Hearing Instrument Plug-in Connection Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing instrument housings with plug-in connections face challenges in preventing unintentional detachment, contamination, and moisture ingress, which can lead to device failure and discomfort for users.
Innovation Solution
A locking apparatus with a moveable catch and blocking element is integrated into the housing, featuring latching plates and a rupture joint to secure the plug-in connection, preventing unintentional detachment and protecting against moisture and impurities, while allowing for easy assembly and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a plug-in connection is provided in the hearing instrument housing, then ease of operation is improved (allowing detachment and reattachment of components), but reliability deteriorates (risk of unintentional detachment)
Solution Approach 1:
The locking apparatus applies preliminary anti-action by using a catch that automatically engages with the plug-in connection upon insertion. The catch is spring-loaded to maintain continuous locking force, preventing unintentional detachment while requiring deliberate user action (pressing the release element) to detach, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
2Ease of operation
If the catch is made moveable between locked and unlocked positions, then ease of operation is improved (allowing intentional detachment), but device complexity increases (requiring locking mechanism components)
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the catch with latching plate, the release element, and the spring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall simplicity. The catch handles automatic locking, the spring provides force, and the release element enables manual unlocking, resolving the contradiction by making the complexity manageable and purposeful
3Reliability
If a blocking facility is added to prevent unintentional sliding out, then reliability is improved (preventing accidental detachment), but device complexity increases (adding blocking elements and stops)
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking facility is merged with the catch component itself. The latching plate on the catch serves dual functions: it engages with the plug-in connection to prevent detachment, and it works with the blocking element and stop to prevent unintentional sliding out. This merging eliminates the need for separate blocking components, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
4Reliability
If the catch is pushed into the housing and secured against sliding out, then reliability is improved (secure positioning), but ease of manufacture deteriorates (requiring precise positioning and securing features)
Solution Approach 1:
The catch is designed to be pre-positioned in the housing during assembly, with the latching plate already oriented correctly to engage the plug-in connection. The blocking element and stop are also pre-installed to guide the catch into its correct position. This preliminary action during manufacturing ensures reliable positioning without requiring complex adjustment or securing operations later, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing instrument has housing with a plug-in connection. The plug-in connection connects hearing tubes, sound tubes or electrical signal lines. The hearing instrument ensures against an unintentional detachment of the tubes and lines from the housing. The housing has a locking apparatus. The plug-in connection is arranged in the housing. The locking apparatus is embodied to prevent an unintentional detachment of the plug in the plug-in connection. The locking apparatus includes a catch, with a latching plate, and being moveably mounted in the housing. The catch moves at right angles to the plug-in direction of the plug and the latch is pushed into the housing and is protected herein by a blocking facility against unintentionally being pushed out. The blocking facility includes a stop and a blocking element, against which the stop strikes when sliding out. With the moveable catch, an easy-to-operate locking process is achieved.