Pivotable Hearing Aid Operating Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aids face challenges in ergonomics and manufacturing costs due to the difficulty of pressing buttons vertically, which necessitates separate devices for left and right sides.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device with a pivotably mounted operating element using a releasable snap connection, allowing the operating element to be mounted in multiple positions within the housing, enabling angled operation without the need for separate left and right devices, and facilitating interchangeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a button is pressed vertically in the middle of the hearing aid, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users find it difficult to press buttons vertically
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element is designed to be pivotable rather than fixed, allowing it to move from a vertical pressing position to an angled side-pressing position. This dynamic capability enables the same element to adapt to different user needs and operating angles, improving ease of operation without requiring multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing aid is designed with universal compatibility through the pivotable operating element that can function effectively for both left and right ear devices. The single design serves multiple purposes and orientations, eliminating the need for separate left and right version devices while maintaining operational simplicity
2Ease of operation
If different operating elements are provided for left and right sides to improve ergonomics, then the ease of operation improves, but the manufacturing and logistics costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable operating element creates a universal design that works for both left and right ear hearing aids. The same single operating element design can be used in both devices, eliminating the need to manufacture and manage separate left and right version components, thereby reducing manufacturing and logistics costs while maintaining ergonomic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The operating element is segmented into a pivotable connection structure that allows independent positioning. This segmentation enables the operating element to be oriented correctly for either left or right ear devices without requiring different designs, simplifying manufacturing while improving ergonomic operation for each user
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pivotable operating element with releasable snap connection is used, then the ease of operation and interchangeability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The releasable snap connection provides a dynamic mounting system that allows the operating element to be easily attached and detached. This dynamic connection mechanism enables quick interchangeability of operating elements without requiring complex tools or procedures, improving adaptability while keeping the mounting structure relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The snap connection acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operating element and the hearing aid housing. This intermediary provides a simple yet effective connection that enables easy interchangeability without requiring complex fastening systems, balancing adaptability with structural simplicity
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
This design enhances user comfort and reduces manufacturing and logistics costs by allowing a single operating element to be used on both sides, with optional storage positions and interchangeable components, particularly beneficial for small in-the-ear hearing aids.
Implementation Method 1
the operating bearing element is coupled to the housing bearing element by a releasable snap connection
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The ergonomics of a hearing aid are to be improved. Therefore, a hearing aid is provided with a housing (18, 19) including a first housing support element (21) and a control element (10, 13, 15) which is pivotably mounted in the first housing support element (21) by means of a control element (13). The housing also has at least one second housing support element (22), so that the control element (10, 13, 15) can be pivotably mounted either in the first housing support element (21) or in the second housing support element (22). This allows the control element to be actuated in a desired direction. The operability of the control element can be further improved by an operating knob (15) attached to the side of the control element.