Miniature Listening Device Electrical Contact Integration

Solution Overview

Problem

Miniature listening devices, such as hearing aids, face space constraints and require multiple separate electrical connections for programming and charging, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A galvanic electrical connection is established via a connecting element external to the device, using a functional component like a wax-filter or microphone, with controllable switches to minimize the number and size of electrical contacts within the device, allowing for efficient connectivity for charging and programming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate electrical connections (plug or socket connector) are implemented in the listening device for programming and charging purposes, then the listening device can be electrically connected to external devices, but the number and volume of electrical connections in the listening device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidnumber of electrical connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing functional components (wax-filter, microphone, speaker) to serve dual purposes: their primary acoustic functions plus electrical connection functions. The electrically conductive parts of these components are used both for their intended acoustic purposes and as electrical contacts for programming and charging, allowing one component to perform multiple functions and thereby reducing the total number of separate electrical connections needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the electrical connection function with existing acoustic components. Instead of having separate plug or socket connectors, the electrical contacts are integrated into the housing or functional components themselves. This combining of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to establish electrical connections for programming and charging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate electrical connections (plug or socket connector) are implemented in the listening device for programming and charging purposes, then the listening device can be electrically connected to external devices, but the space required in the miniature listening device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidspace for electrical connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing functional components (wax-filter, microphone, speaker) to serve dual purposes: their primary acoustic functions plus electrical connection functions. The electrically conductive parts of these components are used both for their intended acoustic purposes and as electrical contacts for programming and charging, allowing one component to perform multiple functions and thereby reducing the total number of separate electrical connections needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the electrical connection function with existing acoustic components. Instead of having separate plug or socket connectors, the electrical contacts are integrated into the housing or functional components themselves. This combining of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to establish electrical connections for programming and charging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces the number of electrical contacts needed in the device, saving space and simplifying connectivity while maintaining the device's functionality, enabling efficient charging and programming.

Implementation Method 1

A galvanic electrical connection is established via a connecting element external to the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGalvanic connection: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2424275B1A listening device adapted for establishing an electric connection to an external device using electrically conductive parts of one or more components of the listening device

Publication Date: 2019.10.09 OTICON

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2a~2b

AI summary

The application relates to a miniature listening device (20) comprising a housing (200) for enclosing an energy source (23) and a number of functional (21, 22, 24, 60, 70) and/or electronic (251) components of the listening device. The application further relates to the use of such listening device, to a listening system and to a method of electrically connecting a listening device to an external device. The object of the present application is to provide a scheme for electrically connecting a miniature listening device to an external device. The problem is solved in that a first functional component comprises an electric contact part (211), which is physically accessible from outside the housing, and wherein an electronic component and/or said energy source - at least in a specific connected mode - is electrically connected to said electric contact part of the first functional component, whereby an electric connection from an external device to said electronic component and/or to said energy source of the listening device can be established. This has the advantage of providing a listening device that uses a minimum of space on electrical contacts to external devices. The invention may e.g. be used in miniature hearing aids or ear phones or active ear plugs.