Hearing Device Cord Abutment for Stable Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing devices, such as RIC and cartilage conduction hearing aids, often suffer from stability and comfort issues due to increased size, leading to discomfort and an unsightly appearance when worn, as they tend to protrude from the ear and can cause oppressive feelings.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device design featuring an earphone with a cord that extends behind the ear, abutting against the cymba conchae, and a cartilage conduction earphone that contacts the antitragus, tragus, and external auditory canal inlet, providing stable retention and an open canal for comfort, while incorporating an electromechanical transducer and a vented cover for efficient vibration conduction and reduced feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the earphone size is increased to improve stable retention in the auricle, then the retention stability is improved, but the appearance becomes unsightly and the wearer experiences discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The earphone is divided into two separate components: a compact earphone body that fits within the auricle and a separate cover that extends along the auricle contour. This segmentation allows the functional parts to be small while the cover provides additional retention stability through its extended form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover extends in the longitudinal direction along the auricle, adding a dimensional element that increases retention stability without increasing the cross-sectional size that would cause discomfort or poor appearance. The cover utilizes the length dimension of the auricle to provide stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the earphone size is increased to improve stable retention in the auricle, then the retention stability is improved, but the earphone protrudes and becomes unsightly in appearance
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the earphone body from the cover, the visible portion (earphone body) can be kept compact and inconspicuous, while the cover extends along the auricle to provide stability without being visually prominent, thus maintaining a natural appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to conform to the specific contour of the auricle, providing stability only where needed along the auricle's natural shape, while keeping the earphone body small and unobtrusive in the visible area.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the earphone size is increased to improve stable retention, then the retention stability is improved, but the wearer experiences oppressive or burdensome feelings
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the earphone into a small body and an extended cover distributes the weight and contact pressure along the auricle's contour rather than concentrating it, reducing the oppressive feeling while maintaining stability through the extended cover structure.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a cover entirely covering the speaker is used to improve stable retention, then the retention stability is improved, but the external auditory canal becomes blocked causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to abut specifically against the cymba conchae region rather than completely enclosing the speaker, providing stability through localized contact while leaving the external auditory canal open to prevent blockage and maintain comfort.
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 design ensures stable retention and comfortable wear by distributing the earphone's weight and contact points effectively, reducing protrusion and discomfort, while maintaining efficient sound conduction and openness of the auditory canal.
Implementation Method 1
The cartilage conduction speaker is provided with an electromechanical transducer which transduces an electric signal into vibration
Implementation Method 2
the cord that is adapted to abut against a cymba conchae of the ear when the earphone is worn
Implementation Method 3
the earphone which is adapted to abut against at least two of an antitragus, a tragus and an inlet of an external auditory canal of the ear when the earphone is worn
Implementation Method 4
the cover that is adapted to abut against an inlet of an external auditory canal of the ear, and that includes a vent to open between the external auditory canal and an external environment
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing device includes: an earphone that is adapted to be worn in a concha auriculae or an external auditory canal of an ear; and a cord that is adapted to extend so as to pass through an upper portion of a root of the ear from a back side of an auricle of the ear when the earphone is worn, and that is connected to the earphone, the cord that is adapted to abut against a cymba conchae of the ear when the earphone is worn.