Magnetic Self-Alignment for Wireless Hearing Device Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wirelessly rechargeable hearing devices face challenges in aligning the receiver and transmitter coils for efficient charging, particularly in small form factor devices like in-ear hearing aids, due to the lack of standardized positioning and limited space, making it difficult for users to achieve optimal alignment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first magnetic component within the hearing device that magnetically engages with a second magnetic component in the charger, facilitating reproducible and efficient placement of the device for inductive coupling, allowing for self-alignment of the induction coils without the need for precise coil alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless charging is implemented in small form factor hearing devices, then the need for battery doors and wired connections is eliminated, but coil alignment becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic alignment component is introduced as an intermediary element between the transmitter and receiver coils. This component uses magnetic attraction forces to automatically guide and position the coils in proper alignment during the charging process, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment while maintaining efficient wireless charging in compact devices.
2Volume of moving object
If the hearing device size is reduced, then the form factor is improved, but the available space for coil alignment becomes more limited
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic alignment component enables the system to self-align the coils automatically through magnetic attraction. When the hearing device is placed on the charging surface, the magnetic component naturally draws the transmitter and receiver coils into proper alignment without requiring user intervention, making the system self-sufficient in compensating for size constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom-made in-ear devices are manufactured, then the fit is optimized for individual users, but standardized coil positioning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic alignment component serves as a universal interface that works regardless of the specific custom shape or size of the hearing device. By placing the magnetic component at a standardized location relative to the receiver coil, it creates a consistent alignment point that accommodates various custom-fit device geometries while maintaining standardized coil positioning for charging.
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 solution simplifies the charging process by enabling effective alignment of the coils, reducing design complexities and costs in the charger, and ensuring efficient wireless charging even in small form factor devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic component, which is configured to magnetically engage with a second magnetic component positioned outside the hearing device
Implementation Method 2
The strength of the coupling between the receiver coil and the transmitter coil is in part dependent on how well the two induction coils are aligned and the distance between them
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a wirelessly rechargeable hearing device having inductive charging circuitry comprising a receiver coil, which has a plurality of receiver coil windings surrounding a winding-free area. The hearing device further comprises a magnetic component configured to magnetically engage with another magnetic component comprised outside the hearing device and the magnetic component is further arranged within a volume that extends perpendicularly from the winding-free area. Further, the disclosure relates to a charger for the wirelessly rechargeable hearing device, where the charger comprises a magnetic component arranged within a volume that extends perpendicularly from a winding-free area defined by transmitter coil windings. Lastly, a system comprising the wirelessly rechargeable hearing device and the charger is disclosed.