Hearing Device Transceiver Testing via Fitting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for testing wireless communication systems in hearing devices and their accessories are inadequate, particularly due to the introduction of parasitic capacitance and variations in the Q-factor caused by gluing processes, which cannot be accurately determined post-manufacturing, leading to unreliable wireless functionality and high testing costs.
Innovation Solution
A method for testing wireless communication systems using a fitting device that communicates with hearing devices and accessories, allowing for on-site testing of transceivers, link quality, and diagnostic analysis through a user-friendly graphical interface, eliminating the need for additional hardware and enabling self-testing to identify malfunctions and ensure wireless functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional manufacturing site testing is used, then initial wireless functionality is verified, but post-manufacturing variations due to aging and assembly cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary testing actions at the manufacturing site including transmission coil testing and Link Distance Testing to establish baseline values before the device is delivered. This preliminary characterization of the wireless system allows later comparison to detect drift caused by aging and assembly variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the fitting device measures current transmission coil parameters and compares them against stored baseline values from manufacturing. This feedback loop enables detection of parameter drift due to aging, thermal stress, and assembly variations, allowing for quality assurance after the device has been delivered to the end user.
2Measurement precision
If Link Distance Testing is performed, then wireless link quality is properly tested, but testing time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential testing function from the complex Link Distance Testing procedure by implementing a simplified transmission coil test using the fitting device. This extracted test measures key parameters (inductance, Q-factor, resonant frequency) that indicate wireless link quality without requiring the full LDT procedure, thereby reducing testing time while maintaining adequate measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the testing parameters from full Link Distance Test conditions to simplified electrical measurements of transmission coil characteristics. By measuring inductance, Q-factor, and resonant frequency directly at the coil terminals using the fitting device, the system achieves adequate wireless quality assessment with significantly reduced testing time and complexity.
3Reliability
If comprehensive wireless testing is implemented, then quality is ensured, but additional hardware and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal fitting device that serves multiple functions: it fits hearing devices, characterizes transmission coils during fitting, performs quality assurance testing, and provides diagnostic capabilities. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated testing equipment, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring comprehensive wireless quality verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the fitting device to perform self-testing and self-diagnosis of the wireless system. The fitting device automatically measures transmission coil parameters, compares them against baseline values, and provides diagnostic information without requiring external specialized testing equipment, thereby simplifying the overall testing system architecture.
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
This approach provides a simple, fast, and cost-effective method for ensuring the quality of wireless hearing systems by allowing audiologists to diagnose and address issues related to aging and assembly, reducing the need for costly rework and improving the overall quality of hearing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission coil (40) of the hearing device; checking tuning values and calibration values of the transmission coil (40)
Implementation Method 2
the gluing process adds parasitic capacitance, which cannot be determined in advance, and additional losses, which changes the inductance value as well as the Q-factor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for testing a wireless communication system is disclosed comprising a fitting device (1; IF, PC) and at least one of a hearing device (HD1, HD2) and an accessory device (ACC) to the hearing device (HD1, HD2). The fitting device (1; IF, PC) comprising means for communicating with at least one of the hearing device (HD1, HD2) and the accessory device (ACC). The method comprises the steps of:testing at least one of the following elements:a transceiver of the hearing device (HD1, HD2);a transceiver of the accessory device (ACC);a transceiver of the fitting device (1; IF, PC);quality of a link between two transceivers;comparing results of the testing with predefined values,presenting a result of the comparison to the user of the fitting device (1; IF, PC) by indicating failure or non-failure for the corresponding element tested,wherein the step of testing is controlled by the fitting device (1; IF, PC).Furthermore, a wireless communication system is disclosed, which is used for implementing the inventive method.