Hearing Device Battery Drawer with Pivoting Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices with rechargeable batteries face challenges in providing a safe and smooth surface for users, as existing designs often have protruding battery compartments that can be hazardous and inconvenient for charging and battery replacement.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device with a flush battery drawer that pivots and features a lock mechanism accessible only by a key device, ensuring secure closure and easy opening for qualified users, while maintaining a smooth surface for user comfort and facilitating rechargeable battery management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the battery drawer is made protruding for easy access, then battery replacement is easier, but the surface becomes irregular causing skin irritation and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The battery drawer is segmented from the main housing, allowing it to pivot independently. This segmentation enables the drawer to remain flush with the housing surface when closed (eliminating protrusions that cause skin irritation) while still providing access to the battery compartment when opened by a qualified user using a key device.
Solution Approach 2:
A key device is introduced as an intermediary tool to access the battery drawer. The key device interacts with the lock mechanism to pivot the drawer open, providing controlled access without requiring the drawer to be permanently protruding. This mediator enables easy battery replacement for qualified users while maintaining a smooth surface for user comfort and safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the battery drawer is made flush with the housing surface, then skin irritation is reduced and surface is smooth, but access to battery device becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The battery drawer is designed with dynamic movement capability, pivoting on a pivot point located at the front edge. This dynamic design allows the drawer to transition between a flush closed position (reducing skin irritation) and an open position (providing battery access). The drawer can pivot outward when activated by the key device, enabling easy battery replacement despite the flush surface design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is pre-configured with a recess that receives the key device. This preliminary arrangement of the locking system allows qualified users to easily activate the drawer opening function without difficulty, compensating for the flush surface design that might otherwise make access challenging.
3Reliability
If a lock mechanism is added to prevent accidental opening, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, integrated mechanism within the drawer assembly rather than being distributed throughout the housing. The lock mechanism includes a body with a recess that receives the key device, and a spring element that provides the locking force. This extracted design prevents accidental opening while adding minimal complexity to the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element in the lock mechanism provides automatic locking action when the drawer is closed, eliminating the need for additional active components or power sources. The mechanism self-regulates through the spring's mechanical force, maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity.
4Ease of operation
If a gripping part is added for opening the drawer, then ease of opening is improved, but the surface is no longer smooth and protruding elements cause irritation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a permanent gripping part to the drawer, a separate key device is introduced as an intermediary tool. The key device has a pin-shaped end that engages with the recess in the lock mechanism body, providing the necessary leverage to open the drawer without creating protruding elements on the hearing device surface. This maintains the smooth surface shape while enabling easy opening for qualified users.
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
The solution provides a safe, user-friendly, and convenient method for battery replacement and charging, preventing accidental opening and ensuring a smooth surface that reduces irritation and enhances charging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The lock mechanism may include a body being forced against an inner part of the housing by a spring element
Implementation Method 2
The battery drawer may be configured to pivot at a battery pivot point when moving from the closed state to an open state
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to hearing devices having a battery drawer. The present disclosure further relates to hearing devices having a battery drawer for a rechargeable battery or at least the capability to hold a rechargeable battery, however, other types of batteries may also be stored in the battery drawer.