmentVSAvoidmicro molded mechanical components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the switch mechanism with the battery door assembly, integrating the operator, spring member, and electrical contacts into a unified structure that forms part of the battery door itself, eliminating the need for separate complex mechanical switch components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex micro molded mechanical switch components with a simpler spring member and contact assembly that uses basic mechanical principles (spring compression and electrical contact) to achieve the same switching function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If momentary switches are used in small hearing assistance devices, then the device can adjust operational parameters, but the components take up space within the housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational parameter adjustmentVSAvoidspace within housing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The switch mechanism is merged with the battery door assembly, so that the operator, spring member, and electrical contacts are integrated into the existing battery door structure, eliminating the need for additional space dedicated to separate switch components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery door assembly serves multiple functions: it provides access to the battery compartment and simultaneously houses the switch mechanism for operational parameter adjustment, making the same structural components serve dual purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If momentary switches are used in small hearing assistance devices, then the device can adjust operational parameters, but the components are costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational parameter adjustmentVSAvoidcostly micro molded mechanical components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses simpler, less expensive materials and manufacturing methods for the switch components, such as injection molded plastic parts and basic spring members, replacing costly micro molded mechanical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive micro molded mechanical switch components with a simpler spring member and contact assembly that can be manufactured using more economical processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution provides a cost-effective, space-efficient, and reliable method for user control within hearing assistance devices, enabling parameter adjustments like volume without the need for complex mechanical components, enhancing the device's operational economy and usability.

Implementation Method 1

the control is electrically connected through the battery door hinge to hearing assistance electronics within the hearing assistance device housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8180084B2Integrated battery door and switch

Publication Date: 2012.05.15 STARKEY LABORATORIES INC

AI summary

The present subject matter includes a switch and an operator to interface with the switch, the operator in a battery door of a hearing assistance device. One embodiment includes a housing, hearing assistance electronics disposed in the housing, a hinge electrically connected to the hearing assistance electronics, and a battery door coupled to the hinge, the battery door includes a switch comprising an operator and at least one contact connected to the hinge.