Hearing Aid Frame Integrated Folded Dipole Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of hearing aids poses challenges in designing RF antennas due to the free-space wavelength and electrically small volume, making it difficult to achieve effective transmitting and receiving characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a folded dipole antenna as an integral part of the hearing aid frame, with two loop-shaped antenna parts electrically shorted and connected via bridging conductors, allows for efficient antenna length and reduced electromagnetic interference, facilitating side-independent use and improved radiating characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard antenna designs are used in hearing aids, then the antenna can achieve adequate transmitting and receiving characteristics, but the hearing aid volume increases and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is integrated directly into the frame structure of the hearing aid, combining the frame and antenna into a single unified component. This eliminates the need for separate antenna elements and reduces overall device volume while maintaining functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna utilizes the surface area of the frame in three-dimensional space, transforming the traditional linear antenna configuration into a planar structure that conforms to the frame geometry. This allows adequate antenna length for RF performance within the constrained volume of the hearing aid.
2Volume of moving object
If the antenna is made as an integral part of the frame, then space is saved and the antenna can be installed in different housings without reconfiguration, but the frame material must be non-conductive which limits design options
Solution Approach 1:
The frame serves dual functions as both the structural housing component and the antenna element. By integrating the antenna into the frame, the same non-conductive frame material accomplishes both mechanical support and RF transmission functions, enabling universal application across different hearing aid housings without requiring material changes.
3Reliability
If the antenna length is increased to improve transmitting and receiving characteristics, then RF performance improves, but the antenna occupies more space within the compact hearing aid volume
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna transitions from a traditional three-dimensional linear configuration to a two-dimensional planar structure that utilizes the frame surface area. This allows the antenna to achieve adequate length for RF performance while occupying minimal volumetric space within the compact hearing aid housing.
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
This configuration enables effective transmission and reception of radio waves while minimizing space and interference, allowing for the same housing to be used on either ear and accommodating the antenna within the hearing aid's compact design.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna (10) assigned to the transmitting and/or receiving unit (6) and configured as an integral part of the frame (11)... which is configured to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic waves (in particular radio signals, also called RF signals)
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing aid contains a housing and, inserted in the housing, is a frame for receiving electrical or electronic assemblies. The assemblies received in the frame contains a transmitting and/or receiving unit for electro-magnetic waves. The hearing aid moreover has an antenna assigned to the transmitting and/or receiving unit, which antenna is configured as an integral part of the frame, as a stamped/bent part or as inlay part made of metal. The antenna contains two parts which are each configured as open loops with two ends, wherein the two loop-shaped parts of the antenna are electrically shorted to each other by a respective end.