Hearing Device Interface Merging Programming and Accessory Pins

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Solution Overview

Problem

The trend towards smaller hearing devices necessitates a reduction in physical connection interfaces to conserve space, as existing designs often require separate connectors for programming and accessory functions like direct audio input and frequency modulation.

Innovation Solution

A hearing device interface that combines multiple connection interfaces into a single interface, featuring a group of parallel electrically conducting contact pins for a standard CS44 connector and an additional pin for accessory connections, allowing for a compact and space-saving design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate connection interfaces are used for programming and accessory functions, then functionality is ensured, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection functionalityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate programming interface and accessory connection interface into a single integrated interface. The interface includes a first group of contact pins for programming functions and a second contact pin for accessory functions, allowing both purposes to be achieved through one physical connector rather than requiring separate connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated interface is designed to perform multiple functions: it can establish programming connections through the first group of contact pins and simultaneously support accessory connections through the second contact pin. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate connectors are provided, then all functions are supported, but physical extension increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction supportVSAvoidphysical extension

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate connectors into a single integrated interface structure. The first group of contact pins and the second contact pin are arranged in the same interface housing, reducing the physical extension that would result from having separate connectors placed at different locations on the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If contact pins are arranged compactly, then space is saved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidpin arrangement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The contact pins are segmented into distinct groups with specific functions: the first group of contact pins for programming and the second contact pin for accessories. This segmentation allows for organized arrangement that optimizes space while maintaining manufacturability, as each group can be positioned and manufactured with appropriate precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3139634B1Hearing device interface

Publication Date: 2019.10.23 OTICON

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

AI summary

A hearing aid having a hearing device interface for a wired connection between a hearing device and an external device is disclosed. The interface comprises a first group of electrically conducting contact pins extending parallel to each other and being configured to engage with a corresponding plug of the external device provided with plug slots, wherein the interface further comprises a second electrically conducting contact pin extending parallel to the first group of electrically conducting contact pins. The first group of electrically conducting contact pins are arranged to constitute a square formation.