Hearing Aid Housing Snap Fastener for Secure Frame Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for attaching housing elements to a frame in hearing devices are problematic due to the risk of parts loss and size dimensioning issues, making snap connections impractical, and existing solutions like direct screwing or pin insertion are not ideal for quick detachment and reattachment.

Innovation Solution

A snap fastening mechanism is used, where an opening in the housing element and frame receives a snap fastener with a spring design that can be pushed through and snap into place, fixing the frame without using pins or screws, allowing for easy detachment and integration of a nameplate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If direct screwing or pin insertion is used to attach housing elements to the frame, then the frame is securely fixed, but the design is disrupted and size dimensioning problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixationVSAvoiddesign integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The snap fastening means integrates the housing element attachment function with the frame fixation function into a single unified component. The snap fastener simultaneously secures the housing element to the frame and maintains frame position, eliminating the need for separate pins or screws that would disrupt the design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The snap fastening means serves multiple functions: it attaches the housing element to the frame, fixes the frame in position, and maintains the structural integrity of the hearing device. This multi-functional component replaces multiple separate fastening elements, avoiding design disruption while ensuring secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple additional parts are used for housing element attachment, then the frame can be securely fixed, but the risk of parts loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidparts loss risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The snap fastening means combines multiple attachment functions into a single integrated component that is permanently associated with either the housing element or the frame. This eliminates loose separate parts like individual pins or screws that could be lost during handling or maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The snap fastening means acts as an intermediary component that permanently connects the housing element to the frame through a controlled interface. The snap mechanism itself becomes the permanent attachment means, eliminating the need for separate removable fasteners that could be lost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If snap connections with multiple fasteners are used, then the frame can be securely fixed, but size dimensioning problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidsize constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The snap fastening means consolidates multiple fastening functions into a single compact component with minimal dimensions. The integrated design requires only a small opening in the housing element and corresponding receptacle in the frame, avoiding the cumulative space requirements of multiple separate pins or screws.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If the frame is mounted directly in the housing shell, then the structure is simple, but quick detachment and reattachment is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidquick detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The snap fastening means provides a dynamic attachment system that transitions between a fixed secure state and an easily releasable state. The snap mechanism allows the housing element to be quickly detached and reattached through simple manual operation, while maintaining structural simplicity during both attached and detached states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution eliminates the need for disruptive fasteners, avoids size issues, and enables quick and easy attachment/detachment of housing shells, enhancing the design and functionality of hearing aids.

Implementation Method 1

the snap spring of the snap fastening means being designed in such a way that it can be pushed through the opening of the housing element and the frame is enough and snaps into place

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1965605B1Catch fixing agent
Publication Date: 2016.01.06 SIVANTOS GMBH
  • EP1965605B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1965605B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

In the case of hearing aid housing elements (shells) that are attached to a frame for holding internal components of the hearing aid, the use of many additional parts is problematic due to the risk of part loss. According to the invention, a snap-fit ​​fastener is used to attach a housing element to the hearing aid frame, wherein an opening is provided in both the housing element and the frame to receive the snap-fit ​​fastener.