Hearing Device Cover Integrating Programming Socket and Control Switch

Solution Overview

Problem

Hearing devices, such as hearing aids, face challenges in reducing their size while maintaining functionality, particularly in accommodating programming connections and control elements that occupy significant space.

Innovation Solution

Integrating an electrical operating device, such as a switch or actuating element, into the cover of the programming connection, allowing the cover to serve both protective and functional purposes, thereby saving installation space and enabling a more compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a programming socket and control elements are provided separately on the hearing device, then the programming function and control functions are ensured, but the device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming functionVSAvoidhearing device weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the programming socket and control elements into a single integrated cover component. The cover houses both the programming contacts and the actuating element, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device weight while maintaining all required functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is designed as a multifunctional component that simultaneously serves as a protective cover for the programming socket and as a mounting structure for the control element. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the hearing device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a programming socket and control elements are provided separately on the hearing device, then the programming function and control functions are ensured, but the device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming functionVSAvoidhearing device volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the programming socket and control elements into a single integrated cover component. The cover houses both the programming contacts and the actuating element, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device volume while maintaining all required functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control element is integrated within the cover structure, with the actuating element positioned in a recess of the cover. This nesting arrangement allows the control function to be housed within the existing cover volume rather than requiring additional separate space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If switches and control elements are arranged on the hearing device housing, then the control functions are provided, but the area occupied on the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionVSAvoiddevice surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the programming socket and control elements into a single integrated cover component. The cover houses both the programming contacts and the actuating element, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device volume while maintaining all required functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP1809071A3Hearing device with an electrical operating element integrated in a cover

Publication Date: 2010.11.10 SIEMENS AUDIOLOGISCHE TECHNIK GMBH

AI summary

The device has a programming connection provided for connecting the device to a programming device, where the connection is a programming socket. A covering (1) is supported at a bearing bolt (2) in a pivotable manner, and provided for covering the connection. An electrical pushbutton module (8) for controlling the hearing device is integrated into the covering. The module has an operating unit (10) that is supported at the covering in a pivotable manner, and the covering has an insertion opening.