Dual RF Antenna Module for In-Ear Hearing Signal Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-the-ear hearing assistive devices experience impaired radio frequency performance due to placement, leading to limited signal coverage and poor audio quality from multipath signals, especially in indoor and outdoor environments.
Innovation Solution
A dual antenna system is implemented, comprising an asymmetric long wire antenna and a short wire antenna with stub tuning, connected through an integrated ceramic transformer to a single-ended transceiver port, optimizing signal collection from different angles and directions, including the ground, to enhance directional reception and mitigate coverage impairments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single antenna is used in conventional ITE hearing assistive devices, then the device structure remains simple, but signal reception performance is impaired due to limited coverage and multipath interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into two separate antennas with different radiation patterns. The first antenna provides omnidirectional coverage while the second antenna provides directional coverage, allowing the system to segment the reception space and mitigate multipath interference by selecting appropriate antenna based on signal direction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second antenna dimension to the traditional single-antenna system. By adding another antenna with complementary radiation characteristics, the system expands from one-dimensional omnidirectional reception to two-dimensional spatial diversity reception, improving signal acquisition from multiple angles
2Volume of moving object
If the hearing assistive device is placed in the ear canal, then the device is compact and comfortable, but radio frequency performance is impaired in particular regions around the patient's head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different radiation pattern characteristics to different antennas based on their functional roles. The first antenna is optimized for omnidirectional local reception near the ear, while the second antenna is optimized for directional reception from specific regions, allowing targeted improvement of RF performance in problematic areas without increasing overall device volume
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
The dual antenna system significantly improves signal reception and reduces signal loss, providing better audio quality and stability by maximizing signal collection from various angles and directions, thus addressing the limitations of conventional ITE hearing assistive devices.
Implementation Method 1
dual antenna system... optimizing signal collection from different angles and directions
Implementation Method 2
connected through an integrated ceramic transformer to a single-ended transceiver port
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for dual radio frequency antennas for an in-the-ear hearing assistive device. An example dual antenna module, for use in hearing assistive devices, has, at least, a first antenna and a second antenna, with the first antenna and the second antenna configured to ensure that reception of signals via the dual antenna module meets performance criteria that includes, at least, optimizing reception of signals in a particular direction relative to a head of user when using the hearing assistive device, and having a directional radiation pattern pointing outward from an ear of the user when using the hearing assistive device.