Hearing Receiver Module Layout for Compact Wireless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices with wireless charging capabilities face challenges due to severe installation space constraints and shielding of the magnetic field by the motherboard, leading to inefficient energy transfer and inconsistent resonance frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A stacked configuration of the motherboard and receiver module, with a trimmed motherboard design and a holding frame to minimize shielding and maintain consistent resonance frequencies, utilizing magnetic resonance charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless charging receiver module is added to a hearing device, then wireless charging capability is provided, but the installation space requirements increase and the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver module is integrated into the hearing device housing in a nested manner, where the coil is positioned within the housing cavity and the ferrite is embedded within the coil structure. This nesting approach allows the wireless charging functionality to be incorporated without significantly increasing the overall device volume, as components are arranged concentrically within the existing form factor constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar component layouts to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. The receiver module, ferrite, and coil are arranged in vertical layers along the longitudinal axis of the hearing device, utilizing the Z-dimension to pack components efficiently. This dimensional reorganization allows multiple functional layers to coexist within the limited lateral space of the hearing device.
2Volume of stationary object
If the motherboard is positioned near the receiver module to save space, then installation space is reduced, but the magnetic field is shielded and wireless charging efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrite serves as an intermediary component positioned between the motherboard and the coil. This ferrite layer acts as a magnetic shield that directs and concentrates the magnetic field toward the coil while preventing magnetic field lines from short-circuiting through the motherboard. The ferrite mediator thus enables close proximity of the motherboard to the receiver module without compromising wireless charging efficiency, as it manages the magnetic field distribution and prevents energy loss through the conductive motherboard.
3Ease of manufacture
If the hearing device uses a standardized form factor, then manufacturing is simplified, but individualization and user fit are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device is segmented into modular components: a standardized housing shell that provides the external form factor, and internal components (motherboard, receiver module, ferrite, coil) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The housing shell can be produced in standardized sizes and shapes using injection molding, while the electronic components are manufactured separately using PCB and coil winding processes. This segmentation allows the external shell to be individualized for different ear canals while the internal components remain standardized for efficient manufacturing.
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
Enables efficient wireless charging with a compact form factor and consistent resonance frequencies, even in devices with individualized shells, by reducing shielding and maintaining precise alignment.
Implementation Method 1
the receiver module comprises a coil, which runs around, or is wound around, an axial direction... Wireless charging is achieved via interaction with a magnetic field, which is created by a transmitter module of a corresponding charger. The coil of the receiver module picks up the magnetic field and corresponding energy
Implementation Method 2
A stacked configuration of the motherboard and receiver module, combined with a ferrite and a holding frame, minimizes shielding by trimming the motherboard's circumference and ground plane to expose the ferrite
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing device has a motherboard and a receiver module. The receiver module is configured for wireless charging of a battery and, for that purpose, has a coil wound around an axial direction. The motherboard has a top section that extends perpendicular to the axial direction and in a radial direction. The top section of the motherboard and the receiver module are stacked in the axial direction.