Hearing Device Wireless Switching via Resonant Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices face challenges in miniaturization due to the need for space-consuming switching elements, and existing contact-based solutions can be cumbersome, especially when an audio shoe is attached, and there is a need for a contactless switch-off option to enhance usability and reduce size.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device with a coil and a current detection device that uses a resonant circuit outside the housing to detect changes in current for controlling the device wirelessly, leveraging principles from anti-theft alarm systems to eliminate the need for physical switches and enable miniaturization, with the resonant circuit integrated into a storage box for automatic switching on and off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional switches or buttons are used for switching hearing devices on and off, then the switching function is reliable, but the device size increases and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches and buttons with a contactless electromagnetic switching system. A coil generates a magnetic field that interacts with a resonant circuit containing a magnet, enabling wireless on/off control. This eliminates the need for physical switching elements, reducing device volume while maintaining reliable switching functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a resonant circuit as an intermediary between the user's hand movement and the hearing device's switching function. The resonant circuit, positioned in the storage box, detects the presence of the hearing device through electromagnetic coupling with the coil, automatically triggering on/off states without requiring direct user interaction with physical switches.
2Ease of operation
If battery compartment switches are used, then switching is possible, but operation becomes impossible when an audio shoe is attached
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant circuit acts as an intermediary that detects device presence through electromagnetic coupling rather than requiring direct mechanical access to the battery compartment. When the hearing device is placed in the storage box, the coil and resonant circuit interact to automatically switch the device off, enabling operation even when an audio shoe blocks the battery compartment.
3Ease of operation
If integrated reed contacts with permanent magnets are used for contactless switching, then switching can be performed from outside, but the device requires additional space for the magnet and reed contact structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the reed contact and permanent magnet structure with a coil-based electromagnetic system. The coil generates a magnetic field that couples with a resonant circuit containing a magnet, enabling contactless switching without requiring reed contacts or additional magnets within the hearing device itself, thus reducing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil serves multiple functions: it acts as both the switching mechanism and the transceiver for wireless communication between hearing devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate switching components, reducing overall device space while maintaining external switching capability.
4Volume of moving object
If the coil is used for both wireless communication and switching functions, then device miniaturization is achieved, but the switching detection becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the current detection device to monitor changes in coil current caused by resonant circuit coupling. When the resonant circuit approaches the coil, it draws energy, causing a detectable change in current. This feedback mechanism automatically triggers the switching element, simplifying the control logic despite the dual functionality of the coil.
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
This solution allows for the miniaturization of hearing devices, eliminates the need for physical switches, provides a contactless switching mechanism, and enables continuous wireless control of the device, including switching between programs, while ensuring the device is automatically turned off when not in use, reducing the risk of being forgotten.
Implementation Method 1
a coil (3) arranged in the housing for wireless transmission
Implementation Method 2
an oscillating circuit, which is located outside the housing and which, with the aid of the coil (3) can be excited to oscillate
Data Source
AI summary
The device has a transceiver coil (TC) in a housing. A wireless signal processing and detector device (WS) is connected to the coil for detection of current flowing through the coil. A resonant circuit (RK) is provided outside the housing, where the current flowing through the coil is controlled by the detector device for controlling the hearing aid device. A switching unit is provided for switching on and off the hearing aid device. An independent claim is also included for a method for controlling a hearing device.