Magnetic Two-Part Hearing Aid for Secure Low-Visibility Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing aids face challenges in achieving a balance between size, versatility, and performance, particularly in ensuring optimal placement and visibility on the user's head while providing effective sound transmission.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid design featuring a first part with a magnetic attachment mechanism to the skull bone, utilizing a magnetized insert element and a second part anchored to the skull bone, allowing for secure and less visible placement, and incorporating various transducers for sound conversion and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hearing aid uses a magnetic attachment mechanism with an insert element, then the placement security and reduced visibility are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional magnetic components and insertion structure
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid is divided into two separate parts: a first part with the acoustic input transducer and processing electronics, and a second part with the output transducer and magnetic anchor. This segmentation allows the magnetic attachment mechanism to be integrated into the second part without complicating the first part, while still providing secure placement through the magnetic connection between the two parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert element with the magnet is designed to be inserted into a recess in the second part of the hearing aid. This nesting approach allows the magnetic attachment mechanism to be compactly integrated within the device structure, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while providing secure magnetic attachment to the skull bone.
2Manufacturing precision
If the hearing aid is placed closer to the ear for optimal sound transmission, then the sound transmission quality is improved, but the visibility of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the hearing aid into two parts positioned at different locations, the system can place the first part (with input transducer) close to the ear canal for optimal sound capture and transmission, while the second part (with output transducer and magnetic anchor) can be positioned slightly further back or in a less visible area, thus balancing sound transmission quality with cosmetic considerations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hearing aid uses a compact design, then the versatility and user comfort are improved, but the space for transducer placement and signal processing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the hearing aid into two separate parts allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a compact overall size. The first part can be small and lightweight for comfort near the ear, while the second part with the magnetic anchor can be positioned in available space, collectively providing all necessary functions without requiring a single large device.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-part design with magnetic attachment utilizes the third dimension (depth/distance from skull) for device placement rather than only lateral spacing. This allows compact positioning along the head profile while providing sufficient internal space within each part for transducers and electronics.
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 design ensures optimal sound transmission and reduced visibility, while maintaining a compact and versatile hearing aid system that adapts to individual user preferences and hearing needs.
Implementation Method 1
said insert element comprising a first magnet adapted to in cooperation with said second part to cause said first part to attach to the head of the user
Implementation Method 2
an acoustic input transducer adapted to convert ambient sound picked up at the ear of the user to an electric signal
Implementation Method 3
an output transducer adapted to covert the processed electric signal into a transmission signal
Implementation Method 4
a receiver adapted to receive the transmission signal and convert the transmission signal to an output signal perceivable as sound by the user
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a hearing aid for placement on head of a user comprising a first second part. The first part may comprise an acoustic input transducer adapted to convert ambient sound picked up at the ear of the user to an electric signal, a signal processor adapted to process the electric signal according to specifications of user into a processed electric signal, and an output transducer adapted to covert the processed electric signal into a transmission signal, The second part may comprise an anchor adapted to fixate said second part under the skin to skull bone of the user, and a receiver adapted to receive the transmission signal and convert the transmission signal to an output signal perceivable as sound by the user. The first part may comprise an inner recess adapted to receive an insert element, where the insert element may comprise a first magnet adapted to in cooperation with the second part to cause the first part to attach to the head of the user.