Bone Conduction Hearing Aid Attachment for Stable Ear Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing behind-the-ear bone conduction hearing aids suffer from poor adhesion, leading to loosening and falling off during movement.
Innovation Solution
A bone conduction assistive hearing aid with a main body comprising a hearing aid mechanism, an adhesive layer, and a rubber bent rod with a flexible metal wire, featuring ventilation holes, a breathable mesh layer, and a bolt with a cone-shaped head for secure attachment, along with anti-corrosion coating and reflective strip for improved stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple adhesive layer is used to attach the hearing aid to the ear, then the device structure remains simple, but the adhesion is poor and the hearing aid loosens and falls off during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is segmented into multiple functional zones: a breathable mesh layer for ventilation, a rubber plug for canal sealing, and a bent rod structure for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while collectively providing stable adhesion without excessive overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber plug is inserted into the ear canal, and the breathable mesh layer is arranged on the outer side of the rubber plug, creating a nested structure. The elastic column with elastic ball is then positioned within the docking hole, forming another nested arrangement. This nesting maximizes space utilization and provides multi-level securing while maintaining a compact overall structure
2Ease of operation
If ventilation holes are added to the adhesive layer, then breathability and comfort are improved, but the structural integrity and fastening effect may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer has different properties in different regions: the breathable mesh layer provides ventilation in specific areas while the rubber plug and bent rod structures provide structural integrity and fastening in other areas. This local differentiation allows the device to simultaneously achieve breathability and strength without compromising either function
3Strength
If a bolt with tapered head is used for fastening, then the fastening effect is improved, but the risk of injury from accidental hitting increases
Solution Approach 1:
A rubber cap is added to the top end of the bolt to cushion against accidental impacts. The rubber material absorbs the energy of potential injuries while the tapered head at the bottom end maintains the fastening effect. This beforehand cushioning protects users from injury without compromising the bolt's fastening capability
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber cap acts as an intermediary between the bolt and the user's ear. It transfers the mechanical stress from accidental hits away from the user's skin, providing protection while allowing the bolt to maintain its fastening function. The adhesive layer between the rubber cap and bolt further enhances this protective intermediary function
4Reliability
If anti-corrosion coating is applied to the bolt, then corrosion resistance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt surface undergoes parameter changes through anti-corrosion coating, transforming it from a susceptible material to a corrosion-resistant component. This coating process, while adding some manufacturing steps, is a standard industrial procedure that can be efficiently integrated into existing production lines, minimizing the increase in manufacturing complexity
5Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a reflective strip is added to the rubber bent rod, then visibility in dim light is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective strip changes the optical properties of the rubber bent rod, making it visible in dim light conditions. The reflective material reflects ambient light back to the user's eye, effectively changing the visibility characteristic without adding significant structural complexity. This is a simple yet effective solution that can be easily integrated into the existing bent rod structure
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 design ensures a tighter and more secure fit, preventing the hearing aid from loosening or falling off during movement, enhancing user comfort and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible metal wire (5) is arranged in the interior of the rubber bent rod (4). The flexible metal wire inside the rubber bent rod helps it return to its original shape.
Implementation Method 2
The adhesive layer attaches the main body to the back of an ear of the user
Implementation Method 3
A breathable mesh layer (11) is arranged on an outer side of rubber plug (10) to cover the rubber plug (10). The breathable mesh layer on the rubber plug improves ventilation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a bone conduction assistive hearing aid, including a main body, which includes a hearing aid mechanism and an adhesive layer. One side of the adhesive layer is provided with ventilation holes that penetrate through the adhesive layer. The bottom end of the adhesive layer is provided with a rubber bent rod, in which a flexible metal wire is arranged. One end of the rubber bent rod is provided with a docking hole, and a spherical hole at one end of the docking hole. An elastic column is insertable into the docking hole and has one end formed with an elastic ball receivable in the spherical hole. An opposite end of the elastic column includes a rubber plug, which is covered with a breathable mesh layer.