Hearing Aid Connector with Identifiable Marker for Insertion Guidance

Solution Overview

Problem

Users, especially new users or those with reduced ability, face challenges in correctly inserting the Receiver-in-Ear (RIE) device into their ear canal, leading to suboptimal fit and performance of hearing devices due to the difficulty in distinguishing and inserting the connector.

Innovation Solution

A connector with a flexible member and at least one identifiable marker that guides users to insert the In-The-Ear (ITE) component, featuring a visual or tactile marker to assist in locating and inserting the connector, ensuring optimal placement and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the connector is made flexible and inconspicuous to improve comfort and aesthetics, then the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot easily locate or distinguish the connector for proper insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of locating connectorVSAvoidconnector design

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes by incorporating an identifiable marker (such as a colored dot, ring, or pattern) on the connector that contrasts with the rest of the connector structure. This marker is visible to users and indicates the correct orientation or location for insertion, resolving the contradiction by making the connector easily locatable without requiring a completely different design structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Ease of operation

If the connector is made flexible to improve comfort during insertion, then the ease of operation deteriorates because users with reduced dexterity cannot grasp or manipulate it properly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of grasping connectorVSAvoidconnector flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing an identifiable marker with specific physical characteristics (such as increased diameter, different texture, or tactile feature) at a specific location on the connector. This local feature provides a grasping point that is easier to manipulate, while the rest of the connector maintains its flexible properties for comfort during insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the connector is made inconspicuous to improve aesthetics, then the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot easily distinguish it from other components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of distinguishing connectorVSAvoidconnector appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes by incorporating an identifiable marker (such as a colored dot, ring, or pattern) on the connector that contrasts with the rest of the connector structure. This marker is visible to users and indicates the correct orientation or location for insertion, resolving the contradiction by making the connector easily locatable without requiring a completely different design structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP4216575A1A connector and a hearing device comprising said connector

Publication Date: 2023.07.26 GN HEARING AS

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AI summary

Disclosed is a connector for providing sound into an ear canal of a user. The connector is configured to connect a behind-the-ear, BTE, component of a hearing device to an ITE component of the hearing device. The connector comprises a first portion configured to be connected to the ITE component of the hearing device and configured to be at least partly inserted into an ear canal of the user. The first portion is configured to extend at least partly in the ear canal of the user when the connector is in its intended position at the ear of the user. The connector further comprises at least one identifiable marker being a user guide.