Hearing Device Battery Compartment Lid with Filtered Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
The openings in hearing device battery compartments allow debris from the ear canal to enter, potentially obstructing, degrading, or damaging the battery and microphone.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device design featuring a battery compartment with a lid member that includes an opening for air flow and sound path, while using a seal and filter to prevent debris ingress, positioning the opening above the hinged end to minimize debris entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If openings are provided in the battery compartment for air flow and sound path, then the battery and microphone can function properly, but debris from the ear canal can enter and obstruct or damage these components
Solution Approach 1:
A filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the ear canal environment and the battery compartment. The filter allows air and sound waves to pass through while blocking debris particles, thus mediating between the need for open airflow/sound path and the need to prevent debris ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening in the lid member is positioned at a specific location (above the hinged end) where debris accumulation is minimal. This local positioning strategy creates a zone of reduced debris exposure while maintaining adequate air flow and sound path functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the opening is positioned to allow adequate air flow, then battery operation is maintained, but debris entry is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is strategically positioned at a specific location on the lid member (above the hinged end) where the local environment has reduced debris accumulation. This local positioning maintains adequate air flow for battery operation while minimizing exposure to debris-prone areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter serves as a mediator that allows air molecules to pass through freely for battery operation while blocking larger debris particles. This enables the system to maintain open airflow for energy supply without directly exposing the battery compartment to harmful debris.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a seal is added to prevent debris ingress, then component protection is improved, but air flow and sound path may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member is introduced as a flexible barrier that can conform to the mating surfaces of the battery compartment and housing. This thin film structure provides effective debris prevention while maintaining flexibility that allows adequate air flow and sound transmission, unlike rigid sealing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member acts as an intermediary barrier that blocks debris particles while allowing air molecules and sound waves to pass through. It mediates between the need for sealed protection and the need for open air flow and sound path functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a hearing device configured to be worn by a user, the hearing device having a battery compartment configured to house a battery and a microphone, wherein the battery compartment is located in a housing. The housing includes: a casing configured to form the battery compartment; and a lid member having a hinged end pivotally connected to the casing such that the lid member is configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position relative to the casing; wherein the lid member is formed to define an opening through the lid member; wherein, when the lid member is in the closed position, the opening is configured to allow the microphone to be in air communication with ambient air.