Hearing Aid Resilient Contacts for Universal Battery Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of hearing devices with different energy supply systems is complex and costly due to the need for multiple components and assembly variations for rechargeable and non-rechargeable battery configurations.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device design featuring an electronic frame with resilient contacts and a rechargeable battery module that can be easily swapped with a button cell, using an electronic convertor system to adjust voltage and include wireless charging, allowing for simplified production and reduced inventory costs by using common parts for various energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components and assembly variations are used for rechargeable and non-rechargeable battery configurations, then the hearing device can support different energy supply systems, but the production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient contacts are designed with a universal structure that can accommodate both rechargeable battery modules and non-rechargeable button cell batteries. The contact geometry and electrical connection points are configured to work with both battery types, allowing a single assembly process to support multiple energy supply configurations without requiring separate component sets for each battery type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components and assembly variations are used for rechargeable and non-rechargeable battery configurations, then the hearing device can support different energy supply systems, but the inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient contacts serve as a universal interface component that eliminates the need to maintain separate inventories of specialized components for rechargeable and non-rechargeable battery configurations. By designing the contact structure to accommodate both battery types, the manufacturer can use the same component inventory for producing hearing devices with different energy supply options, thereby reducing inventory carrying costs and simplifying supply chain management.
3Ease of manufacture
If resilient contacts are used to electrically contact both rechargeable battery modules and button cell batteries, then the assembly process is simplified, but the contact design must accommodate different battery geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient contacts incorporate elastic deformation capability that allows them to dynamically adapt to different battery geometries. The contact structure can flex and deform elastically to accommodate variations in battery size, shape, and contact surface position between rechargeable battery modules and button cell batteries, maintaining reliable electrical connection without requiring precise pre-positioning or complex adjustment mechanisms.
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 design simplifies the assembly and production of hearing devices by enabling easy switching between rechargeable and non-rechargeable battery sources, reducing assembly complexity and inventory costs while maintaining efficient energy management.
Implementation Method 1
The hearing device contains a first resilient contact and a second resilient contact. Both the first as well as the second resilient contact are in this case fastened to the electronic frame and preferably electrically connected to at least one of the electronic components.
Implementation Method 2
the electronic convertor system is used in particular so as to adjust the battery voltage value, which is provided by the rechargeable battery, to an operating voltage value that is required to operate the electronic components
Implementation Method 3
the electronic charging system in this case also contains an antenna (by way of example an induction coil) for wireless charging of the rechargeable battery
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing device contains an electronic frame for holding electronic components. The hearing device has first and second resilient contacts. The resilient contacts are fastened to the electronic frame, and the resilient contacts reversibly electrically contact an electronic component using contact surfaces of a double-pole battery. The hearing device contains a rechargeable battery module that contains a rechargeable battery and an electronic convertor. The rechargeable battery module is connected in an articulated manner to the electronic frame so as to be able to move and contains connecting contacts that correspond to the resilient contacts. A kit is provided for the hearing device and the kit has a battery compartment door for reversibly holding the double-pole battery. The battery compartment door is connected to pivot on the electronic frame such that as the battery compartment door is pivoted into a closed position the contact surfaces of the double-pole battery are contacted.