Hearing Device Reversible Frame Lock for Power Module

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hearing devices, particularly in-ear hearing aids, face challenges in maintenance and replacement due to the integration of power modules with wireless charging capabilities, which often require complex and bulky designs.

Innovation Solution

The hearing device incorporates a reversible frame lock mechanism that allows for easy removal and replacement of the power module without damaging the device, utilizing an electronic frame and holding fingers to secure components in multiple directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the power module is integrated with wireless charging capabilities, then wireless energy reception is enabled, but the device becomes more complex and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless charging capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power module is designed as a separate, removable component that can be detached from the hearing device. This segmentation allows the wireless charging functionality to be added without permanently integrating it into the main device structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power module is made dynamically removable and replaceable through a simplified connection mechanism. This dynamic design allows users to attach or detach the power module as needed, providing flexibility without requiring complex permanent integration structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of repair

If the power module is made removable for maintenance and replacement, then ease of repair is improved, but the fixing mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of repairVSAvoidfixing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex locking mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simple snap-fit connection system. This allows the power module to be easily removed and reattached without requiring sophisticated locking mechanisms, thereby improving ease of repair while minimizing the addition of complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical locking systems with multiple components are replaced with a simplified elastic finger-based snap-fit mechanism. This substitution reduces the number of moving parts and simplifies the overall fixing mechanism while maintaining secure attachment during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Volume of moving object

If miniaturization is pursued to reduce conspicuousness, then device size is reduced, but maintenance accessibility is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hearing device is segmented into a main body and a separate power module. This segmentation allows the overall device volume to be minimized for inconspicuous wear, while the separated power module provides accessible maintenance points that can be easily reached and manipulated despite the compact size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4096243B1Hearing device
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 SIVANTOS PTE LTD
  • EP4096243B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4096243B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4096243B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a hearing device (1), in particular an in-the-ear hearing device, comprising: - a housing shell (2) which encloses an electronics compartment (4) in a cup-like manner, - a cover plate (8) which is connected to the housing shell (2) to close off the electronics compartment (4), - an electronics frame (24) which projects from the cover plate (8) into the electronics compartment (4) and by means of which an electrical and/or an electronic component (6) of the hearing device (1) is reversibly held at least in directions (x, y) parallel to the cover plate (8), and - at least one frame lock (30) reversibly coupled to the electronics frame (24), by means of which the electrical and/or electronic component (6) is fixed to the electronics frame (24) in a direction (z) perpendicular to the cover plate (8).