Wireless Hearing Device Charging via Query Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing devices with rechargeable batteries require frequent charging due to lower energy density, and existing wireless charging methods are inefficient, especially when the device is severely discharged or in far-field locations.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a charging unit that emits a query signal to initiate a charging operation in hearing devices, with a transponder in the device using the query signal's energy to respond and enable charging, even when the device is severely discharged, and selectively switches between near-field and far-field charging modes based on distance to optimize energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless charging is used for hearing devices, then contact points are eliminated and charging convenience is improved, but energy consumption increases and charging efficiency decreases especially in far-field locations
Solution Approach 1:
The charging unit emits query signals periodically rather than continuously. The transmitter sends query signals at specific intervals to detect the presence of hearing devices, and only emits continuous energy signals when devices are detected and actively charging. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous transmission while maintaining effective charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A transponder in the hearing device serves as an intermediary that detects query signals from the charging unit and responds to initiate charging. This intermediary mechanism enables automatic charging initiation without requiring continuous active communication, reducing energy consumption while improving ease of operation.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If continuous energy signals are emitted for charging, then charging operation can be maintained, but energy waste occurs when no hearing device is present
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback through query-response signaling. The charging unit emits query signals and waits for responses from hearing devices. Only when a response is received indicating a device is present and needs charging does the system switch to continuous energy signal emission. This feedback mechanism ensures energy is only consumed when actually needed, eliminating waste from continuous transmission to empty space.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging unit dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on detected needs. It transitions between idle state (emitting only periodic query signals) and active charging state (emitting continuous energy signals). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain charging operation continuity when devices are present while minimizing energy waste when devices are absent.
3Reliability
If hearing devices are severely discharged, then battery replacement becomes necessary, but charging electronics cannot operate without available energy
Solution Approach 1:
The transponder acts as a mediator that requires minimal energy to detect query signals and respond. Even when the hearing device's battery is severely discharged and cannot support full charging electronics operation, the transponder can still detect the charging unit's query signals and send a response signal. This enables charging initiation in severely discharged states where conventional charging electronics would be non-functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial charging initiation through the transponder's minimal energy response rather than requiring full charging electronics operation. The transponder provides just enough energy response to signal presence and initiate charging, allowing the system to overcome the limitation of severely discharged batteries without requiring complete charging electronics functionality.
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
Enables automatic and energy-efficient charging of hearing devices, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and allowing charging even when the device has no available energy, while optimizing charging efficiency in both near-field and far-field scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a charging unit configured for wireless charging... a transmitter of the charging unit is used to wirelessly emit... a continuous energy signal, which is used in particular to transfer a charging energy
Implementation Method 2
A transponder (10) in the hearing device (2)... draws an operating energy from the query signal (22)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for charging a hearing device uses a charging unit configured for wireless charging. A query signal is emitted wirelessly by a transmitter of the charging unit. Upon receipt of the query signal a first response signal is sent to the charging unit by a response unit of the hearing device. Upon the receipt of the first response signal the charging unit begins a charging operation for the hearing device, by wirelessly emitting a continuous energy signal. A hearing device system, a hearing device and a charging unit are also provided.