Hearing Aid Antenna for Wireless Charging and Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing devices face challenges in miniaturization and efficient charging methods, as traditional charging methods require additional components and protruding contacts that can get dirty, and inductive charging coils are large, contradicting the goal of miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device with a rechargeable energy storage unit and an antenna for wireless electromagnetic signal transmission, where an energy charging unit between the antenna and storage unit allows for inductive energy transfer without additional components, using a parasitic diode and Schottky diode to rectify voltage and control charging, enabling seamless switching between charging and communication modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional wire charging methods are used with metallic contacts, then charging can be performed, but the contacts protrude from the housing and can easily get dirty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based charging system with an inductive charging system using electromagnetic fields. The transmitting device generates an oscillating magnetic field that induces current in the receiving coil, eliminating the need for physical contact between charging surfaces and preventing contamination issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an oscillating magnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer energy between the transmitting and receiving devices. This magnetic field acts as a mediator that enables energy transfer without direct contact, solving the contamination problem while maintaining charging functionality.
2Ease of operation
If inductive charging coils are used for wireless charging, then wireless charging is achieved, but the coils are relatively large which contradicts miniaturization goals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the antenna serve dual functions: it acts as both a communication antenna for wireless data transmission and as a receiving coil for inductive charging. By integrating these two functions into a single component, the patent eliminates the need for a separate charging coil, thereby reducing device volume and supporting miniaturization while maintaining wireless charging capability.
3Device complexity
If the antenna is used for both energy reception and wireless communication, then component count is reduced, but switching between charging and communication modes must be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between charging mode and communication mode through a control unit that monitors the operational state and adjusts the antenna's function accordingly. The system can dynamically transition between receiving electromagnetic energy for charging and transmitting/receiving communication signals, providing adaptability while using a single antenna component.
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
Enables wireless charging without impairing wireless communication, using the antenna coil for both energy and data transmission, with efficient voltage regulation and state-of-charge monitoring, allowing for compact design and effective energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
energy which is electromagnetically transmitted to the antenna is fed into the energy storage unit electrically via the energy charging unit
Implementation Method 2
using a parasitic diode and Schottky diode to rectify voltage and control charging
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a hearing aid (1) with a rechargeable energy storage unit (5) for power supply and with an antenna (6) for wireless transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals. An energy charging unit (17) is arranged between the antenna (6) and the energy storage unit (5), wherein, during charging operation, energy electromagnetically transmitted to the antenna (6) is electrically fed into the energy storage unit (5) via the energy charging unit (17). The invention also provides an energy charger (8) and an energy charging method.