Open-Cell Foam Support for Hearing Device Push Button
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices face issues with ear wax and dirt accumulation, which can block input transducers and reduce device lifespan, and existing solutions do not effectively address handling noise and tactile feedback for push button control.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an open-cell foam element between the input transducer and push button to accumulate ear wax and dirt, providing tactile feedback, and preventing noise and rattling, while maintaining sound transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a push button is added to control functionalities, then user interaction capability is improved, but handling noise and rattling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The foam element is pre-installed between the push button and housing to provide cushioning before the button is actuated. This beforehand cushioning absorbs vibrations and prevents rattling during normal operation, resolving the contradiction by eliminating harmful noise while preserving the button's interactive functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the push button is made accessible on the housing surface, then ease of operation is improved, but ear wax and dirt can enter through air gaps and block input transducers
Solution Approach 1:
The foam element serves as an intermediary component positioned between the push button air gap and the input transducer. It allows air (and sound) to pass through while physically blocking ear wax and dirt from reaching the transducer, thus maintaining button accessibility while preventing harmful contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam element utilizes its porous structure to allow air flow and sound transmission while its physical matrix traps and accumulates ear wax and dirt particles. This porous material property enables the foam to filter contaminants while maintaining the necessary acoustic passage for the input transducer.
3Reliability
If a foam element is added to support the push button and accumulate ear wax, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foam element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the push button mechanically, accumulates ear wax and dirt, dampens handling noise, and maintains acoustic transparency. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the solution improves reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 foam element effectively extends the device's lifespan by trapping ear wax and dirt, improves tactile feedback, and reduces handling noise, ensuring reliable operation and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the foam element comprises a first foam part being an open-cell foam which is configured for accumulating ear wax and dirt
Implementation Method 2
the foam element may dampen the 'click' sound when the user pushes the button
Implementation Method 3
the foam element may work like a resilient spring, and the foam element may dampen the 'click' sound when the user pushes the button
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3e
AI summary
Disclosed is a hearing device comprising a housing. The housing comprises a first input transducer configured to generate one or more input transducer signals based on a received audio signal. The housing comprises a push button for controlling one or more functionalities of the hearing device. The housing comprises a foam element arranged at least partly between the first input transducer and the push button for supporting the push button, wherein the foam element comprises a first foam part being an open-cell foam which is configured for accumulating ear wax and dirt.