Hearing Device Antenna with Coupling Element and Internal Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices face challenges in integrating wireless systems due to limited space for antenna components, leading to inefficient antenna performance and increased size due to the need for decouplers with multiple electrically conducting elements.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a hearing device with a coupling element that includes multiple electrically conducting elements, where decoupling elements like capacitors are used to minimize coupling between connections, allowing for increased conductivity without increasing the device's size or reducing bandwidth, by using an internal antenna part to guide current to a ground plane rather than electrical elements within the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrically conducting elements are added to the antenna, then the antenna's communication capabilities are enhanced, but the device size increases due to the need for additional decouplers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrically conducting elements (first, second, and third elements) into a single integrated antenna structure. The first electrically conducting element serves as both an antenna element and is connected to the decoupler, while the second and third elements are connected to the first element, eliminating the need for separate decouplers for each element. This merging approach enables multi-frequency communication while avoiding the size penalty of multiple decouplers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrically conducting elements are added to the antenna, then the communication bandwidth is improved, but the bandwidth is reduced due to coupling effects from multiple decouplers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a single decoupler as an intermediary component that mediates the coupling between multiple electrically conducting elements. The decoupler is strategically positioned and connected to the first electrically conducting element, serving as a common reference point that manages the electromagnetic coupling between all antenna elements. This intermediary approach maintains impedance matching and bandwidth across multiple frequencies without the cumulative coupling problems that would arise from multiple separate decouplers.
3Volume of moving object
If the device size is reduced to accommodate hearing instrument constraints, then the antenna efficiency decreases due to the small size relative to wavelength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electrically conducting elements with different spatial orientations and positions to create a three-dimensional antenna structure. The first element extends in one direction, the second element is positioned at a distance and connected to the first, and the third element is spaced from the second and connected to the first. This dimensional arrangement allows the compact antenna to effectively radiate electromagnetic energy across multiple frequencies despite the small overall device size, overcoming the limitations of sub-wavelength dimensions.
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 enables a hearing device with improved antenna efficiency and bandwidth, particularly in the 2.45 GHz to 5.5 GHz frequency range, without the need for additional decouplers, maintaining a compact size and enhancing communication capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna may comprise an external antenna part and an internal antenna part. The internal antenna part may include a first antenna element, a second antenna element, where a first end of the second antenna element is arranged at one end of the first antenna element and is connected thereto, and where a second end of the second antenna element is connected to a ground plane
Implementation Method 2
The feeding unit may be further configured to supply the current to the internal parasitic element via a wireless coupling, such as a magnetic coupling or a capacitive coupling
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure presents a method and a hearing device comprising a first portion adapted for being arranged behind an ear of a user for providing a signal, an output transducer for converting the signal to an acoustic output, a coupling element coupled to the first portion, and wherein the coupling element is adapted for transmitting at least the signal or the acoustic output. Furthermore, the hearing device comprises an antenna which includes an external antenna part and an internal antenna part, where the internal antenna part includes a first antenna element, a second antenna element where a first end of the second antenna element is arranged at one end of the first antenna element and is connected thereto, and where a second end of the second antenna element is connected to a ground plane, and a third antenna element which is spaced at a distance from the second antenna element and connected to the first antenna element, a feeding unit configured to supply a current to the antenna via the third antenna element, a wireless interface for receiving and/or sending data by means of the antenna, and wherein the coupling element comprises the external antenna part, and where the external antenna part is connected to the internal antenna part.