Wireless Hearing Device Charging With Feedback Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Charging of hearing devices can lead to excessive energy output, causing damage to the device and its components or the user, and existing technologies do not effectively regulate this energy to prevent overheating and prolong device lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A hearing device with a charging controller that regulates energy delivery through a data connection with a charger, using sensors to monitor temperature and other parameters to adjust charging schemes and request specific energy levels from the charger.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If wireless charging provides high energy output to charge the hearing device quickly, then charging speed is improved, but the device may overheat and suffer damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidoverheating and damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hearing device monitors its own temperature and charging state, then communicates this information back to the charging device via wireless data transmission. The charging device adjusts its energy output based on this feedback, reducing power when overheating is detected and maintaining optimal charging speed when safe, thus resolving the contradiction between fast charging and overheating prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system dynamically adjusts the energy transfer rate based on real-time conditions. The charging device modifies its output power level according to the hearing device's current state (temperature, battery level, charging phase), transitioning between different charging modes (fast charging, normal charging, cooling mode) to balance speed and safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the charging system uses complex regulation mechanisms to control energy delivery, then device safety is improved, but the charging system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice safetyVSAvoidcharging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hearing device autonomously monitors its own charging state and temperature, then independently communicates its needs to the charging device. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex regulation circuits within the hearing device, as the device itself manages its charging requirements through wireless communication, simplifying the overall system while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Wireless data transmission acts as an intermediary between the hearing device and charging device, allowing complex regulation logic to be implemented in the charging device rather than the hearing device. The communication channel carries control data that enables precise energy delivery without requiring complex hardware regulation in the small hearing device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 prevents overheating and damage to the hearing device, extends its lifespan, and allows for simplified charging compatibility across different models.

Implementation Method 1

a receiving coil for wireless charging of a battery in the hearing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless energy transfer: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4017023B1Hearing device and related method of wireless charging
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 GN HEARING AS
  • EP4017023B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4017023B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4017023B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hearing device and a method for charging a hearing device is provided, the hearing device comprising an interface comprising a wireless transceiver configured for wireless communication with a charging device; and a power module comprising a charging controller and a receiving coil for wireless charging of a battery positioned in the hearing device; wherein the charging controller is configured to: obtain a first charging parameter; determine a primary charging scheme based on the first charging parameter; and transmit a primary charging indicator indicative of the primary charging scheme via the wireless transceiver