Hearing Aid Power Management via Wireless Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing aid users face inconvenience due to the need to regularly recharge rechargeable batteries, especially when they forget to recharge them, leading to reduced user friendliness and increased hassle.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid system that allows users to power and charge using multiple sources, including a stationary charger and a wireless portable external power source, utilizing a processor, battery unit, wireless receiver element, detector assembly, and power controller to select and manage power modes for efficient charging and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a rechargeable battery is used in the hearing aid, then the hearing aid can be reused multiple times, but the user must regularly recharge it which reduces convenience and user friendliness
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid is designed to accept multiple power sources including wired chargers, wireless portable external power sources, and inductive charging. The power management circuit automatically detects and adapts to different power source types, making the device universally compatible with various charging methods and eliminating the need for specific charging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management circuit automatically detects the connected power source type and configures the charging parameters without user intervention. The system self-adjusts between different charging modes (wired, wireless, inductive) and manages power distribution to the battery and operational components autonomously, reducing user burden.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the hearing aid requires detachment for recharging, then the battery can be recharged, but the user experience is degraded due to frequent detachment and reattachment
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid supports multiple charging modes including inductive charging that can be performed while worn. The power management system accommodates various power delivery methods allowing the device to be recharged without removal, maintaining continuous wear convenience while ensuring battery replenishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management circuit continuously monitors battery status and proactively manages charging opportunities. When a power source is detected, the system automatically initiates charging sequences and adjusts operational parameters to optimize power intake, ensuring the battery is recharged during natural pauses or while worn without requiring user action.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power sources are supported, then charging flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management circuit incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms that monitor the characteristics of connected power sources. The system automatically detects voltage, current, and communication signals to identify the power source type, then adjusts charging parameters in real-time. This feedback-driven approach enables multi-power-source support with automated adaptation rather than manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
A power management circuit serves as an intermediary layer between the battery and various power sources. This intermediary component handles the complexity of multiple charging protocols and power source characteristics, providing a unified interface to the battery while managing the diversity of external power sources through standardized power transfer 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
Enables convenient and seamless power management, allowing users to recharge or power the hearing aid using different sources while in use, enhancing user experience by reducing the need for frequent recharging and detachment.
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
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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.