Hearing Aid FSK Transceiver Automatic Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing aids require external calibration equipment for transceiver frequency calibration, which is time-consuming and inefficient, and may need recalibration due to environmental changes, necessitating access to a service facility.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid FSK transceiver that automatically tunes its resonant frequency by measuring phase differences across a fixed capacitor when receiving FSK signals, allowing adjustments to a variable capacitor to achieve resonance, enabling self-calibration without external equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external calibration equipment is used for transceiver frequency calibration, then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but manufacturing time increases and service facility access is required for recalibration
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid transceiver is equipped with automatic tuning capability that allows it to self-calibrate its resonant frequency without external calibration equipment. The system measures the actual resonant frequency and automatically adjusts tuning parameters to compensate for deviations, enabling both initial calibration and ongoing recalibration within the device itself.
2Measurement precision
If external calibration equipment is used for transceiver frequency calibration, then frequency accuracy can be maintained, but the complexity of the calibration process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver automatically performs frequency calibration by measuring its own resonant frequency and adjusting tuning parameters internally, eliminating the need for complex external calibration equipment and simplified the overall calibration process.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the transceiver is tuned precisely to operating frequency, then power efficiency is improved, but the tuning must be fixed at manufacturing stage which limits adaptability to environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver incorporates automatic tuning capability that allows it to dynamically adjust its resonant frequency in response to environmental changes. The system continuously monitors frequency drift and adjusts tuning parameters to maintain optimal power efficiency under varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures the actual resonant frequency and uses this feedback to automatically adjust tuning parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal power efficiency while adapting to environmental changes throughout the device's operational lifespan.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a tunable capacitance element is used for frequency adjustment, then frequency tuning capability is achieved, but the device requires additional components increasing its size
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid signal processor is designed to directly control the tuning of the resonant circuit, merging the signal processing function with the frequency tuning control. This integration eliminates the need for separate tunable capacitance elements and dedicated calibration hardware, achieving frequency adjustment capability without significantly increasing device size.
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
This method allows for fast and efficient self-tuning of the resonant frequency, reducing manufacturing time and enabling ongoing frequency monitoring within the hearing aid, eliminating the need for external calibration rigs and facilitating recalibration as needed.
Implementation Method 1
measuring phase differences across a fixed capacitor when receiving FSK signals
Implementation Method 2
tunes its resonant frequency by measuring phase differences across a fixed capacitor
Implementation Method 3
adjustments to a variable capacitor to achieve resonance
Implementation Method 4
provides an FSK modulated, digital bit stream to the resonant circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
An FSK transceiver (21) for use in a hearing aid has means for automatic tuning of the transceiver frequency. The automatic tuning means comprises a phase difference detector (26, 27, 28, 29) and a tuning manager (25) adapted to control the frequency of a resonant circuit of the FSK transceiver (21) according to information received from the phase difference detector (26, 27, 28, 29). The phase difference detector (26, 27, 28, 29) measures the phase difference across a component (Ci) of the resonant circuit of the FSK transceiver (21). If the phase difference (A) of a binary FSK symbol is equal to the phase difference (B) of the opposite binary FSK symbol, the resonant circuit is tuned, otherwise the tuning manager (25) performs a tuning procedure in order to minimize the difference