Integrated Antenna in Hearing Aid Battery Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing aids face challenges in size reduction and simplified assembly due to the need for additional components like antennas and separate installation space, which complicates manufacturing and increases visibility.
Innovation Solution
Integration of the antenna into the battery module housing, eliminating the need for separate attachment to the circuit board, and using a conductive trace on the circuit board as an additional antenna, reducing the overall size and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate antenna component is attached to the circuit board, then wireless functionality is achieved, but the hearing aid size increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is integrated into the battery module housing, combining two previously separate components (antenna and battery module) into one unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate antenna attachment and reduces overall component count, directly addressing the size and assembly complexity issues
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate antenna component is attached to the circuit board, then wireless functionality is achieved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the antenna into the battery module housing, the patent eliminates separate antenna attachment steps in the manufacturing process. The antenna becomes part of the battery module assembly, reducing the number of discrete components that need to be mounted and tested, thereby reducing manufacturing time
3Device complexity
If a trace antenna is used on the circuit board, then no additional component is required, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is merged with the battery module housing structure, utilizing the existing housing space rather than requiring additional circuit board area. This approach maintains low component complexity while efficiently using three-dimensional space within the battery module volume
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the antenna on the two-dimensional circuit board surface, the patent positions it within the three-dimensional battery module housing volume. This dimensional transition allows for more efficient space utilization and reduces the footprint on the circuit board
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 design reduces the hearing aid's size, enhances robustness, and simplifies manufacturing by integrating the antenna into the battery module housing, thus minimizing additional components and installation space.
Implementation Method 1
a radio transmitter connected to an antenna. The radio transmitter can also receive additional audio signals
Implementation Method 2
using a conductive trace on the circuit board as an additional antenna
Implementation Method 3
a battery cell, and an antenna
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a hearing aid (2) with a circuit board (22) to which a battery module (20) is attached. The battery module (20) has a battery cell (34) with a housing (26), wherein an antenna (38) is integrated into the housing (26).