Head-Mounted Loudspeaker Adapter for BTE Hearing Aid Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to connect an integrated loudspeaker in a head-mounted device, such as eyeglasses, with a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aid to facilitate sound transmission for individuals with hearing impairments, without existing solutions effectively addressing this requirement.
Innovation Solution
An adapter is designed for a head-mounted device with an integrated loudspeaker that includes a base element coupled to the device's lower surface, featuring an extension for connecting to a 2CC coupler, ensuring sound transmission through a sealed acoustic channel to a BTE hearing aid tube, adhering to ANSI and ISO standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an integrated loudspeaker in head-mounted device is connected to BTE hearing aid, then sound transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component that bridges the loudspeaker in the head-mounted device and the BTE hearing aid. This adapter includes a housing with a first opening that receives the loudspeaker and a second opening that connects to the hearing aid tube, thereby enabling sound transmission without directly integrating the loudspeaker and hearing aid into a single complex unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional modules: the adapter housing, the loudspeaker cavity, the hearing aid tube interface, and the acoustic coupling element. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured, assembled, and optimized, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable sound transmission.
2Reliability
If a complex connection structure is used to ensure reliable sound transmission, then sound transmission quality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an acoustic coupling element that may be implemented as a flexible membrane or thin film structure. This element forms the acoustic seal between the loudspeaker cavity and the hearing aid tube, providing reliable sound transmission while being cost-effective to manufacture compared to rigid complex structures. The flexible nature of this component allows for easy sealing and acoustic coupling.
3Reliability
If the adapter encloses the head mounted device portion, then acoustic sealing is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter housing is designed to receive and enclose the loudspeaker assembly, with the loudspeaker cavity nested within the housing structure. The housing includes openings that allow acoustic access while maintaining the enclosed structure for sealing. This nesting approach provides effective acoustic sealing without requiring a large external volume, as the components are arranged concentrically and efficiently.
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
The adapter enables a simplified, reliable, and cost-effective connection for sound transmission from the loudspeaker to the BTE hearing aid, meeting ANSI and ISO standards, thereby enhancing auditory experience for individuals with hearing difficulties.
Implementation Method 1
a tube (6) connected to said base element (2) and adapted to convey sound from the loudspeaker cavity (9) to a 2CC coupler (11)
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for a head mounted device with an integrated loudspeaker, comprising a base element which is adapted to be coupled to a lower surface of a portion of the head mounted device and is provided with a cover which is adapted to be coupled with the base element and encloses the portion of the head mounted device internally, the base element being provided with an extension that enables fastening at an end of the portion of the head mounted device, the base element being provided in a lower region with a tube to connect a loudspeaker cavity of the portion of the head mounted device externally, for connection to a 2CC coupler.