Hearing Aid Shell Design with Flexible Soft Part Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing aid design automation software lacks the capability to accurately model and handle components with flexible parts, specifically the deformation behavior of soft materials around hard components, which is crucial for precise representation and handling in the shell design.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for designing hearing aids with flexible parts, where three-dimensional data for both hard and soft parts are entered, and forces, stresses, and deformation are calculated to revise the model, ensuring the soft parts' deformation behavior mimics real-world interactions without penetrating the shell, using finite element analysis and material properties like Young's modulus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If hearing aid shells are made smaller to minimize size, then the overall device size is reduced, but the accuracy of representing virtual models of components in the shell deteriorates due to reduced space for component placement and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the soft part of components to deform dynamically within the shell. The finite element model enables the soft part to adapt its shape based on contact forces and spatial constraints, transforming a static modeling problem into a dynamic one where the component can flex and adjust to fit within the reduced shell volume while maintaining accurate representation of physical behavior
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by introducing material properties (Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, density) and geometric parameters (node coordinates, element connectivity) into the modeling system. These parameter changes enable the soft part to exhibit realistic deformation behavior under different spatial constraints, allowing accurate representation of component behavior even in minimized shell configurations
2Device complexity
If traditional rigid component models are used in design software, then the modeling process is simple, but the ability to accurately represent flexible material behavior deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the component into distinct parts: a hard part with fixed geometry and a soft part with flexible behavior. The soft part is further segmented into finite elements with multiple nodes, allowing independent deformation of each element while maintaining overall component integrity. This segmentation enables realistic flexible behavior representation without requiring the entire model to be overly complex
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary finite element model that acts as a mediator between the simple rigid component model and the complex flexible material behavior. This intermediary model uses meshed elements with defined material properties to bridge the gap, providing accurate flexible behavior representation while maintaining a manageable modeling process through automated software routines
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
Enables precise and realistic simulation of flexible components within the hearing aid shell, allowing for accurate placement and deformation modeling, enhancing design accuracy and integration with existing automation systems without requiring special user interactions.
Implementation Method 1
the deformation is modelled by finite element models
Implementation Method 2
The soft part is allowed to be deformed, however, according to a known finite element analysis approach... the necessary deformation calculations are applied on the soft part
Implementation Method 3
the ratio of tensile stress to strain for a given material is called its Young's modulus
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and appertaining system for implementing the method is provided for designing hearing aids having flexible parts. Three-dimensional data is provided that is related to both a soft part and a hard part of a hearing aid component into a computer-based system. Additionally, information is entered related to material characteristics for both the soft part and the hard part of the component. A component within the hearing aid shell is placed and moved in a model generated by the system. Forces, stresses, and/or amount of deformation for parts of the component based on the location of the component and at least one of another component and the shell are claculated, and the three-dimensional data model of the shell is revised based upon the calculated degree of deformation, forces, and/or stresses.