Detachable Hearing Device Earpiece Assembly With Tolerance Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing device components face issues with variable tolerances leading to assembly difficulties, parts easily coming loose, and labor-intensive gluing processes that require skilled operators and can result in uneven glue distribution.
Innovation Solution
A detachable earpiece design for hearing devices, featuring a receiver module and adapter that securely attach to an earmold with aligning structures and adjustable protrusions, allowing easy assembly and disassembly without glue, and compensating for manufacturing tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If parts are made by 3D-printing, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but assembly fit and reliability deteriorate due to variable tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with adjustable protrusions that can change their position or shape to compensate for tolerance variations in 3D-printed parts. This allows the adapter to adapt to different dimensional parameters of the receiver module and earmold, ensuring proper assembly fit despite manufacturing variability
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component between the receiver module and the earmold. It mediates the connection by providing adjustable elements that can accommodate tolerance gaps, thereby ensuring reliable assembly without requiring precise fitting between the main components
2Strength
If parts are fixedly connected by gluing or welding, then strength is improved, but ease of disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct detachable components: the receiver module, the adapter with adjustable protrusions, and the earmold. This segmentation allows the connection to be strong during use while enabling easy disassembly by simply separating the modular components without damaging them
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates dynamic adjustable protrusions that can be positioned or deformed to secure the connection during use, yet allow for easy release when needed. This dynamic capability enables the connection to transition between a secure state and a detachable state
3Reliability
If gluing is used for interconnection, then reliability is improved, but labor demand and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection system with adjustable protrusions replaces the chemical bonding process of gluing. This substitution eliminates the need for glue application, drying time, and skilled operators, while providing reliable mechanical interlocking through the adjustable adapter components
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter with adjustable protrusions is designed to self-align and self-secure the connection between the receiver module and earmold. The adjustable elements automatically adapt to fit the components together without requiring external intervention or skilled assembly operations
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an earpiece for a hearing device. The earpiece is configured for insertion into at least a part of an ear canal of a user's ear and comprises an earmold and a receiver module, wherein the receiver module is configured to be detachably introduced into an inner cavity of the earmold and comprises a receiver housing with an outer surface and a receiver, which receiver housing is configured for detachable mating with an adapter having an external and an internal surface. The disclosure further relates to a method of detachable assembly of an earpiece of a hearing device.