Hearing Device Antenna Using Folded PCB Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices with wireless communication capabilities face design constraints due to their small size, requiring improved radio frequency antennas for wide frequency bandwidth and compatibility with various head shapes and environments.
Innovation Solution
A compact hearing device design featuring a printed circuit board assembly folded around a battery, with an antenna element connected to a feed located adjacent the interconnection between circuit boards, utilizing the printed circuit board assembly as part of the antenna to maximize current distribution and improve performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the hearing device is made small and compact to fit in the ear, then the device size is reduced and comfort is improved, but the antenna performance and wireless communication capabilities deteriorate due to space limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna function with the printed circuit board assembly by using the PCB itself as part of the antenna structure. The feed is integrated into the PCB at the interconnection between circuit boards, allowing the PCB to serve dual purposes: electrical connectivity and electromagnetic radiation, thereby maintaining antenna performance in a compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional folded structure of the PCB assembly to create antenna elements. By folding the PCB about the battery and positioning the feed at specific interconnections, the design transforms the two-dimensional PCB into a three-dimensional antenna structure that achieves adequate radiation performance in limited space
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic and metallic components are added to enable wireless communication, then the communication capabilities are improved, but the device complexity and design constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, electrical connectivity between components, and serves as the antenna for wireless communication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated antenna structures and simplifies the overall device design
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB assembly serves itself as the antenna structure, eliminating the need for separate antenna components. The existing PCB traces and interconnections are configured to function as antenna elements, allowing the device to achieve wireless communication capabilities using its inherent structural components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances wireless communication capabilities, providing a small and compact hearing device with improved antenna performance across a wide frequency range, suitable for various head shapes and environments.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna is configured for emission and reception of electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength (λ)
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing device is configured to be worn in an ear of a user, and is configured to provide an audio signal to the user. The hearing device comprises a circuit assembly. The circuit assembly comprises a printed circuit board assembly. The printed circuit board assembly comprises a first circuit board, a second circuit board, and a third circuit board between the first and second circuit boards. The circuit assembly comprises a battery, wherein the printed circuit board assembly is folded about the battery; and an antenna comprising an antenna element, the antenna being configured for emission and reception of electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength (λ); wherein the antenna element has a first end connected to a feed, wherein the feed is provided in a portion of the first or third circuit board which is adjacent an interconnection between the first and third circuit boards.