Canal Hearing Device Tragus Switch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Placement and activation of canal hearing devices within the ear canal are challenging due to accessibility issues, particularly for individuals with dexterity limitations, and existing devices require cumbersome switches for control, which are not easily reachable.
Innovation Solution
A canal hearing device with a medial portion for placement in the ear canal and a lateral portion containing wireless electronics and switches, including a handle behind the tragus for manual activation, allowing for wireless control of external appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If switches are placed on canal hearing devices for control, then device functionality is enabled, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate for individuals with dexterity limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the tragus (a cartilaginous structure of the ear) as an intermediary to activate switches. The tragus acts as a mediator between the user's natural ear anatomy and the hearing device controls, allowing activation without requiring manual dexterity to reach or manipulate switches directly on the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing device utilizes the user's own ear anatomy (the tragus) to activate controls. The tragus is naturally present and can be easily manipulated by the user themselves, eliminating the need for external switches that would require manual manipulation of the device components.
2Ease of operation
If hearing devices are placed inside the ear canal for inconspicuous wear, then aesthetics are improved, but accessibility for placement and activation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral portion extends into the concha cavity to serve as an intermediary structure that facilitates both inconspicuous placement and accessible control. This extended portion allows the switches to be positioned in a location that is both aesthetically acceptable and easily accessible for activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the device laterally into the concha cavity dimension, creating a multi-dimensional placement strategy. This allows the device to maintain its inconspicuous in-canal profile while providing accessible controls through the laterally extended portion that reaches into the concha cavity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes examples of systems and methods of wireless remote control of appliances and medical devices using a canal hearing device upon manual activation of a switch placed in the concha cavity behind the tragus. The manual activation of the switch may be by applying a force to the tragus by a finger of a user of the canal hearing device. In one embodiment the lateral end comprises one or more manually activated switches, a wireless antenna, and a battery cell. In some examples, the wireless electronics include low energy Bluetooth. The appliance may be any device with wireless capabilities, for example an electronic lock, a thermostat, an electronic lighting, a telephone, a kitchen appliance, a medical alert system, a television, a medical device, and a smart glass. The inconspicuous and secure wear of the hearing device allows for active lifestyle, including exercise, and more discrete communications.