Folded Dipole Antenna for Hearing Aid Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aid antennas are inflexible, space-intensive, and prone to detuning due to nearby metallic objects and the head, limiting their effectiveness in wireless communication at 2.4 GHz frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A folded dipole antenna design with a small enclosed area, featuring conductors arranged at specific distances and ohmic connections, which increases base point resistance and radiation efficiency, allowing for more compact and adaptable integration into hearing aid devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a standard antenna design is used, then the antenna can operate at the predetermined frequency, but the antenna requires a large enclosed area that cannot be accommodated in the electrically small volume of the hearing aid device
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is segmented into multiple conductors (first conductor, second conductor, third conductor) arranged in a folded dipole configuration. This segmentation allows the antenna to achieve the required electrical length for 2.4 GHz operation while fitting within the compact hearing aid volume, as each segment contributes to the overall electromagnetic radiation pattern without requiring a large single continuous loop area
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna transitions from a planar loop configuration to a three-dimensional folded dipole structure with conductors extending in different directions from the energy coupling device. This dimensional change allows the antenna to achieve the necessary radiation characteristics in a compact volume by utilizing spatial arrangement rather than large planar area
2Loss of energy
If loop antennas with large loop area are used, then the antenna can provide sufficient radiation efficiency, but the antenna takes up space in the housing and requires redesign for each new hearing aid model
Solution Approach 1:
The folded dipole antenna structure with conductors arranged at specific distances creates a configuration that achieves adequate radiation efficiency through its three-dimensional geometry rather than large area. This universal design can be adapted to different hearing aid models without requiring complete redesign, as the compact folded structure maintains performance across various housing configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design changes the critical parameter from enclosed area to conductor spacing and arrangement. By optimizing the distances between conductors (first conductor to third conductor, second conductor to third conductor) rather than relying on large loop area, the antenna achieves radiation efficiency through geometric configuration parameters that can be maintained across different device models
3Reliability
If loop antennas are used, then the antenna can provide magnetic inductive coupling, but the antenna shows great influence from nearby metallic objects or the head causing detuning and increased losses
Solution Approach 1:
The folded dipole antenna employs an asymmetric arrangement where the first and second conductors extend in different directions from the energy coupling device and are positioned at specific distances from the third conductor. This asymmetric configuration creates a radiation pattern and electromagnetic field distribution that is less susceptible to detuning from nearby metallic objects or the head compared to symmetric loop antenna configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design substitutes the magnetic inductive coupling mechanism with an electric dipole radiation mechanism. By using the folded dipole configuration with conductors arranged to create electric field radiation rather than magnetic loop coupling, the antenna reduces sensitivity to metallic objects and head proximity that primarily affect magnetic inductive systems
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 folded dipole antenna design enhances radiation efficiency and reduces space requirements, enabling better performance and flexibility in hearing aid devices while minimizing the impact of nearby objects and head proximity.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna device (20), which is designed to receive and/or emit electromagnetic waves with a predetermined wavelength lambda
Implementation Method 2
a first ohmic connection (24) between the first conductor (21) and the third conductor (23) and a second ohmic connection (25) between the second (22) and the third conductor (23)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a hearing aid device with an antenna device. The antenna device is designed to receive and/or transmit electromagnetic waves of a predetermined wavelength lambda. The antenna device (0) has an energy coupling device (26) which is configured to supply or to draw electrical energy to or from the antenna device, a first conductor (21) and a second conductor (22), which are in energy exchange with the energy coupling device, extend away from the energy coupling device in different directions and are arranged a short distance from a third conductor (23). A first ohmic connection (24) between the first conductor and the third conductor and a second ohmic connection (25) between the second conductor and the third conductor are arranged at a predefined distance from the energy coupling device.