Hearing Device Active Vent Control via Differential Audio Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing devices with active vent control systems require a five-pin connector, which occupies more space and is prone to short circuits during receiver exchange.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device with a controller module and a receiver module featuring a speaker and an active vent that can be switched between open and closed states, using only three distinct electrical connector lines by employing a solenoid with an inductor connected via differential audio lines and a semiconductor driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a five-pin connector is used for active vent control, then the vent can be controlled, but the space occupied increases and the risk of short circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vent control function with the existing differential audio lines. The solenoid's inductor is connected in parallel with the speaker, allowing the same two audio lines to carry both audio signals and vent control signals. This merging eliminates the need for separate control lines, reducing the connector from five pins to three pins, thereby reducing space and minimizing short circuit risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential audio lines are given multiple functions: they continue to transmit audio signals to the speaker while simultaneously serving as control lines for the active vent. By making these lines universal, the system avoids adding extra connector lines, thus reducing device complexity and potential failure points.
2Reliability
If a five-pin connector is used for active vent control, then the vent can be controlled, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vent control circuitry with the speaker circuitry by connecting the solenoid's inductor in parallel with the speaker. This allows both functions to share the same physical space and connector pins, significantly reducing the area required for the connector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the audio lines universal (serving both audio and control functions), the patent eliminates the need for additional connector pins, thereby reducing the overall space required for the connector assembly.
3Reliability
If separate control lines are used for the active vent, then the vent control is reliable, but the audio stream may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control signals with the audio signals on the same differential lines. The solenoid is connected in parallel with the speaker, so the control voltage is superimposed on the audio signal. This merging ensures that the audio stream continues uninterrupted while the vent control function operates reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor of the solenoid acts as an intermediary element that allows control signals to be extracted from the audio line without significantly affecting the audio signal itself. The inductor's impedance characteristics enable it to respond to control voltage changes while passing audio frequencies to the speaker.
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 configuration reduces space requirements, minimizes the risk of short circuits, and allows for reliable vent control without interrupting the audio stream.
Implementation Method 1
the active vent comprises a solenoid with an inductor having a first terminal and a second terminal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a hearing device (1), comprising a controller module (2) and a receiver module (3) including a speaker (4) and an active vent which can be switched between an open state and a closed state, wherein the speaker (4) is electrically connected to the controller module (2) by two differential audio lines (5.1, 5.2), wherein the active vent comprises a solenoid with an inductor (6) having a first terminal (6.1) and a second terminal (6.2), the first terminal (6.1) connected to the controller module (2) via one of the differential audio lines (5.1) and the second terminal (6.2) connected to the controller module (2) either via the other one of the differential audio lines (5.2) or to at least one control output (8, 11) of the controller module (2) via a separate control line (9).