Modular Hearing Device with Disposable Power Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing devices require complex handling and maintenance, such as battery charging and cleaning, which can be inconvenient for users seeking a discreet and user-friendly solution.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device comprising two modules, where the first module serves as a power supply unit and the second module contains the input and signal processing units, allowing for reversible and detachable assembly to provide a simple and easy-to-use solution with a disposable power supply that eliminates the need for charging contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a modular hearing device with detachable modules is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device is divided into two separate modules: a first module containing the power supply unit and a second module containing the input unit, signal processing unit, and output unit. These modules can be detachably connected, allowing users to easily replace or maintain individual components without handling the entire device, thus improving ease of operation while the modular structure itself manages complexity through functional separation
2Ease of operation
If a disposable power supply is used, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first module containing the power supply unit is designed as a disposable component. When the power supply is depleted, the entire first module can be discarded and replaced with a new one, eliminating the need for recharging infrastructure and simplifying user operation. This approach trades the continuous consumption of power supplies against the benefit of extreme ease of operation and elimination of charging contacts
3Reliability
If charging contacts are eliminated, then reliability is improved, but use of energy changes
Solution Approach 1:
The charging contacts and associated recharging infrastructure are completely removed from the system. Instead, the power supply is integrated into the disposable first module, which is replaced rather than recharged. This extraction of the charging mechanism eliminates potential failure points related to contacts and charging circuits, improving reliability while changing the energy model from reusable to disposable
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The application relates to a hearing device configured to be placed in the ear canal of a user, the hearing device comprising a forward path adapted for processing an input sound and providing an output sound representative of the input sound, the hearing device comprising an assembly comprising first and second modules adapted for being in mechanical contact with each other when the hearing device is operationally assembled to form a functional unit. The object of the present application is to provide a user friendly hearing device adapted for being located in an ear canal of the user. The problem is solved in that the first module comprises a power supply unit, and the second module comprises an input unit, a signal processing unit and an output unit in operational connection, wherein the first and second modules are configured to provide that the first and second modules are reversibly attachable to and detachable from each other; and the first and second modules are electrically connected to provide that units of the second module are energized by the battery of the first module, when the first and second modules are operationally assembled. This has the advantage of providing relatively simple and easy to use hearing device. The invention may e.g. be used for hearing aids, in particular extended wear hearing aids adapted for being located deep in the ear canal of a user.