Hearing Aid Battery Drawer with Integrated On/Off Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art hearing aid devices are difficult for users to operate, especially when worn, due to complex battery door mechanisms and on/off functions.

Innovation Solution

A hearing aid device with a rotably mounted battery drawer that incorporates a finger engagement portion for easy opening and closing, serving as both a battery placement mechanism and a push button for on/off switching, utilizing a spring mechanism and nail grip member for simplified operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex battery door mechanism is used to secure the battery, then the battery is held firmly, but the device becomes difficult to operate especially when worn

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery securingVSAvoiddevice operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the battery door and on/off switch into a single integrated component. The battery door serves dual functions: securing the battery through its closed position and activating the on/off function through a push button mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanisms, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable battery securing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery door is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously performs mechanical securing of the battery and electrical switching functions. The same component that holds the battery in place also acts as the on/off switch when pressed, making it a universal element that handles multiple critical functions with a single structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate mechanisms are provided for battery door operation and on/off function, then each function can be optimized, but the overall device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction optimizationVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the battery door mechanism and on/off switch into a single integrated assembly. The battery door structure incorporates a push button that directly actuates the switching mechanism, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery door is designed as a universal component that performs both mechanical retention and electrical switching functions. This multi-functionality approach allows a single component to handle multiple tasks that would traditionally require separate mechanisms, thereby reducing complexity without sacrificing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a push button mechanism is integrated into the battery door, then on/off function is simplified, but the battery door structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveon/off switchingVSAvoidbattery door structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The push button mechanism is merged directly into the battery door structure, using the door itself as part of the switching mechanism. This integration allows the on/off function to be activated simply by pressing the battery door, simplifying operation while the added structural complexity is minimized through the merging approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution significantly simplifies the operation of the hearing aid device by integrating the battery door and on/off function into a single user-friendly mechanism, enhancing usability and accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a spring mechanism and nail grip member for simplified operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3422741B1Hearing aid device having battery drawer
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 OTICON
  • EP3422741B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3422741B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3422741B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

A hearing aid device comprising a housing having an opening and a battery drawer is disclosed. The hearing aid device comprises a housing having an opening and a battery drawer that constitutes a battery door that is rotably mounted to the housing. The battery drawer comprises a finger engagement portion arranged at the outside surface of the battery drawer. The hearing aid device comprises means for closing the battery door by pushing the finger engagement portion and for maintaining the battery door closed. The hearing aid device comprises means for at least partly opening the battery door by pushing the finger engagement portion and for maintaining the battery door at least partly open. The hearing aid device comprises means for electrically switching the hearing aid device on and off by pushing the finger engagement portion.