Bristled Connector Tip for Hearing Instrument Charging Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Attaching power and communication cables to hearing instruments is challenging due to the variability in the size and shape of in-ear devices, and existing solutions are prone to debris intrusion, mechanical fatigue, and polarity mismatch issues.
Innovation Solution
The development of an accessory device with a connector tip featuring helically twisted wire segments and sets of bristles, which are electrically conductive and insulated from each other, allowing for reliable electrical connections without short circuits or debris issues, and incorporating a full-bridge rectifier for correct polarity sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable attachment methods are used on hearing instruments, then electrical connection can be established, but the device is prone to debris intrusion, mechanical fatigue, and polarity mismatch issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible bristles instead of rigid cable attachments. The bristles are arranged in sets that can flexibly contact the charging surface, preventing debris intrusion while maintaining reliable electrical connection. The flexible nature of bristles allows them to conform to the charging surface without creating gaps where debris could accumulate.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into multiple wire segments (first wire segment, second wire segment) that are electrically insulated from each other. Each wire segment has its own set of bristles, allowing independent contact establishment. This segmentation prevents short circuits and reduces mechanical stress on any single connection point.
2Reliability
If multiple wire segments are used to provide electrical connections, then polarity mismatch is prevented, but the risk of short circuit between wire segments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating layer as an intermediary between the first wire segment and second wire segment. This insulating layer prevents direct contact between the conductive wire segments, eliminating the risk of short circuits while allowing both segments to maintain their electrical connections to the charging surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire segments are arranged asymmetrically with different spatial positions and orientations. The first wire segment and second wire segment are positioned such that their bristle sets contact different areas of the charging surface, ensuring proper polarity matching while minimizing the chance of cross-contact between segments.
3Reliability
If bristles are arranged closely to maximize contact area, then electrical connection is improved, but the risk of short circuit due to bristle bending increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer serves as a mediator that maintains safe spacing between bristles of different wire segments. Even when bristles bend during insertion or due to mechanical stress, the insulating layer ensures they cannot bridge across to create a short circuit, while still allowing sufficient bristle density for good electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire segments and their insulating layers are pre-assembled before insertion into the hearing instrument. This preliminary assembly ensures that the insulating structures are already in place to prevent short circuits, and the bristle arrangement is optimized for contact before any bending or deformation occurs during use.
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples of this disclosure relate to an accessory device for a hearing instrument. The accessory device comprises a connector tip that comprises a first wire segment and a second wire segment, lire first and second wire segments are electrically conductive and electrically insulated from each other. The connector tip also comprises a first set of bristles and a second set of bristles. The first and second sets of bristles are electrically conductive. The first set of bristles is electrically connected to the first wire segment and electrically insulated from the second wire segment. The second set of bristles is electrically connected to the second wire segment and electrically insulated from the first wire segment. The first set of bristles is spaced sufficiently far from the second set of bristles as to prevent a short circuit between the first and second sets of bristles.