Hearing Aid Power Management via Wireless Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing device users face inconvenience due to the need to regularly recharge rechargeable batteries, especially when they forget to recharge during non-use periods, leading to reduced user friendliness.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid with a processor, rechargeable battery, wireless receiver element, detector assembly, and power controller that allows selection of power modes based on detector signals, enabling use of various power sources such as stationary chargers and wireless portable external power sources, ensuring convenient and continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rechargeable battery is used in the hearing device, then the device can be recharged and reduce waste, but the user must regularly recharge the battery which reduces user friendliness
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device automatically detects the presence of a charging unit and initiates charging without user intervention. The processor monitors detector signals to determine when a charging unit is nearby and automatically activates the wireless receiver element to accept power, eliminating the need for users to manually connect chargers or remember recharging tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses detector signals to continuously monitor the presence and status of external charging units. The processor receives feedback from these detectors and automatically adjusts the charging state based on the detected conditions, creating a closed-loop system that responds to environmental changes without user input.
2Ease of operation
If the hearing device automatically charges when a charging unit is detected, then user friendliness is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional detection and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The detector assembly and processor serve multiple functions: they detect the presence of charging units, determine charging status, and control the charging process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving automatic charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging detection and control functions are merged into the existing processor and detector assembly that are already part of the hearing device's standard architecture. By integrating these functions into existing components rather than adding completely separate systems, the patent minimizes the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If the hearing aid supports multiple power sources, then power availability and continuous operation are improved, but the power management system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system dynamically switches between different power sources based on real-time detector signals and battery status. The processor continuously monitors the availability of external power sources and automatically transitions between battery power and external charging, creating a flexible adaptive system that responds to changing conditions without requiring complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing device automatically manages its own power sources by monitoring detector signals and selecting appropriate power modes without user intervention. The system self-regulates the switching between battery and external power sources, and even detaches from charging units automatically when appropriate, reducing the need for complex user-managed power switching 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
The hearing aid provides a user-friendly experience by allowing power selection from multiple sources, ensuring continuous operation and reducing the need for frequent recharging, as it can switch between power modes based on detected signals, including battery status and external power availability.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless receiver element for receipt of a wireless power signal, the wireless receiver element configured to convert the wireless power signal to an electrical power signal
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing aid and a method for operating a hearing aid is disclosed. The hearing aid comprises a processor configured to compensate for a hearing loss; a battery unit comprising a rechargeable battery; a wireless receiver element for receipt of a wireless power signal, the wireless receiver element configured to convert the wireless power signal to an electrical power signal; a detector assembly for provision of one or more detector signals including a first detector signal; and a power controller connected to the processor and the detector assembly, wherein the power controller is configured to select a power mode of the hearing aid from a plurality of power modes based on the first detector signal and apply the selected power mode in the hearing aid.