Bristled Connector Tip for Hearing Instrument Tunnel Contacts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Attaching power and communication cables to hearing instruments is challenging due to anatomical variability in ear canal shapes, leading to issues with debris intrusion, mechanical fatigue, and space constraints within the hearing instrument.
Innovation Solution
A connector tip with electrically conductive and insulated wire segments and bristles that form a double helix structure, allowing for secure electrical connections within a tunnel of the hearing instrument, eliminating the need for external attachment points and reducing mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external cable attachment points are used for charging and data communication, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but mechanical fatigue and debris intrusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector tip is nested within the ear canal tunnel of the hearing instrument, with bristles inserted into the tunnel that make electrical contact with contact pads. This nested configuration eliminates the need for external cable attachment points while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity for charging and data communication, thereby preventing debris intrusion and mechanical fatigue associated with external connectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector tip is made flexible to accommodate ear canal variability, then adaptability improves, but electrical connection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector tip employs flexible bristles that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation to accommodate variations in ear canal anatomy. The bristles are attached to wire segments that provide electrical connectivity while allowing the bristles to bend and conform to the tunnel walls, maintaining both adaptability and reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector tip utilizes materials with specific mechanical properties that allow the bristles to change their physical state from rigid to flexible. The wire segments are constructed with appropriate gauge and material composition to provide sufficient flexibility for ear canal adaptation while maintaining electrical conductivity and connection reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wire segments and bristle sets are used for differential signaling, then data communication capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into multiple independent wire segments and bristle sets, with each pair dedicated to specific differential signaling functions. This segmentation enables robust data communication capability while organizing the complexity into manageable, functionally-separated components that can be systematically arranged within the connector tip.
Solution Approach 2:
The same structural framework of wire segments and bristles serves multiple functions: providing mechanical support, enabling electrical connectivity, and facilitating both charging and data communication. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating multiple capabilities into a unified connector design rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
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 enables reliable electrical charging and data communication within the hearing instrument without external cable attachments, reducing debris intrusion, mechanical fatigue, and optimizing internal component placement, while maintaining user comfort and device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a first wire segment and a second wire segment, wherein: the first and second wire segments are electrically conductive and electrically insulated from each other
Implementation Method 2
a first set of bristles and a second set of bristles, wherein: the first and second sets of bristles are electrically conductive
Data Source
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. The 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.