Hearing Aid Connector Seal with Positive-Fit Recess Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seals for small-dimensioned connections, such as those in hearing aids, are difficult to produce and attach accurately, leading to unreliable and potentially weak connections due to issues like incorrect positioning and adhesive application, which can result in adhesive protrusion and weak points.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a recess and a seal featuring a positive fit, where the seal is injected onto the connector housing, utilizing coupling portions that engage the recesses to ensure accurate and robust attachment without adhesive, enhancing durability and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive is used to attach the seal to the connector housing, then the seal can be attached to the connector housing, but the connection becomes weak and unreliable due to adhesive protrusion and weak points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive) with a mechanical interlocking system. The seal includes coupling portions that engage with recesses in the connector housing, creating a positive mechanical fit that eliminates adhesive-related weaknesses while maintaining strong attachment.
2Ease of manufacture
If adhesive is used to attach the seal to the connector housing, then the seal can be attached to the connector housing, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to difficulty in achieving correct positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is pre-formed with recesses during the molding process, and the seal is designed with corresponding coupling portions that fit into these recesses. This preliminary preparation of the housing structure enables precise positioning of the seal without requiring complex adhesive application procedures.
3Strength
If a strongly coalesced connection is created between the seal and connector housing, then the seal is firmly attached, but the connection is weakened or destroyed due to mechanical stress and solvent action
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into discrete components: the connector housing with recesses and the seal with coupling portions. This segmentation allows the seal to be firmly attached through mechanical interlocking while distributing stress across multiple engagement points, preventing concentration of forces that could weaken the connection.
4Productivity
If adhesive is used to attach the seal to the connector housing, then the seal can be attached to the connector housing, but production quality deteriorates due to unfavorable protrusion of adhesive and weak points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the adhesive application step entirely by using a mechanical interlocking system. The coupling portions of the seal engage with the recesses of the connector housing through a positive fit, which can be achieved through simple insertion or molding operations, thereby maintaining high productivity while ensuring consistent production quality without adhesive-related defects.
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 positive fit between the seal and connector housing ensures precise positioning and secure fixation, preventing displacement and detachment, thus achieving reliable and durable sealing without the need for adhesives.
Implementation Method 1
the seal is injected onto the connector housing, as a result of which the seal forms at least one coupling portion that is arranged at least in part(s) in the recess
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for connecting a hearing aid to a cable, the connector comprising the following: a connector housing with at least one recess; and a seal with a main body arranged at least in part(s) on an outer circumference of the connector housing, and at least one coupling portion arranged at least partially in the recess, so that the seal is connected to the connector housing at least in part(s) in a substantially positive manner.