Hearing Aid Detachable Battery Bayonet Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in hearing aid systems is the difficulty for disabled or elderly individuals to change or recharge batteries due to their small size and the requirement for fine motor skills, leading to a limited service life and economic burden when rechargeable batteries deplete, necessitating new hearing aids.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid system with a detachable power source using bayonet plugs for easy attachment and detachment, allowing for interchangeable batteries and an internal rechargeable power source with a charging circuit, enabling prolonged use and extended service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rechargeable batteries are hard-wired into the hearing aid to eliminate battery changing, then the need for frequent battery replacement is eliminated, but the hearing aid service life is limited to the battery life (3-4 years) and the user cannot exchange batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is divided into a detachable module that can be separated from the hearing aid housing. This segmentation allows the battery to be easily removed and replaced by the user, combining the ease of operation of hard-wired batteries with the versatility of exchangeable batteries. The detachable module includes electrical contacts that automatically connect to the hearing aid when attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery module transitions from a static hard-wired configuration to a dynamic detachable configuration. This allows the system to adapt between being permanently installed for ease of operation and being removable for exchangeability, depending on user needs and battery status.
2Volume of moving object
If small batteries are used to fit within the hearing aid housing, then the hearing aid size is minimized, but the batteries require fine motor skills to change or recharge
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is segmented into a separate detachable module that can be handled independently. This allows the user to grasp and manipulate the entire module rather than struggling with small internal battery components, significantly reducing the fine motor skill requirements while maintaining compact hearing aid dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable module serves as an intermediary between the user and the small battery. The user interacts with the larger, easier-to-handle module rather than the small battery directly, while the module maintains the necessary electrical connections to the hearing aid.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the power source is detachable from the hearing aid housing, then battery exchangeability is enabled, but the connection stability and electrical contact reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are pre-positioned and pre-aligned in both the detachable module and the hearing aid housing. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the module is attached, the electrical connections are automatically established with proper alignment and stable contact, eliminating the need for complex connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contacts utilize spring-loaded or elastically deformable elements that provide continuous pressure and maintain stable electrical connection through their elastic recovery, compensating for any minor misalignments or wear over time.
Data Source
AI summary
A kit-of-parts includes: a hearing aid having a first attachment member; a first device comprising a second attachment member that is configured to mate with the first attachment member of the hearing aid; and a second device comprising a third attachment member that is configured to mate with the first attachment member of the hearing aid; wherein the second attachment member and the third attachment are alternatively attachable to the first attachment member of the hearing aid; and wherein the first device comprises a first electrical power source that is rechargeable, and the second device comprises an accessible compartment configured for holding a second electrical power source.