Bone Conduction Hearing Aid Fastening Device for Infants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bone conduction hearing aids face challenges in securing devices on infants and small children, as they cannot use embedded studs and traditional elastic headbands cause discomfort and restrict wearing of conventional headwear.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with a first and second end portion, and a transition portion that allows secure mounting within articles of clothing, enabling vibration transmission and easy repositioning, accommodating various headwear types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tightly fitted elastic headband is used to hold the hearing aid against the skull, then the hearing aid is securely held in place, but the headband causes painful indentations and pressure headaches
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is divided into multiple functional segments: a headband portion for comfortable wear, a fastening portion for securing the hearing aid, and a transition portion for structural connection. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the headband portion can be padded and flexible for comfort, while the fastening portion provides secure holding without causing pressure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition portion acts as an intermediary element between the headband portion and the fastening portion. This intermediate structure distributes the forces and allows the hearing aid to be secured without the headband itself needing to be tightly fitted, thereby eliminating painful indentations and pressure headaches.
2Reliability
If conventional elastic headbands are used to restrain the hearing aid, then the hearing aid is held against the skull, but the headband blocks the microphone and prevents wearing of conventional headwear
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the headband function from the fastening function into distinct portions connected by a transition portion, the design allows the hearing aid to be restrained without blocking the microphone. The fastening portion can be positioned to secure the hearing aid while the headband portion remains accessible for microphone exposure and headwear compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition portion creates a three-dimensional configuration that allows the fastening portion to be positioned optimally for securing the hearing aid while the headband portion maintains accessibility for the microphone and headwear. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions resolves the conflict between restraint and adaptability.
3Reliability
If double-stick tape is used to secure the device to the head, then the device is held in place for children, but the tape causes red sore spots, allergic skin reactions, and hair pulling
Solution Approach 1:
The padded headband portion serves as an intermediary between the fastening mechanism and the child's skin. The padding layer distributes the securing forces over a larger area, eliminating the need for adhesive tape that causes skin irritation and hair pulling, while still providing reliable device securing through the fastening portion.
4Reliability
If a fastening stud is embedded in the mastoid bone, then the hearing aid is securely held, but infants and small children cannot use this method because their skulls are not hard enough
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device separates the securing function into a dedicated fastening portion that can be attached to the hearing aid without requiring skull embedding. This allows the same device to be used across different age groups - adults can use skull-embedded studs if desired, while infants and children can use the external fastening mechanism that requires no skull penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter changes in the fastening mechanism to be suitable for different age groups. The fastening portion can be configured with different attachment methods appropriate for children's softer skulls versus adults' harder skulls, making the device universally adaptable across the age spectrum.
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 solution provides a comfortable and secure method for infants and small children to wear bone conduction hearing aids with conventional headwear, reducing skin irritation and pressure issues while maintaining effective vibration transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The fastening device serves as a transducer for transmitting vibration from the hearing aid to the wearer
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening device for a bone conduction hearing aid comprises a first end portion, a second portion structured and arranged to be coupled to a bone conduction hearing aid, and a transition portion that connects the first and second end portions.