Hearing Device Cerumen Filter Segmented Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-the-ear hearing devices face issues with ear wax and debris entering the receiver/microphone opening, leading to blocked acoustic transmission and potential damage to electrical components.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device cerumen filter device with a body having support members and a filter structure, designed to fit securely within the receiver/microphone opening, providing multiple barriers to prevent ear wax entry while allowing audio passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple tubular filter structure is used, then the device is easy to manufacture and insert, but it provides insufficient support and stability inside the receiver opening, allowing ear wax to pass between the filter and the opening wall
Solution Approach 1:
The filter body is segmented with multiple support members (first support member and second support member) positioned at different locations along the body. These segmented support structures provide multiple contact points with the receiver opening wall, preventing ear wax from passing between the filter and opening while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The support members extend radially outward from the body in a direction perpendicular to the main axis of the filter. This dimensional extension creates a barrier structure that blocks ear wax passage paths without requiring increased length or complexity along the main filter axis
2Stability of the object's composition
If the filter device is made rigid to maintain shape and provide support, then it provides better ear wax barrier, but it becomes more difficult to insert into the ear canal opening
Solution Approach 1:
The filter body exhibits different mechanical properties at different locations: the support members provide localized rigidity and structural support where needed to maintain shape and block ear wax, while the main body portions between support members retain flexibility to enable easy insertion into the ear canal opening
Data Source
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AI summary
A hearing device cerumen filter (1) is disclosed comprising: a body (2) having a first end (3) and a second end (4), the body (2) comprising an inner surface (12) defining a cavity (11), and an outer surface (13) having an outer cross-sectional diameter (D), where the outer surface (13) comprises a first support member (14) positioned at a first distance from the first end (3), where the first support member (14) has a first cross-sectional diameter (B), and the outer surface (13) comprises a second support member (15) positioned at a second distance from the first end (3), where the second support member (15) has a second cross-sectional diameter (C); a filter structure (19) positioned within the cavity (11) of the body (2); and a collar (5) positioned at the second end (4) of the body (2), the collar (5) having a collar cross-sectional diameter (E).