Hearing Device Power Management Adapting to External Source Type
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable hearing devices face power management challenges, particularly for elderly users with reduced dexterity and vision, as they often require frequent battery replacements or recharging, leading to inconvenient power outages, especially in situations like travel or forgetfulness.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable hearing device with a power management system that includes a battery, a power module for receiving an external power signal, and a control unit that adapts operation based on the type of external power source, allowing for optimized charging and power distribution between the battery and the sound system, enabling continuous functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If zinc air batteries are used in hearing devices, then energy capacity is improved, but battery replacement frequency increases and handling difficulty increases for elderly users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable zinc air batteries that provide high energy capacity but require frequent replacement. The hearing device is designed with a battery compartment that allows easy insertion and removal of these disposable batteries, transforming the handling challenge into a simple snap-in/snap-out operation that elderly users can manage despite reduced dexterity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing device is segmented into modular components including a separate battery compartment. This segmentation allows the battery to be independently accessed and replaced without affecting other functional components, simplifying the replacement process for users with limited manual dexterity.
2Ease of operation
If rechargeable batteries are used in hearing devices, then battery replacement handling is improved, but energy capacity decreases and power availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately chooses disposable zinc air batteries over rechargeable alternatives despite the frequent replacement requirement. These disposable batteries provide superior energy capacity and longer operational duration per battery, which is prioritized over the convenience of rechargeability. The high energy density of zinc air batteries ensures extended wear time between replacements, offsetting the handling burden on elderly users.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If hearing devices are used for extended periods, then user dependency on device increases, but power availability decreases due to battery depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs batteries with high energy capacity that are pre-charged and ready for immediate use. The zinc air batteries are manufactured with sufficient energy储备 to last through multiple days of continuous use, ensuring that the hearing device remains reliable during extended wear periods without requiring intermediate recharging or replacement by the user.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a rechargeable hearing device (1). The proposed hearing device (1) comprises a power supply system (6) with a control unit (10) adapted to control operation of a sound system (2) of the hearing device (1) dependent on a control input signal, wherein the control input signal depends on a type information provided by an external power source (11) indicative of the type of external power source (11) from which the hearing device (1) is receiving a power signal. Moreover, the present invention provides a hearing system (100) comprising such a hearing device (1) and an external power source (11) as well as a method for operating such a hearing device (1).