Modular Hearing Aid Connector Assembly for Reliable Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing assistance devices face issues with the reliability and ease of manufacture and use due to small wires that are difficult to connect and prone to deterioration or breakage, along with electromagnetic interference problems.
Innovation Solution
A modular connection assembly with a first and second connector using a plurality of wires in a cable, featuring conductive silicone for self-fitted interfaces, moisture resistance, and electromagnetic interference management, including shielded and twisted wire configurations, to provide a reliable and easy-to-manufacture connection system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If small wires are used to connect the receiver to the electronics unit, then the hearing aid can achieve a compact design with the receiver placed in the ear canal, but the connection becomes difficult to manufacture and prone to deterioration or breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid is divided into two separate modules: a receiver-in-canal (RIC) portion with the speaker and a behind-the-ear (BTE) portion with the electronics unit. These modules connect via a modular connector assembly rather than long flexible wires, eliminating the reliability issues of wire connections while maintaining the compact RIC design.
Solution Approach 2:
A modular connector assembly serves as an intermediary between the RIC and BTE portions. This connector includes a plug with contacts and a receptacle with corresponding contact points, providing a reliable mechanical and electrical connection that replaces the problematic small wires while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
2Ease of operation
If small wires are used for connection, then the receiver can be positioned remotely in the ear canal, but the connection is difficult to manufacture and susceptible to breakage from prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid system is segmented into modular components (RIC portion and BTE portion) that can be manufactured separately and assembled using a standardized connector assembly. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing by allowing specialized production of each module followed by straightforward assembly, rather than attempting to manufacture complete units with integrated wire connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular connector assembly is designed to be self-aligning and self-latching, with features such as guide pins, resilient arms, and snap-fit mechanisms that automatically ensure proper connection during assembly. This eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or specialized assembly equipment, making the manufacturing process simpler and more reliable.
3Device complexity
If traditional wire connections are used, then the hearing aid can maintain simple electronics architecture, but electromagnetic interference issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The modular connector assembly acts as an intermediary that provides inherent electromagnetic interference protection through its design. The connector includes shielding elements and is configured to minimize antenna effects, blocking external EMI from reaching the sensitive electronics while maintaining simple electronics architecture without requiring complex filtering or shielding circuits.
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 modular connection assembly enhances the reliability and ease of use of hearing assistance devices by ensuring constant contact, reducing electromagnetic interference, and providing rapid replacement options for cables and receivers, while supporting various applications and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
conductive silicone for self-fitted interfaces
Implementation Method 2
shielded set of wires are included
Implementation Method 3
twisted pair of wires is included
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter relates to an improved connection assembly for hearing assistance devices. The improved connection assembly provides a connection system that is reliable, straightforward to manufacture, and easy to use. The present connection assembly provides a rapid replacement option for the cable and/or the receiver or other electronics connected to the cable. The present subject matter provides for a connection assembly that can be extended to provide connections for a variety of applications which are not limited to a speaker (receiver) in the ear. Sensors and new configurations of component placement are supported using the present assembly, including, but not limited to telecoils, and GMR or TMR sensors, Various electromagnetic interference issues are addressed. In some examples a shielded set of wires are included. In some examples a twisted pair of wires is included. Various combinations of wires for different applications are supported with the present connector system.