Flexible Compression Element for Hearing Aid Battery Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing aids experience unwanted noise components due to electrical connections between batteries and contact springs, which are exacerbated by battery size tolerances, compromising acoustic quality and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device design incorporating a flexible compression element made from non-conductive material, which counteracts the force from contact elements and maintains battery alignment, reducing noise while accommodating battery size variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a contact element (battery spring) is used to establish electrical connection with the battery, then reliable power transmission is achieved, but unwanted noise components are generated in the hearing device
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible compression element made of non-conductive material is introduced as an intermediary between the contact element and the battery. This mediator transmits mechanical compression force to ensure reliable electrical contact while blocking the transmission of noise-generating vibrations and currents to the hearing device's acoustic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible compression element applies a counteracting force opposite to the contact element's force on the battery. By positioning the compression element on the opposite side of the battery from the contact element, it creates a balancing effect that reduces the net mechanical stress and vibration transmitted to the battery, thereby reducing noise generation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the contact element is designed to accommodate battery size tolerances, then reliable contact is maintained across different battery sizes, but the force applied to the battery increases, generating more noise
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible compression element provides a counterbalancing force that offsets the excessive force applied by the contact element when accommodating larger batteries. This allows the contact element to maintain reliable contact across battery size variations without transmitting excessive force and noise to the battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible compression element changes its compression parameter dynamically based on battery size. When a larger battery is inserted, the element compresses more to provide adequate counterforce, and when a smaller battery is used, it maintains appropriate contact pressure, thereby adapting to different battery dimensions while controlling noise.
3Ease of manufacture
If a rigid contact element is used for stable electrical connection, then manufacturing precision is simplified, but the connection becomes sensitive to battery size variations
Solution Approach 1:
The contact system is segmented into two distinct functional elements: a rigid contact element for stable electrical connection and a flexible compression element for force modulation. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently - the rigid contact element for manufacturing simplicity and the flexible element for adaptability to battery variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible compression element is implemented as a compliant component that can deform to accommodate battery size variations. This flexible element compensates for dimensional tolerances in the battery, allowing the rigid contact element to maintain stable electrical connection without being directly exposed to size variations.
4Ease of operation
If the compartment is designed to pivot open for battery access, then ease of operation is improved, but mechanical instability increases, potentially affecting electrical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible compression element provides a stabilizing counterforce that compensates for mechanical instability introduced by the pivotal compartment design. When the compartment pivots open and closed, the compression element maintains consistent pressure on the battery, ensuring stable electrical contact despite the dynamic mechanical environment.
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 flexible compression element effectively cancels out noise-inducing forces from contact elements, ensuring reliable battery contact and improved acoustic performance across varying battery sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible compression element... configured to act on the battery when the compartment is moved from an open to a closed position
Implementation Method 2
a force acting on the battery from a contact element is counteracted by a force from the flexible compression element acting on the battery from the other side
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A hearing device having a construction configured to minimize internal noise components of the hearing device is disclosed. In more detail, a hearing device, such as a hearing aid comprising a battery and a compartment configured for receiving a battery is disclosed, wherein the construction of the hearing aid housing is configured such that the noise components arising from the battery being in contact with a battery spring is substantially minimized.