Magnetic Coil Alignment in Wirelessly Rechargeable Hearing Aids
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment of induction coils in wirelessly rechargeable hearing devices, particularly in-ear devices, is challenging, leading to difficulties in achieving efficient charging due to misalignment and limited space constraints.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating magnetic components within the hearing device and charger to facilitate magnetic engagement, allowing for reproducible and efficient placement, thereby aligning the induction coils for inductive charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wireless inductive charging is implemented in hearing devices, then the battery door and wired charging pathways are eliminated, but the alignment of induction coils becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic components as intermediary elements between the hearing device and charger. These magnetic components create magnetic attraction forces that automatically guide and position the induction coils into proper alignment during the charging process, eliminating the need for manual precise positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with magnetic field-based positioning. Instead of relying on users to physically align the coils through trial and error, magnetic forces automatically pull the coils into the correct position, substituting a passive mechanical process with an active magnetic guidance system
2Volume of moving object
If the hearing device size is reduced for in-ear applications, then the device becomes more comfortable and less visible, but the induction coils become smaller and harder to align
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic components serve as scalable intermediaries that work effectively regardless of the overall device size. Even in miniaturized in-ear devices, the magnetic attraction forces provide sufficient guidance to align the smaller induction coils, making the alignment process independent of device scale
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positioning parameter from manual mechanical adjustment to magnetic force-driven automatic positioning. This parameter change allows the system to achieve precise alignment even with smaller coils by using magnetic field strength and distribution as the controlling factor rather than physical manipulation
3Manufacturing precision
If magnetic components are added to facilitate coil alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic alignment function with the existing charging structure. The magnetic components are integrated into the housing or charging contact areas, combining multiple functions (structural support, magnetic guidance, and charging interface) into unified elements rather than adding separate independent components
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic components serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the charging interface, generate magnetic attraction forces for alignment, and may also serve as shielding elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, offsetting the complexity increase
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 magnetic engagement ensures proper alignment of induction coils, optimizing charging efficiency while reducing design restrictions and complexity in the charger, even in devices with limited space.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic component configured to magnetically engage with a second magnetic component comprised in the charger in such a way as to facilitate inductive coupling between the receiver coil and the transmitter coil
Implementation Method 2
A fluctuating magnetic field created by an alternating current in a transmitter coil comprised in the charger induces an alternating electric current in a receiver coil comprised in the hearing device
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a wirelessly rechargeable hearing device, a charger for a wirelessly rechargeable hearing device, and a system comprising a wirelessly rechargeable hearing device and a charger for the wirelessly rechargeable hearing device.