Hearing Device Multi-Chip Assembly Shielding and Antenna Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices with wireless communication capabilities face challenges in achieving satisfactory performance due to their small size, high design constraints, and the need for low latency and low noise communication, particularly in binaural systems, where existing antennas are insufficient in terms of radiation efficiency, bandwidth, and noise reduction.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device with a multi-chip assembly that includes a wireless communication chip, power management chip, and signal processing chip, featuring a shielding layer to reduce electromagnetic radiation and noise, and incorporating both magnetic induction and RF antennas to enhance communication capabilities, with the antennas being designed for optimal performance in the 2.4 GHz ISM band and configured to operate within a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional antennas are used in hearing devices, then wireless communication is enabled, but radiation efficiency and noise performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent antenna elements (first antenna, second antenna, third antenna, fourth antenna) with different orientations and functions. This segmentation allows each antenna to be optimized for specific communication tasks (e.g., ear-to-ear communication, device-to-accessory communication) while reducing mutual interference and improving overall communication reliability through diversity combining.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different design characteristics to different antenna elements based on their specific functions. For example, some antennas are optimized for magnetic induction with specific inductance values and winding configurations, while others are RF antennas with different impedance and radiation patterns. This local optimization ensures each antenna performs its specific function with high efficiency while minimizing noise and interference.
2Volume of moving object
If hearing device size is reduced, then wearability is improved, but antenna performance and communication capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested antenna structure where multiple antenna elements are integrated within the compact hearing device housing. The antennas are arranged in a space-efficient configuration, with some antennas positioned at different depths and orientations within the device volume. This nesting approach enables multiple antenna functions in a minimal space, maintaining antenna performance despite the small form factor required for wearability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of antenna elements, including vertical stacking and angular orientation differences. By distributing antennas across multiple dimensions within the device volume rather than spreading them out in a single plane, the patent achieves adequate antenna performance and communication capability while maintaining a compact hearing device size suitable for wearability.
3Loss of time
If magnetic induction communication is implemented, then low latency communication is achieved, but electromagnetic interference and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces shielding structures as intermediary elements between the magnetic induction antenna and other sensitive components. These shields, positioned strategically within the device, attenuate electromagnetic radiation and noise generated by the magnetic induction communication while allowing the low-latency communication function to operate effectively. The shields act as mediators that protect other components from harmful electromagnetic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs grounding and shielding structures that convert potentially harmful electromagnetic radiation and noise into beneficial effects. By providing controlled paths for electromagnetic energy through grounding connections and shielded enclosures, the patent directs unwanted energy away from sensitive components, transforming what would be harmful interference into manageable electrical signals that can be safely dissipated.
4Reliability
If RF antenna is optimized for 2.4 GHz ISM band, then communication with accessories is improved, but bandwidth and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the RF antenna system to serve multiple communication functions simultaneously. The same antenna structure supports communication with accessories in the 2.4 GHz ISM band while also enabling ear-to-ear communication between hearing devices. The antenna design incorporates broadband characteristics and multiple resonance frequencies, allowing a single antenna system to handle diverse communication protocols and frequency bands, thereby improving both accessory compatibility and overall system versatility.
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 improves wireless communication performance by reducing noise and enhancing antenna efficiency, achieving stable ear-to-ear links and compatibility with various accessories, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design, addressing the limitations of existing hearing devices.
Implementation Method 1
The hearing device may be configured to communicate using magnetic induction
Implementation Method 2
The hearing device may be configured for wireless communication in an ISM frequency band. The RF antenna functionality may be implemented for operation at a frequency of at least 400 MHz, such as at a frequency of between 800 MHz and 6 GHz
Implementation Method 3
The multi-chip assembly may further comprise at least one shielding layer, including a first shielding layer, the first shielding layer being provided between the spacer layer and the first layer
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing device includes: a multi-chip assembly including a plurality of integrated circuit chips, the plurality of integrated circuit chips including one or a combination of a wireless communication chip, a power management chip, and a signal processing chip; wherein the multi-chip assembly comprises: a first layer having a surface, a spacer layer being configured to accommodate one or more of the plurality of integrated circuit chips as one or more embedded chips, and a ground layer below the first layer and the spacer layer, and a first shielding layer between the spacer layer and the first layer.