Universal Socket Connector Sealing for Exchangeable Hearing Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices with multiple parts are prone to malfunction due to improper interlocking and exposure to external factors like moisture and dirt, requiring specific connection interfaces for each type or brand, and necessitating complex and costly replacement of components.
Innovation Solution
A universal socket connector for hearing devices that securely connects BTE and RIE units, allowing exchangeable parts, provides protection from external factors, and uses a single interface compatible with different types and brands, featuring a detachable design with sealing elements to prevent moisture and dirt ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hearing device comprises different parts connected by plug and socket connector, then a user can disassemble and exchange parts, but the device is more likely to malfunction due to improper interlocking and exposure to moisture and dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The socket connector is divided into separate functional elements including a housing, sealing element, and locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while enabling modular assembly and disassembly for part exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket connector acts as an intermediary component between the plug connector and the hearing device housing. It provides a protected interface that mediates the connection, preventing direct exposure of internal electronics to external factors while enabling secure attachment and easy detachment of parts.
2Reliability
If each type or brand of hearing devices uses a specific connection interface, then the connection is secure, but a new connection interface is required for each type or brand or generation
Solution Approach 1:
The socket connector is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different plug connector types and sizes through adjustable sealing and locking mechanisms. This allows a single socket connector design to serve multiple hearing device types, brands, and generations while maintaining secure connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket connector incorporates adjustable parameters such as sealing element compression force, locking mechanism engagement depth, and housing dimensions that can be modified to accommodate different plug connector specifications while maintaining the same fundamental connection interface design.
3Reliability
If the electronics inside BTE unit and RIE unit are protected from outside factors, then the device reliability improves, but the connection interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sealing element in the form of a thin film or membrane is used to protect the electronics from moisture and dirt. This sealing element can be compressed or deformed during connection and disconnection operations, providing protection without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function and electrical connection function are merged into a single integrated socket connector assembly. The housing, sealing element, and electrical contacts are combined in one component that performs multiple functions simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a socket connector provides sealing between connection interface and housing, then protection from moisture and dirt is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The socket connector housing is manufactured using composite materials or multi-material injection molding that integrates the sealing function directly into the structural component. This eliminates the need for separate sealing parts and reduces assembly steps while providing effective moisture and dirt protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed. By using a low-cost sealing element rather than a complex sealed structure, the manufacturing cost is reduced while still providing adequate protection against moisture and dirt ingress.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a socket connector for a hearing device. The hearing device comprises a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) unit and a Receiver-In-the-Ear (RIE) unit, the BTE unit comprising a frame, wherein the frame comprises electronic components of the BTE unit, the RIE unit comprising a plug connector configured for providing an electrical connection between the RIE unit and the BTE unit. The socket connector is connectable to the frame of the BTE unit and is configured for detachably connecting the plug connector to the frame.