Hearing Device Spacer for Antenna Coupling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in Completely-In-the-Canal (CIC) hearing devices is controlling the position of the pull-out string and its integrated antenna relative to the ear canal, leading to unwanted energy coupling with the ear canal wall tissue, which can cause discomfort and affect the hearing experience.
Innovation Solution
A spacer is designed to maintain the pull-out string at a minimum distance from the ear canal wall by attaching to the pull-out string and featuring a contact portion that bears against the canal wall, with a round or oval periphery for comfort and vent areas to allow audio signals to pass through, ensuring the antenna is not in direct contact with the tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the pull-out string with antenna is positioned close to the ear canal wall, then the antenna coupling to tissue is reduced, but the position control becomes difficult due to ear canal variation
Solution Approach 1:
A spacer is introduced as an intermediary component between the pull-out string and the ear canal wall. The spacer maintains a controlled distance between the antenna and the tissue, preventing direct contact while ensuring consistent positioning. This mediator component resolves the contradiction by providing both separation (reducing coupling) and position stability (overcoming variation issues).
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer is pre-configured with a specific geometry and attachment mechanism that automatically positions the pull-out string at the optimal distance from the ear canal wall upon insertion. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for manual adjustment and ensures consistent antenna-tissue separation across different users despite ear canal variations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the spacer contact portion is made large to ensure stable contact with the ear canal wall, then positioning stability is improved, but comfort is reduced due to increased surface contact
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer's contact portion is designed with non-uniform properties: the periphery has a larger contact area for stability, while the central region maintains a smaller profile to avoid discomfort. This local differentiation allows the spacer to provide sufficient stabilization without creating an overly large surface contact that would reduce user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer's periphery is designed with a rounded, convex curvature rather than sharp edges or flat surfaces. This spherical/curved geometry distributes contact pressure more evenly across the ear canal wall, improving stability while minimizing localized pressure points that would cause discomfort. The smooth curved surface conforms better to the natural anatomy of the ear canal.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3F
AI summary
A spacer attached to or being configured to be attached to a pull-out string for a hearing device is disclosed. The spacer comprises a contact portion adapted for being brought into contact with the wall of the ear canal of a hearing device user and hereby maintain the pull-out string in a distance from the wall of the ear canal.