Hearing Device Charging Coupling for Insertion Detection and Safe Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rechargeable hearing devices face challenges in efficient charging, including the need for improved methods to detect insertion into a charging device, prevent feedback whistling, and ensure safe charging without overcharging or overheating.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a hearing device with an antenna and wireless communication unit, paired with a charging device featuring a coupling structure with a conducting element and ground plane, which modifies its frequency response upon insertion, enabling near-field coupling and initiating communication for safe and efficient charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the hearing device is inserted into the charging device for charging, then the rechargeable battery can be charged, but feedback whistling occurs due to antenna coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful coupling effect by introducing a coupling structure that selectively enables near-field coupling only for charging purposes while maintaining normal antenna operation. The coupling structure includes a conducting element and ground plane that create a controlled electromagnetic environment for power transfer without causing feedback whistling in the audio path.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure acts as an intermediary between the hearing device antenna and the charging device, mediating the electromagnetic interaction. It provides a dedicated path for charging energy transfer that is separate from the audio signal path, thus preventing feedback whistling while enabling efficient charging.
2Loss of information
If the hearing device communicates with the charging case during charging, then charging status information can be transmitted, but over-charging and overheating problems may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the hearing device and charging case exchange information about charging status. The hearing device monitors its battery charge level and communicates this information to the charging case, which then adjusts or terminates charging accordingly. This feedback loop prevents over-charging and allows thermal management to prevent overheating.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a standard protocol is used for pairing between hearing device and charging device, then compatibility is improved, but detection precision of insertion may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two detection approaches: standard protocol-based detection for compatibility and coupling structure-based near-field detection for precision. The coupling structure's frequency response modification provides an additional, more precise indication of actual insertion, complementing the standard protocol handshake and ensuring accurate detection regardless of protocol variations.
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 allows for precise detection of the hearing device's insertion, prevention of feedback whistling, and safe charging, while ensuring efficient energy transfer and reducing environmental sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a frequency response of the conducting element is modified thereby enabling near-field coupling of the hearing device antenna to the conducting element
Data Source
AI summary
A charging device for charging a hearing device, includes: a charging device wireless communication unit; and a coupling structure, wherein the charging device wireless communication unit is coupled with the coupling structure, the coupling structure comprising a conducting element and a ground plane, the ground plane being within a first distance from the conducting element; wherein the charging device is configured to receive the hearing device for charging of the hearing device; and wherein the charging device is configured to, upon reception of the hearing device by the charging device, modify a frequency response of the conducting element to enable near-field coupling between a hearing device antenna of the hearing device and the conducting element.