Hearing Device Faceplate Antenna Assembly Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing faceplates for hearing devices with integrated antennas lack efficiency and accuracy in antenna placement, leading to increased assembly time and reduced reliability of antenna performance.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a faceplate composed of two separate parts, a base part and an insertion part, with engagement structures and adhesives to accurately position and secure the antenna PCB within a trench, enhancing alignment and fixation, and optionally using a plastic frame to support the antenna for improved radiation gain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the antenna is integrated within the faceplate using existing methods, then the hearing device can achieve wireless functionality, but the antenna placement accuracy and assembly efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The faceplate is divided into two separate parts: a base part and an insertion part. The antenna PCB is first inserted into the base part, then the insertion part is attached to secure the antenna in place. This segmentation allows for accurate antenna placement while simplifying the assembly process and improving manufacturing precision without compromising productivity.
2Reliability
If the antenna PCB is securely fixed within the faceplate, then the reliability of antenna performance is improved, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna PCB is pre-inserted into the base part of the faceplate before the final assembly step. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and alignment, allowing for quick securing with the insertion part while maintaining reliable antenna performance. The pre-positioning reduces assembly time by eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during final assembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If engagement structures are added to hold down the antenna PCB, then the antenna placement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structures are integrated into the insertion part of the faceplate, combining the functions of securing the antenna PCB and forming the final faceplate structure. This merging approach improves antenna placement accuracy through the engagement structures while avoiding additional separate components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a faceplate for a hearing device, the faceplate configured to cover a lateral opening of a housing of the hearing device and having a side which is laterally oriented when the hearing device is worn at least partially in the ear canal, including the steps of: providing a faceplate base part including a first surface, a faceplate insertion part including a second surface, and a printed circuit board (“PCB”) with an antenna; inserting the antenna PCB into the faceplate base part so that that the antenna PCB extends along the first surface; inserting the faceplate insertion part into the faceplate base part so that the second surface of the faceplate insertion part pushes the antenna PCB against the first surface of the faceplate base part; and fixing the faceplate insertion part within the faceplate base part so as to form the faceplate.