Hearing Aid Receiver Module with Segmented Acoustic Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hearing aid devices, particularly 'in-the-ear' types, face challenges with complex assembly processes that lead to contamination and render servicing difficult, and the antenna is prone to damage due to gluing of components.

Innovation Solution

A module for hearing aid devices featuring a receiver with a sound channel enclosed by a cup-shaped holder and a grommet, where the sound channel is formed by the holder, allowing for easier assembly and servicing, with a grommet and holder connection that prevents sound leakage and damage to the antenna.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If components are glued together to assemble the hearing aid device, then assembly is achieved, but servicing or repairing becomes impossible and contamination from adhesive occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidservicing or repairing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The hearing aid device is divided into modular components (receiver unit, antenna unit, ear mold) that can be individually assembled and disassembled without adhesive, enabling both easy manufacturing and servicing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If components are glued together to assemble the hearing aid device, then assembly is achieved, but contamination from adhesive on components occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidcontamination from adhesive
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into separate modules connected by mechanical interfaces rather than adhesive bonds, eliminating the source of adhesive contamination while maintaining assembly capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A receiver unit serves as an intermediary component that connects the antenna and ear mold through mechanical interfaces, eliminating the need for direct adhesive bonding between critical components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the antenna is glued in place, then assembly is achieved, but the antenna can easily be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveassemblyVSAvoidantenna durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is separated from the ear mold by placing it in a receiver unit housing, creating a protected segment that reduces mechanical damage risk while maintaining assembly simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna is pre-positioned and secured within the receiver unit housing before final assembly, providing protective cushioning that prevents damage during subsequent handling and assembly operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 module simplifies assembly, reduces contamination, and enhances durability by allowing for detachable components and effective sound conduction while preventing ambient noise interference.

Implementation Method 1

a sound channel aligned with the first sound opening and running in a longitudinal direction for sound guidance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound conduction: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP3399775B1Module for installing in a hearing aid
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 SIVANTOS PTE LTD
  • EP3399775B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3399775B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3399775B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a module (10) for installation in a housing (12) of a hearing aid (14), comprising a receiver (18) having a first sound opening (16) for emitting acoustic signals, and a sound channel (20) for sound guidance, which is aligned with the first sound opening (16) and extends longitudinally. The sound channel (20) is enclosed by a cup-shaped holder (22), and the holder (22) has a second sound opening (24) that is aligned with the sound channel (20). The holder (22) carries a grommet (26) with a mounting end (28) and with a connector (30) for connecting an earpiece (32). The grommet (26) has a longitudinal channel (34) for sound guidance, which is aligned with the second sound opening (24) of the holder (22).