Hearing Aid Exposed Conductor Track for Compact Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aids have a complex device housing design due to the need for a hollow bus for programming, which increases size and cost, and struggle to be inserted deeply into the auditory canal for enhanced acoustics and directional sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid with a device housing comprising two axially adjustable parts with spring means and integrated switch contacts, featuring an exposed conductor track for direct connection to an external programming device, and a flexible fitting body that adapts to the auditory canal, eliminating the need for additional connectors and enhancing compactness and deep insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hollow bus is used for programming connection in the device housing, then programming functionality is enabled, but the device housing becomes more complex and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the programming connection functionality from the traditional hollow bus structure and implements it through exposed conductor tracks on the carrier that are directly accessible from the outside of the device housing. This eliminates the need for a separate hollow bus component while maintaining programming capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the programming connection function with the existing carrier structure by integrating conductor tracks directly into the carrier. This combines multiple functions (structural support, electrical connection, and programming interface) into a single integrated component, reducing overall device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the device housing is made more compact for deep insertion into auditory canal, then acoustic feedback is reduced, but programming access becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device housing into two parts that can be adjusted relative to each other, allowing the housing to be compressed for deep insertion while maintaining access points for programming. The spring means enable controlled movement between segments to accommodate both compact insertion and programming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the device housing through spring means that allow the housing to change its configuration. The housing can be compressed for deep insertion and then expanded to provide access for programming, making the structure adaptable to different operational requirements.
3Ease of operation
If spring means are added to enable adjustment of device housing parts, then programming accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the spring means serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical adjustment for programming access, maintain structural integrity of the housing, and enable controlled movement between the two parts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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 allows for a simpler, more compact device housing that can be deeply inserted into the auditory canal, reducing acoustic feedback and occlusion phenomena while enabling easy programming and improved acoustic properties.
Implementation Method 1
between said parts are provided spring means which exert a bias between the two g parts
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A hearing aid comprises a device housing (2) in which a programmable sound processing device is received on a carrier. The carrier is provided on a main surface with a conductor track which lies exposed in an opening (8) in an outer casing of the device housing (2). A coupling connector (20) of an external programming device can be received in the opening in order to place the conductor track on the main surface of the carrier into direct and operative contact with a corresponding conductor track on the coupling connector. A separate connector for the purpose of programming and tuning the sound processing device to the individual hearing characteristics and/or wishes of a user can thus be omitted from the hearing aid.