Reusable Hearing Aid Filter Tool Reduces Plastic Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing aid maintenance sets generate significant plastic waste due to non-biodegradable components, including filters and tools, with each tool being used once for assembly and disassembly, leading to excessive waste generation.
Innovation Solution
A reusable assembly and disassembly tool with a mounting side for inserting and a disassembly side for removing hearing aid filters, featuring a movable slide and a coupling section for multiple uses, along with a hearing aid filter receiving device with movable compartments for efficient filter positioning and removal, reducing the need for multiple tools and filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a separate assembly and disassembly tool is used for each hearing aid filter, then the filter can be precisely installed and removed, but the number of tools increases significantly leading to excessive plastic waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal assembly and disassembly tool that can handle multiple hearing aid filter types through a modular design. The tool features a reusable handle with interchangeable heads or adjustable components that adapt to different filter sizes and shapes, allowing one tool to perform the function previously requiring multiple specialized tools, thereby reducing plastic waste while maintaining installation precision
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is divided into separable components including a reusable handle and disposable or interchangeable filter-specific attachments. This segmentation allows the main tool body to be reused across multiple filters while only the small attachment parts need to be replaced or adjusted for different filter types, significantly reducing overall plastic consumption
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple assembly and disassembly tools are provided in the maintenance set, then each filter type can be handled specifically, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional tool system where a single handle can accommodate various filter types through interchangeable heads or adjustable mechanisms. This universality provides adaptability to handle different hearing aid filter specifications while maintaining a simple toolset composition, avoiding the complexity of multiple separate tools
Solution Approach 2:
The tool employs a nested structure where smaller filter-specific components can be stored within or attached to the main handle. The interchangeable heads or attachments can be nested within the handle when not in use, creating a compact integrated system that combines multiple functions in one tool rather than requiring separate tools for each function
3Ease of operation
If hearing aid filters are made disposable for easy replacement, then the replacement process is simplified, but the environmental impact and plastic waste increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle selectively to only the necessary components - the hearing aid filters themselves remain disposable for hygiene and performance reasons, while the assembly and disassembly tools are designed to be reusable. This selective disposability maintains ease of filter replacement while minimizing plastic waste by making the tools durable and long-lasting
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed to be recovered and reused after each filter replacement operation. The reusable handle and mechanisms are retained and can be used for multiple filter changes, while only the consumed filters are discarded. This recovering approach significantly reduces plastic waste compared to disposable tools, while the filters themselves remain easily replaceable
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 multiple uses of the assembly and disassembly tool and hearing aid filters, significantly reducing plastic waste by eliminating the need for separate tools for each filter and optimizing the use of filters within the receiving device, thereby minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
apply a compressive force along a longitudinal axis of the tool in the direction of the hearing aid loudspeaker to the received hearing aid filter in such a way that the hearing aid filter is elastically deformed in the hearing aid loudspeaker
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to a hearing aid maintenance set (1) comprising an assembly and disassembly tool (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5) and a hearing aid filter receiving device (2) with a receiving compartment (8). The invention proposes that the assembly and disassembly tool (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5) comprises an assembly side (40) for inserting a hearing aid filter (6) into a hearing aid loudspeaker (70) by removing it from the hearing aid filter receiving device (2) and applying a pressure force (F1) towards the hearing aid loudspeaker (70), and a disassembly side (42) for removing the used hearing aid filter (6) from the hearing aid loudspeaker (70) by reversibly positive engagement with the hearing aid filter (6). The invention further proposes that the receiving compartment (8) contain receiving compartments (14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.5) for the movable mounting of a plurality of hearing aid filters (6) with a positioning device (16) for separately arranging one of the movably mounted hearing aid filters (6E) at a removal position (E). The invention further relates to an assembly and disassembly tool (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5) and a hearing aid filter mounting device (2) as well as a hearing aid filter (6).