Ear-Level Hearing Part Layout for Directional Fit and Low Crosstalk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing devices, particularly Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) devices, face challenges in providing a comfortable fit and maintaining consistent directional performance due to the placement of speakers and microphones, leading to issues like discomfort and increased crosstalk between audio signals.
Innovation Solution
The design of an ear level part for hearing devices with specific tab configurations and a flexible cable system that aligns microphones and receivers optimally within the ear, using a plastically deformable cable to minimize crosstalk and noise, and a customizable fit for various ear geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cable lengths and configurations are used to fit individual users, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and noise from cross-talk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal cable assembly design that fits all users regardless of ear geometry. The cable assembly includes a cable with twisted pairs for signal transmission and a connector that interfaces with the hearing device body, providing a standardized connection that eliminates the need for multiple cable lengths and configurations while maintaining adaptability through proper signal routing that reduces cross-talk noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the cable assembly into distinct functional components: the cable itself with twisted pairs for differential signaling, the connector interface, and the mounting structure. This extraction allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity and reducing cross-talk through proper signal separation and shielding
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cable configurations are used, then adaptability is improved, but noise from cross-talk between microphone and receiver signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces twisted pair wiring as an intermediary mechanism for signal transmission. The twisted pairs act as differential signal paths that inherently reject electromagnetic interference and cross-talk between microphone and receiver signals. The cable assembly serves as an intermediary connection that isolates signals while maintaining electrical connectivity, reducing noise through proper grounding and shielding arrangements
3Device complexity
If a single cable length is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability for individual users decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from varying cable length (geometric parameter) to optimizing signal transmission parameters through twisted pair configuration, impedance matching, and grounding arrangements. This allows a single cable length to work universally by changing how signals are transmitted rather than changing physical dimensions, maintaining adaptability through electrical parameter optimization rather than geometric variation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an ear level part (2) for a hearing device (1), the ear level part (2) comprising: - a body (3) containing at least two microphones (13) acoustically connected to at least two microphone openings (5), the at least two microphone openings (5) arranged in a microphone line (ML), the body (3) further comprising a flange (12), wherein a receiver (14) is arranged within the body (3), wherein the flange (12) has a sound exit (17) for the receiver (14), - an upper tab (8) generally protruding in a lateral direction from the body (3) and configured to be positioned above the tragus (22) of a user's ear (20) and a lower tab (9) generally protruding in a lateral direction from the body (3) and configured to be positioned beneath the tragus (22) of the user's ear (20) thereby aligning the ear level part (2) in such a way that the microphone line (ML) is horizontal or deviates by an angle (A) of at most +/- 15 degrees from a horizontal direction (HD) when the user maintains an upright head posture and/or in such a way that the microphone line (ML) lies on the tragus (22) and/or in such a way that a perpendicular on the microphone line (ML) in the middle between the two microphones lies on the antitragus (24) of the user's ear (20).