Modular Hearing Device With Detachable Tube And Integrated Wiring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing devices lack modularity, ease of customization, and reliability, particularly in preserving natural directional clues and user preferences, with components often being difficult to replace and prone to issues like ear wax interference.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device comprising a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) part with an output transducer and a In-The-Ear (ITE) part containing an input transducer and signal processing unit, connected via a tube member, allowing for modular design, easy replacement of parts, and preservation of natural sound directional clues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the hearing device uses a modular design with detachable parts, then the ease of replacement and customization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device is divided into separate modules: a first part containing an output transducer and a second part containing an input transducer and signal processing unit, which can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows individual components to be replaced or upgraded independently, improving ease of repair and customization while managing complexity through standardized connection interfaces.
2Volume of moving object
If the output transducer is placed in the ear canal, then the hearing device can be made smaller, but it becomes vulnerable to ear wax interference and harder to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The output transducer is extracted from the ear canal and placed in the external portion of the hearing device. This removes the vulnerability to ear wax interference while maintaining a compact overall device size. The transducer can now be easily accessed for replacement or maintenance without requiring removal of the entire hearing device from the ear.
3Device complexity
If the hearing device integrates all components in one unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to individual hearing needs and preferences is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device employs dynamic modularity where the first and second parts can be detached and reattached. This allows the device to adapt to individual hearing needs by enabling users to replace components with different specifications tailored to their preferences, while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure when the parts are connected.
4Volume of moving object
If the signal processing unit is placed in the outer part, then the inner ear canal component can be smaller, but the stray signals and electromagnetic interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
A connection portion acts as an intermediary between the first and second parts, providing a controlled pathway for signal transmission. This intermediary structure allows the signal processing unit to be positioned in the outer part while minimizing stray signals and electromagnetic interference through proper shielding and signal routing through the connection interface.
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 solution provides a highly customizable, reliable, and user-friendly hearing experience with reduced stray signals and electromagnetic interference, enabling effective adaptation to individual hearing needs and preferences while minimizing issues related to ear wax and component replacement.
Implementation Method 1
inner part comprises an input transducer for transducing incoming acoustic sound into audio signals
Implementation Method 2
output transducer being adapted to convert the so-obtained processed audio signals or audio signals derived therefrom into outgoing acoustic sound
Implementation Method 3
connecting portion comprises a tube member for providing guidance for acoustic sound outputted from said output transducer to said inner part
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The hearing device (1) comprises an outer part (2) to be worn behind a hearing device user's ear (5), an inner part (3) to be worn within the hearing device user's ear (5), and a connecting portion (12) operationally interconnecting said outer part (2) and said inner part (3). An output transducer (8) is comprised in said outer part (2) or in said connecting portion (12). Said inner part (3) comprises an input transducer (6) and, operationally interconnected between said input transducer (6) and said output transducer (8), a signal processing unit (7). Preferably, said connecting portion (12) is detachably connected to said outer part (2) or to said inner part (3) or to both, said outer part (2) and said inner part (3). The connecting portion (12) comprises a tube member (23) for providing guidance for acoustic sound (10) outputted from said output transducer (8) to said inner part (3). Preferably, a wired electrical connection (13) is integrated in said tube member (23), wherein via said wired electrical connection (13), electrical energy is transferred from the outer (2) to the inner (3) part, and wherein signals and data are transmitted via said wired electrical connection (13), preferably using a bus system. The wired electrical connection (13) may furthermore serve as an antenna (22).