Hearing Device PCB Assembly With Self-Aligning Side Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of hearing devices, particularly hearing aids, is hindered by the time-consuming alignment of circuit boards within the restricted space of the housing, making automated assembly challenging due to alignment deviations and elastic restoring forces.
Innovation Solution
An assembly method using an elongated circuit board center section with two circuit board side parts aligned transversely by positioning devices, which are connected for signal transmission and housed in housing shells, enabling automated assembly through self-alignment and fixation, potentially with robotic assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If circuit boards are manually aligned and fitted within the housing, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but assembly time increases and automation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is pre-assembled with positioning devices attached before insertion into the housing. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the circuit board is inserted, the positioning devices automatically engage with corresponding features in the housing, achieving precise alignment without time-consuming manual adjustment during final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning devices are designed to automatically align and position the circuit board within the housing through self-engaging mechanisms. The positioning devices feature protrusions that fit into corresponding recesses in the housing, creating automatic mechanical alignment that eliminates the need for manual positioning and enables robotic automation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a frame is used to hold the circuit board, then positioning stability is improved, but device complexity and manual assembly requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional frame structure from the hearing device design. Instead of using a separate frame to hold and position the circuit board, the positioning function is integrated directly into the housing through positioning devices that are either attached to the circuit board or formed as features of the housing itself, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is merged with the housing structure itself. Rather than being a separate component, the positioning features are integrated into the housing design, combining the structural support and positioning functions into a single element, which reduces component count and assembly complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the housing space is restricted for miniaturization, then device size is reduced, but alignment of components becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning devices utilize vertical positioning through protrusions and recesses that engage in the thickness dimension of the housing. This vertical engagement mechanism allows precise positioning within the restricted horizontal space, enabling accurate component alignment without requiring additional lateral space that would increase device size.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly method for a hearing device includes an elongated circuit board center section and two circuit board side parts. Positioning devices are installed on both circuit board side parts. Afterwards, the circuit board side parts are connected, mechanically and for signal transmission, to the circuit board center section to form a circuit board arrangement. The circuit board side parts are aligned in an orientation transverse to a surface of the circuit board center section by the respective positioning devices. The circuit board arrangement is then housed by at least two housing shells.