One-piece coupling for bone anchored hearing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coupling assemblies for bone anchored hearing systems are complex, with multiple components that create sensitive tolerance chains, making production difficult and expensive, and result in poor sealing between the vibrator and the hearing device housing due to a large cutout required for the steel connector plate.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece coupling with at least two coupling arms that engage the abutment of the bone anchored hearing system, either internally or externally, and a coupling spring to control the coupling force, simplifying the design and reducing the number of components, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly, and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a steel connector plate is inserted from the inside of the hearing device housing, then the coupling assembly can be assembled, but a large cutout is required which makes sealing between the vibrator and housing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector plate is inverted from an internally inserted plate to an externally mounted plate that attaches to the housing from the outside. This allows the housing to be sealed first, then the connector plate is mounted externally to connect the vibrator, eliminating the sealing problem while maintaining assembly functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly is divided into separate functional components: the housing with sealed cavity, the externally mounted connector plate, and the vibrator. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the housing for sealing, the connector plate for easy assembly, and the vibrator for acoustic function
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple components (coupling shoes and coupling plug) are used in the coupling assembly, then the coupling can be assembled, but the stack height becomes quite large
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate coupling components (coupling shoes and coupling plug) are merged into a single integrated connector plate structure. This consolidation reduces the overall stack height while maintaining the modular assembly advantage, as the connector plate serves multiple functions in one component
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple components comprising the coupling are used, then the coupling can be assembled, but complex and sensitive tolerance chains are created requiring difficult and expensive production control
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling components are merged into fewer integrated parts, which reduces the number of interfaces and tolerance chains. This maintains the benefit of modular design while significantly simplifying production control requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The connector plate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - providing mechanical connection, defining alignment, and enabling assembly - which reduces the need for multiple specialized components and their associated tolerance requirements
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 cost-effective and simple coupling mechanism that enhances the ease of use and manufacturing of bone anchored hearing systems by reducing the number of parts and eliminating complex tolerance issues, while ensuring a secure and efficient transfer of vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling may be configured to transmit vibrations from the external hearing device of the bone anchored hearing system, in particular a vibrator of the external hearing device, to the abutment of the bone anchored hearing system
Implementation Method 2
a coupling force is at least partly acting radially outwardly against the inside of the abutment
Implementation Method 3
a coupling spring to control the coupling force
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relates to a coupling for coupling an external hearing device with an abutment of a bone anchored hearing system. The disclosure more particularly relates to a coupling for coupling an external hearing device with an abutment of a bone anchored hearing system, the coupling including: at least two coupling arms for establishing a connection to the abutment of the bone anchored hearing system. The disclosure further relates to a coupling assembly for coupling an external hearing device with an abutment of a bone anchored hearing system and a bone anchored hearing system.