Canal Hearing Device Wireless Control via Magnetic Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for controlling canal hearing devices require direct access and visibility, making them conspicuous and inconvenient for users, especially when trying to adjust settings like volume or program changes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing proximity wireless control using a magnetic field applied across the cartilaginous tissue at the temporomandibular region, with miniature reed switches in the hearing device that respond to magnetic pulses for specific control commands, allowing for inconspicuous and natural control through distinct 'hot spots' on the head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct access control method is used for canal hearing devices, then control precision is improved, but user convenience deteriorates and the control process becomes conspicuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical direct-access control system with a magnetic field-based wireless control system. Instead of requiring physical contact or direct manipulation of the hearing device, users apply magnetic fields through the skin using a remote controller, which actuates magnetic sensors (reed switches) within the canal hearing device. This substitution eliminates the need for direct access while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium between the user and the hearing device control system. The magnetic field serves as a non-contact carrier of control signals, allowing the user to influence the hearing device through the skin and cartilaginous tissue without direct physical interaction. This intermediary enables concealed and convenient control.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic field control is applied through cartilaginous tissue, then user convenience is improved and control becomes inconspicuous, but magnetic field transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the magnetic field application at specific locations (hot spots) on the head where the magnetic field can effectively penetrate the cartilaginous tissue to reach the reed switches in the hearing device. By identifying and targeting these optimal locations, the system maximizes field transmission reliability while maintaining the inconspicuous nature of the control method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the strength, duration, and pattern of magnetic field application to achieve different control functions. By modulating these parameters, the system can reliably transmit different commands through the tissue, ensuring that the magnetic field control remains effective and reliable despite the intervening cartilaginous tissue.
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
Enables comfortable, inconspicuous, and efficient control of canal hearing devices by allowing users to adjust settings without directly reaching the ear, providing tactile feedback and minimizing effort through selective placement and duration of magnetic field application.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field is applied across the cartilaginous tissue anterior to the ear... a magnet is placed non-invasively at the temporomandibular region on the head to control a hearing device placed inside the ear
Implementation Method 2
The canal hearing device may include one or more miniature magnetic sensors, preferably miniature reed switches which are adapted to be activated wirelessly by the magnetic end of the remote controller
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of systems and methods of wireless control of a canal hearing device by applying a magnetic field on the skin at the temporomandibular region of the head are described. An exemplary hearing device may include one or more magnetic sensors for wireless activation by the magnetic end of a remote control device applied inconspicuously to the anterior of the external ear. The activation of a reed switch magnetic sensor within the canal hearing device may be decoded by the electronics of the hearing device to implement a control command, such as volume change, program setting change, ON, or OFF. According to examples described, wireless control of the canal hearing device may be implemented with a natural, comfortable, and inconspicuous hand-arm motion. In some embodiments, multiple reed switches may be arranged to selectively respond to a magnetic field applied within distinct “hot spot” regions, for separate remote control commands.