Hearing Aid Insertion Tool With Pivot Joint And Depth Stopper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users, especially elderly individuals with poor dexterity, face challenges in manually inserting hearing aid ear-tips into auditory canals with the required precision, leading to potential sound quality issues and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A tool comprising a first and second part connected by a pivot joint, forming a cavity to hold the ear-tip's holding portion, allowing for easy insertion and secure holding, with features like a stopper portion and receiving gap to facilitate correct orientation and prevent deep insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual insertion is used, then the tool structure is simple, but the insertion precision and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized insertion tool as an intermediary device between the user and the ear-tip. This tool includes a holder that securely grasps the ear-tip and a guide portion that directs it into the auditory canal at the correct angle, thereby improving insertion precision and ease of operation without requiring the user to manually manipulate the small ear-tip directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a holder portion for securing the ear-tip, a guide portion for directional control, and a stopper portion for depth control. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, making the overall operation easier and more precise while keeping the tool structure organized and manageable.
2Measurement precision
If manual holding of ear-tip is used, then the device complexity is low, but the holding precision and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tool serves as an intermediary that provides a stable and precise holding mechanism for the ear-tip. The holder portion is specifically designed to securely grasp the ear-tip, preventing it from slipping or rotating during insertion. This intermediary holding mechanism ensures high holding precision without requiring complex manual manipulation skills.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder portion is designed with specific local qualities to match the ear-tip geometry, providing a secure and precise fit. The guide portion has a specific shape and orientation to ensure the ear-tip is held at the correct angle, while the stopper portion provides localized depth control. These local quality optimizations ensure high precision without requiring complex overall structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If deep insertion is allowed, then the tool structure is simple, but the harmful factors (discomfort and feedback noise) increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper portion is designed to prevent deep insertion before it can cause discomfort or feedback noise. It physically blocks further advancement of the ear-tip into the auditory canal, ensuring that the insertion depth remains within safe and comfortable limits. This preliminary anti-action prevents harmful effects before they can occur, without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper portion provides self-service depth control through its passive mechanical design. As the user inserts the ear-tip, the stopper automatically engages at the appropriate depth, providing built-in protection against over-insertion. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for active monitoring or complex control systems while effectively preventing harmful deep insertion.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tool for inserting an ear-tip of a hearing aid into an auditory canal of an end user. The tool comprises a first part and a second part, which are movable in relation to each other around at least one pivot joint. A cavity for receiving a holding portion of the ear-tip is provided between the first and the second part, which cavity is enlarged when a second portion of the first part and a second section of the second part are pressed together.