Hearing Device Earmould Softer Supporting Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hearing devices with earmoulds can be uncomfortable due to occlusion and poor fit, and there is a need for 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 better comfort and fit, and enabling the use of removable receiver housings to extend the device's lifespan and reduce waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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 support, then the earmould's stability and fit are improved, but the user comfort deteriorates due to occlusion and pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveearmould stabilityVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The earmould is designed with different material properties in different regions: the outer shell uses hard material for stability and structural support, while the supporting structure and contact surfaces use softer material for comfort. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between stability and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The earmould combines multiple materials with different properties - a hard outer shell material and a softer supporting structure material - to achieve both structural stability and user comfort simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If the entire earmould is made as a single hard piece, then manufacturing is simplified, but sustainability deteriorates when parts need replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidsustainability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The earmould is divided into separate components: an outer shell and a supporting structure with receiver housing. This segmentation allows the receiver housing to be replaced independently when needed, improving sustainability without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design enables selective replacement of the receiver housing while retaining the outer shell and other components. This extends the product lifecycle and reduces waste by allowing partial recovery and reuse of functional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP4254984A1A hearing device

Publication Date: 2023.10.04 GN HEARING AS

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

Provided is a hearing device comprising an earmould (3). The earmould comprises a front end (5), a rear end (7) opposite the front end, and a middle part (8) arranged in-between the front and a rear end. The front end comprises a front opening (9), 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 (25) arranged at least partly within the earmould, and a supporting structure (29) 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.