Modular Hearing Aid Segmentation for Battery Life
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aids face challenges with battery replacement difficulties due to small size constraints, limited battery life, and power constraints that hinder advanced features and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A modular hearing aid design featuring a rechargeable battery module that can be easily swapped, providing extended battery life and power capacity, combined with a flexible architecture for software updates and enhanced audio performance, allowing for various configurations based on user needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the hearing aid uses a small battery to maintain compact size and cosmetic appeal, then the device maintains aesthetic appearance, but battery life is limited and replacement is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid is divided into separate modules: a disposable ITE module containing the microphone, processor, and speaker, and a reusable BTE module containing the battery and wireless communication components. This segmentation allows the battery to be larger and more powerful without increasing the overall size of the in-ear portion, as the battery is housed in the behind-the-ear module.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hearing aid uses advanced features with higher power consumption, then functionality is improved, but power constraints limit the available features
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically manages power consumption by allowing the BTE module to provide supplemental power through wireless charging and by enabling the ITE module to be replaced when battery power is depleted. This dynamic approach allows advanced features to be used when power is available while maintaining basic functionality at all times.
Solution Approach 2:
The BTE module serves multiple functions: it houses the battery, provides wireless charging capability, enables Bluetooth connectivity, and can be reused with different ITE modules. This multi-functionality allows advanced features to be incorporated without proportionally increasing power consumption of the disposable ITE module.
3Ease of operation
If the hearing aid uses non-rechargeable batteries for simplicity and reliability, then device reliability is maintained, but battery replacement is difficult and battery life is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid is divided into separate modules: a disposable ITE module containing the microphone, processor, and speaker, and a reusable BTE module containing the battery and wireless communication components. This segmentation allows the battery to be larger and more powerful without increasing the overall size of the in-ear portion, as the battery is housed in the behind-the-ear module.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to easily replace the ITE module themselves when battery power is depleted or features are needed, eliminating the need for professional service. The modular design with standardized connectors allows for simple plug-and-play replacement by the end user.
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing aid for comprises an ITE-module and a BTE-module. The ITE module is adapted for being located at or in an ear canal of a user and comprises functional elements for providing a normal function of the hearing aid. The BTE-module is adapted for being located at or behind an ear of the user and comprises a rechargeable battery for providing electric energy to the ITE-module. The hearing aid further comprises a connecting part for mechanically and electrically connecting the ITE-module and the BTE-module. The connecting part comprises at least two electric conductors connected to the rechargeable battery and to the ITE-module to allow provision of electric energy to the ITE-module. The BTE-module may comprise a wireless interface to another device.