Hearing Aid Retaining Module Concha Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hearing aids face challenges in securely retaining the earpiece in the ear, particularly in the ear canal, leading to instability and discomfort due to inadequate engagement with the ear anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A retaining module with an annular sleeve, first and second retaining members, and a strut member, designed to create a closed topology that engages the ear's concha and other anatomical features, providing improved resistance against dislocation and twisting, while ensuring comfortable wear by distributing the earpiece mass evenly and directing sound output appropriately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional retaining members are used to engage the earpiece in the concha, then the earpiece can be retained, but the retaining capability is insufficient and the earpiece becomes dislocated or twisted
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining module is divided into multiple functional components: an annular sleeve for receiving the earpiece, a first retaining member for engaging the concha, and a strut member providing structural support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the retaining member providing engagement and the strut member preventing twisting, thereby resolving the contradiction between retaining capability and position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The strut member extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the retaining member engagement, creating a three-dimensional structure. This dimensional addition provides resistance against twisting and dislocation forces that would otherwise compromise earpiece stability, while the annular sleeve maintains the earpiece in the correct orientation.
2Reliability
If the retaining module structure is made more complex to improve retention, then retaining capability improves, but wearing comfort deteriorates due to mass distribution and contact with sensitive areas
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining module employs different material properties and structural characteristics in different regions: the annular sleeve and retaining members are made of resilient material for comfortable engagement, while the strut member provides rigid support where needed. This local differentiation allows the device to maintain retaining capability while minimizing discomfort from mass distribution and avoiding contact with sensitive ear areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular sleeve and retaining members are designed with curved surfaces that conform to the natural anatomy of the ear concha. This curvature distributes contact pressures evenly across the engagement area, reducing localized discomfort while maintaining secure retention. The curved geometry also allows the device to follow the natural contours of the ear without creating uncomfortable pressure points.
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining module (5) for retaining an earpiece in an ear comprises an annular sleeve (6) having a central aperture (7) adapted for receiving and holding at least a part of the earpiece. The retaining module (5) further comprises a first retaining member (8) adapted for engaging at least a part of the concha of the ear and having a proximal end (9) connected to said annular member (6) at a first location, and a strut member (10) having a proximal end (11) connected to said annular member (6) at a second location, and a distal end connected (13) to the distal end (12) of said first retaining member (8). The invention further provides a hearing aid comprising a retaining module, and a method of manufacturing a combination of a retaining module and an earpiece.