Non-metallic Hearing Aid Battery Casing for Wireless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices with metallic battery casings suffer from corrosion and excessive heat generation during wireless charging due to eddy currents, which affects their performance and longevity, especially in tropical environments.
Innovation Solution
A non-metallic battery casing made of aromatic polymers that encapsulates the battery chemistry, reducing heat conduction and corrosion, and featuring a protrusion for secure attachment to the hearing device, thereby minimizing electromagnetic interference and improving charging efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a metallic battery casing is used for wireless charging, then the battery can be recharged efficiently, but excessive heat is generated due to eddy currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the battery casing from metallic to non-metallic (specifically mentioning materials like plastic, polymer, or ceramic). This material substitution eliminates eddy current losses during wireless charging while maintaining the casing's protective and structural functions, thereby reducing heat generation without compromising charging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes a battery assembly with a composite structure where the battery cell is enclosed in a non-metallic casing material. This composite approach combines the electrical properties needed for efficient charging with thermal management benefits, creating a multi-functional battery assembly that addresses both energy efficiency and heat control.
2Reliability
If a metallic battery casing is used, then the battery is protected, but corrosion occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameter of the battery casing from metal to non-metallic materials. This fundamental material parameter change eliminates the electrochemical corrosion mechanism that plagues metallic casings, particularly in environments with moisture or sweat, while maintaining adequate protection through the structural design of the non-metallic casing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional functionality is added to hearing devices, then user needs are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the battery cell and casing into a unified battery assembly structure where the non-metallic casing serves multiple functions: structural support, thermal insulation, and corrosion resistance. This merging of functions into a single integrated component reduces the number of separate parts needed, thereby managing device complexity while providing enhanced functionality including wireless charging capability and improved thermal management.
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 non-metallic casing reduces heat generation and corrosion, enhances charging speed, and improves communication reliability by minimizing electromagnetic interference, resulting in a more efficient and durable hearing device.
Implementation Method 1
excessive heat generation during wireless charging due to eddy currents
Implementation Method 2
improves communication reliability by minimizing electromagnetic interference
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology comprises a non-metallic rechargeable battery casing for a hearing device. For example, the battery casing comprises a polymer or plastic that encapsulates the battery chemistry (e.g., Li-Ion). The battery design has no additional metallic layers or metallic casing; rather, the battery is comprised of non-metallic lid, non-metallic can, and the battery chemistry is inside the non-metallic lid and can.