Hearing Device Earmould with Softer Supporting Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing devices with earmoulds often cause discomfort due to occlusion and poor fit, and there is a need for more sustainable production methods.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device with an earmould featuring a supporting structure made from a softer material than the middle part, allowing for improved comfort and fit, and enabling the receiver housing to be removably arranged, which extends the device's lifespan and reduces waste by allowing for part replacement rather than entire earmould replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a hard earmould material is used to ensure the earmould stays in place and provides structural integrity, then the earmould stability and structural strength are improved, but the user comfort deteriorates due to occlusion and poor fit
Solution Approach 1:
The earmould is designed with different material properties in different regions: the middle part uses a hard material for structural integrity and stability, while the supporting structure uses a softer material for comfort. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between stability and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The earmould combines two different materials with distinct properties: a hard material for the middle part and a softer material for the supporting structure. This composite approach allows the earmould to simultaneously achieve structural stability and user comfort by leveraging the advantages of both materials in their respective locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire earmould is replaced when the receiver housing needs replacement, then the receiver can be updated, but material waste increases and sustainability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The earmould is segmented into two main components: the middle part and the supporting structure with receiver housing. This segmentation allows the receiver housing to be replaced independently without replacing the entire earmould, enabling component-level replacement that reduces material waste and improves sustainability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective replacement of only the receiver housing when it becomes obsolete or damaged, while the main earmould structure is retained and reused. This partial replacement strategy recovers the majority of the earmould material, reducing waste and supporting sustainable production practices.
3Ease of manufacture
If the supporting structure is made from the same hard material as the middle part, then manufacturing is simplified, but the receiver housing insertion becomes difficult due to lack of flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure uses a softer material compared to the hard middle part, providing local flexibility specifically where the receiver housing needs to be inserted and secured. This localized softness facilitates easy insertion while the hard middle part maintains structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The material hardness parameter is changed for the supporting structure compared to the middle part. By selecting a softer material for the supporting structure, the patent enables easier receiver housing insertion through the supporting structure while maintaining the structural requirements of the middle part.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a hearing device comprising an earmould. The earmould comprises a front end, a rear end opposite the front end, and a middle part arranged in-between the front and a rear end. The front end comprises a front opening, and the rear end comprises a rear opening. The earmould is configured for the front end to be positioned facing a tympanic membrane of the user during use. The hearing device further comprises a receiver housing arranged at least partly within the earmould, and a supporting structure configured to hold the receiver housing in place within the earmould. At least part of the supporting structure comprises a material that is softer than the material used to make the middle part of the earmould.