Hearing Aid Attachment with Multi-Point Headpiece and Venting Wing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard earpieces often fail to provide optimal fit and comfort due to inadequate adaptation to individual ear canal anatomy, leading to occlusion effects and discomfort, as existing attachments like domes and otoplastics either do not fit well or cause irritation.

Innovation Solution

A standard attachment with a headpiece and wing section featuring a multi-point or multi-line support design, including grooves and openings that reduce occlusion and enhance ventilation, allowing for secure positioning and comfort without the need for individual impressions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If domes are used to adapt standard earpieces to the ear canal, then the fit to the auditory canal is improved, but irritation of the skin and occlusion effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit to ear canalVSAvoidskin irritation and occlusion effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment is divided into multiple functional segments: a headpiece with grooves for structural support and positioning, a wing section for sealing, and multiple openings for ventilation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while reducing harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment incorporates multiple openings in the wing section that allow air to pass through, creating a porous structure. This enables ventilation of the ear canal, preventing occlusion effects while maintaining the seal necessary for fit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If standard earpieces are made small enough for universal use, then adaptability to different ear canals is improved, but sufficient support and stability are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniversal usabilityVSAvoidsupport in auditory canal

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment features an asymmetric design with a headpiece and a wing section that extends in a specific direction. This asymmetric geometry allows the attachment to conform to the natural asymmetry of ear canals while providing stable support, and the design can be used in both ears.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment utilizes the third dimension by extending the wing section outward from the headpiece, creating a multi-dimensional structure that provides support in multiple directions within the ear canal, enhancing stability without increasing overall size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If standard earpieces are made large enough to provide support, then stability is improved, but acoustic perception is impaired due to insufficient ventilation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport in auditory canalVSAvoidocclusion effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wing section incorporates multiple openings that allow air to pass through, creating a porous structure. This enables ventilation of the ear canal, preventing occlusion effects while maintaining the seal necessary for fit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The design converts the potential harm of a tight seal (occlusion effects) into a benefit by strategically placing openings in the wing section. The seal is maintained for fit stability while the openings provide necessary ventilation, turning the occlusion problem into a controlled ventilation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Adaptability or versatility

If otoplastics are used for individual adaptation, then fit to the ear canal is improved, but occlusion effects or loose fit occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual fitVSAvoidocclusion effects or loose fit

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment is designed as a universal component that can be used with standard earpieces in both ears, eliminating the need for individual impressions while providing reliable fit. The standardized geometry ensures consistent performance across different users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3249953B1Standard tip for a standard earpiece

Publication Date: 2019.09.18 SIVANTOS PTE LTD

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a standard attachment (1) for a standard earpiece (27) that can be inserted into an ear canal in an insertion direction (3), by means of which an improved fit of the corresponding standard earpiece (27) to the ear canal is achieved compared to conventional attachments, thereby ensuring improved hearing perception and improved wearing comfort of the respective hearing aid. The specified standard attachment (1) comprises an end headpiece (5) and an adjoining wing section (7), wherein the outer contour (8) of the headpiece (5) is designed to provide a multi-point or multi-line contact of the headpiece (5) with the wall of the ear canal.