Hearing Aid Receiver Plug Spherical Conical Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing aid earpiece connections, particularly the 'hard-soft' snap connection, face issues with reliability due to material wear and inconsistent fit, leading to a secure but short-lived hold.
Innovation Solution
A receiver connector with a spherical section and a conical section that tapers towards the earpiece, allowing for a movable and secure hold, along with a rotationally symmetrical design and adjustable insertion force through slots, and production using thermoplastics like polyamide or polybutylene terephthalate for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hard snap element is used to connect the receiver to the earpiece, then a secure hold is achieved, but the soft material of the earpiece wears out quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the snap connection by introducing a spherical section combined with a conical section. The spherical section (with radius r1) provides a large contact area that distributes mechanical stress, while the conical section (with angle α) provides the necessary retention force. This parameter optimization allows the hard snap element to engage the soft earpiece material without causing excessive wear, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies spheroidality by incorporating a spherical section in the snap element. This curved geometry distributes the contact forces over a larger area of the soft earpiece material, reducing point-load stress and preventing material degradation. The spherical shape combined with the conical taper creates an optimized stress distribution that maintains connection reliability while reducing wear on the soft earpiece.
2Manufacturing precision
If the snap element is made small for precise fit, then the connection is secure, but the insertion force becomes too high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a purely conical (1D taper) geometry to a combined spherical-conical (2D geometry) structure. The spherical section provides a larger initial contact area that reduces insertion force, while the conical section maintains precise positioning. This dimensional enhancement allows the snap element to remain small for precision while reducing the force required for insertion through the enlarged spherical contact zone.
3Ease of operation
If the earpiece is made soft and elastic for comfort, then user comfort is improved, but the snap connection becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite geometric structure combining spherical and conical sections in the snap element. The spherical portion interfaces with the soft earpiece material to provide comfort and distribute stress, while the conical portion provides the mechanical retention force for reliable connection. This composite geometry allows the earpiece to remain soft and elastic for comfort while maintaining a reliable snap connection through the optimized dual-section design.
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 provides a durable and secure snap connection that maintains reliability over multiple cycles and ensures precise fit and comfort, with the thermoplastic properties enhancing the longevity and strength of the earpiece connection.
Implementation Method 1
use of a thermoplastic for the production of an ear mold with the following properties: Tensile modulus of elasticity... elongation at yield stress... hardness... and separation force
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention provides a receiver plug (1) for snapping into an earpiece (10) with a spherical section (2) and a conical section (3) formed at the end facing the earpiece (10), which tapers towards the earpiece (10). The earpiece (10) comprises an adapter element (7) fixedly arranged within the earpiece (10), into which the receiver plug (1) can be detachably and securely inserted. The adapter element (7) has a circumferential, bead-shaped recess (4) with which the spherical section (2) of the receiver plug can form a positive fit, so that the receiver plug (1) is tiltably and deflectably mounted in the adapter element (7). Furthermore, the invention claims the use of a thermoplastic with selected properties for manufacturing the adapter element (7). The secure and durable snap connection between a receiver stem (1) and an earpiece (10) is advantageous.