ITE Charging Pads for Sealed Hearing Aid Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable listening devices with rechargeable energy sources face challenges in efficiently charging their batteries, particularly in designs where the charging mechanism is not seamlessly integrated with the device's operational connections, leading to potential disruptions in signal filtration and mechanical sealing.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves relocating charging pads to the ITE part or an existing connector of the listening device, allowing the same connector to be used for both normal operation and charging, thereby maintaining a sealed device and reusing existing connections, with the option of using receiver wires for charging and implementing filtration in either the BTE or ITE part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If charging pads are placed on the main body (BTE part) of the listening device, then charging functionality is provided, but the device cannot be completely sealed and mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging pads are extracted from the main body (BTE part) and relocated to the ITE part or connecting element. This extraction allows the main body to be completely sealed while the charging functionality is moved to a component that can be easily connected to charging stations, thereby resolving the contradiction between device sealing and charging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element serves as an intermediary that carries the charging pads. By placing charging pads on the connecting element rather than the main body, the device achieves complete sealing of the main body while still providing charging capability through the connecting element that interfaces with charging stations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate charging connections are added to the listening device, then charging functionality is provided, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed to serve dual purposes: it connects the ITE part to the BTE part during normal operation and simultaneously provides charging pads for recharging the battery when connected to a charging station. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate charging connections, reducing device complexity while maintaining charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging pads are merged with the existing connecting element structure. By combining the charging function with the connecting element that already exists for operational connections, the patent avoids adding separate charging components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while providing versatile charging capability.
3Device complexity
If receiver wires are used for charging, then existing connections are reused, but signal filtration may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between operational mode and charging mode. During charging, the connecting element is connected to the charging station, enabling current flow through the receiver wires for battery recharging. During normal operation, the connecting element connects the ITE and BTE parts for signal processing. This dynamic switching allows the same wires to serve dual purposes without permanent disruption to signal filtration, as the system adapts its configuration based on the operational state.
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 enables a completely sealed listening device with efficient battery charging through existing connections, reducing mechanical complexity and ensuring uninterrupted signal processing, while allowing for the reuse of existing connections and components.
Implementation Method 1
The listening device comprises a rechargeable energy source
Implementation Method 2
electric charge terminals for allowing the charging of the rechargeable energy source when electrically connected to charging terminals of a charging station
Data Source
AI summary
A listening device including an ITE part adapted for being located in an ear canal of a user and a BTE part adapted for being located behind an ear of the user, the ITE and BTE parts being at least mechanically connected by a connecting element, the listening device including a rechargeable energy source and electric charge terminals for allowing the charging of the rechargeable energy source when electrically connected to charging terminals of a charging station, wherein the electric charging terminals of the listening device are located: in or on the ITE part; in or on the connecting element; in an electrical connector of the connecting element connectable to the BTE part; or in an electrical connector of the BTE part connectable to the electrical connector of the connecting element, wherein the ITE part includes a receiver, wherein the BTE part includes a hermetically closed outer housing.