In-Ear Hearing Device Sidewall Receiver Coil for Wireless Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing devices is aligning the receiver and transmitter coils for optimal charging, while also optimizing the use of limited space within the device's small form factor, which affects the efficiency of inductive charging.

Innovation Solution

The receiver coil is positioned adjacent to a sidewall of the hearing device with its axial centreline pointing through the sidewall, allowing for efficient coupling with a transmitter coil positioned outside, and the charger's transmitter coil is aligned with the holder's sidewall to facilitate inductive charging without the need for a lid or additional design constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the receiver coil is positioned inside the hearing device with its axial centreline pointing through the sidewall, then the coupling with the transmitter coil is improved and charging efficiency is enhanced, but the available space within the small form factor device is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidavailable space within device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver coil is positioned adjacent to the sidewall with its axial centreline pointing through the sidewall, utilizing the lateral dimension of the device rather than consuming internal volume. This dimensional repositioning allows the coil to extend partially outside the device boundary, improving coupling with the transmitter coil while minimizing impact on internal space for other components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the receiver and transmitter coils are aligned for optimal inductive charging, then charging efficiency is improved, but the device requires a lid or additional design constraints that increase complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoiddesign constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver coil is extracted from the traditional internal position and repositioned adjacent to the sidewall, with part of the coil extending outside the device. This extraction eliminates the need for a lid or additional design constraints to achieve coil alignment, as the coil's external positioning naturally enables optimal coupling with the transmitter coil without compromising device integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 configuration enhances the alignment and coupling of coils, improving charging efficiency and reducing design complexities, allowing for a smaller form factor in the hearing device and a simpler charger design.

Implementation Method 1

A fluctuating magnetic field created by an alternating current in a transmitter coil comprised in a charger induces an alternating electric current in a receiver coil comprised in the hearing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

induces an alternating electric current in a receiver coil comprised in the hearing device. The alternating current induced in the receiver coil is rectified and used to charge the battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4102858A1Wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing device and charger for same
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 GN HEARING AS
  • EP4102858A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2B
  • EP4102858A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4102858A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6B

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing device, a charger for a wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing device, and a system comprising a wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing device and a charger for the wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing device.