Ear-Worn Phased Array Antennas for 2.4 GHz Interference Rejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hearing devices face interference and desensitization due to increasing numbers of collocated devices using the 2.4 GHz ISM frequency band, leading to poor wireless link quality and signal-to-noise ratios, especially with high-power interferers like WiFi and Bluetooth devices.

Innovation Solution

A hearing device system comprising a pair of ear-worn devices with RF transceivers and antennas that form a phased array antenna arrangement, allowing for electronic steering of the antenna array pattern to improve wireless links by adjusting phase shifts and gains, thereby maximizing signal-to-noise ratios and minimizing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hearing devices use standard antenna arrangements in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, then wireless communication functionality is provided, but interference and desensitization occur due to high-power interferers like WiFi and Bluetooth devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless link qualityVSAvoidinterference from collocated devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple antennas from both hearing devices into a phased array system, merging their capabilities to create a unified antenna system that can electronically steer beams and reject interference through cooperative signal processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic beam steering capability where the antenna array pattern can be electronically adjusted in real-time to track desired signals and null out interferers, allowing the system to adapt to changing spatial interference conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple collocated devices operate in the 2.4 GHz band, then device versatility and functionality are enhanced, but signal-to-noise ratios deteriorate due to increasing interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the presence of multiple interferers into a beneficial spatial filtering opportunity by using the phased array to identify and null out specific interference directions while maintaining reception from desired directions, turning the harmful multi-device environment into an opportunity for spatial selectivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If hearing devices operate independently with individual antennas, then device simplicity is maintained, but wireless link performance suffers due to inability to reject interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna system structureVSAvoidwireless link quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wireless communication function across multiple spatially distributed antennas in both devices, allowing independent control of each antenna element through phase shifters to achieve beam forming and interference rejection while maintaining individual device simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system enhances wireless link quality by electronically steering the antenna array to optimize signal reception and reject interference, improving signal-to-noise ratios and reducing desensitization of hearing devices due to external noise sources.

Implementation Method 1

The antenna arrangements of the first and second hearing devices are configured to cooperate to form a phased array antenna arrangement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhased array:

Implementation Method 2

The processor is configured to adjust a phase shift of the phase shifter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase shift:

Data Source

PatentUS11974096B2Hearing device system incorporating phased array antenna arrangement

Publication Date: 2024.04.30 STARKEY LABORATORIES INC

AI summary

A system comprises a first hearing device and a second hearing device each comprising a housing configured to be supported at, on or in the wearer's ear, a processor, memory, a radio frequency transceiver, and an antenna arrangement disposed in or on the housing and coupled to the transceiver and the processor. The antenna arrangement comprises an antenna coupled to a phase shifter. The processor is configured to adjust a phase shift of the phase shifter. The system also comprises a clock synchronization link between the transceivers, a second link configured to communicate received signal information between the transceivers, and a master processor defined by the processor of the first or second hearing device. The master processor is configured to cause the first and second hearing devices to operate the antenna arrangements as a phased array antenna arrangement via the clock synchronization link and the second link.