Receiver Assembly Longitudinal Arrangement Ear Canal Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hearing aid receiver assemblies are not optimized to fit within the human ear canal due to their height and arrangement, lacking a reduced thickness and width, and often do not incorporate microphones effectively.

Innovation Solution

The acoustical assembly features a receiver module with first and second receivers arranged in a longitudinal direction, spatially shifted or angled to fit the ear canal shape, connected via rigid or flexible means, and includes microphones in a box-in-a-box configuration for vibration isolation and space optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If two receivers are spatially shifted in a longitudinal direction to suppress vibrations, then vibration suppression is improved, but the overall height of the assembly increases making it unsuitable for RIC hearing aids

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration suppressionVSAvoidoverall height of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from longitudinal arrangement (height direction) to transverse arrangement (width direction) of receivers. The receivers are positioned side-by-side with their longitudinal axes parallel, separated by a transverse distance that allows vibration suppression while keeping the overall height minimal for RIC hearing aid compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If receivers are arranged in a curved path to match ear canal layout, then adaptability to ear canal shape is improved, but the height and complexity of the assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematch to ear canal layoutVSAvoidheight of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a curved or angled arrangement of receivers where the longitudinal axes of the receivers are oriented at angles relative to each other, forming a curved path that follows the natural contour of the ear canal. This curved configuration adapts to the ear canal geometry while maintaining compact dimensions through precise angular positioning rather than extensive curvature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If spacers are added between assembly housing and receiver module to accommodate microphones, then microphone integration is improved, but the height and width of the assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicrophone integrationVSAvoidwidth of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates microphones within the existing structural spaces of the assembly, nesting them within cavities or voids formed by the housing and receiver module arrangement. This nested configuration accommodates microphones without requiring additional spacers that would increase the overall width or height of the assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3468231B1Receiver assembly having a distinct longitudinal direction
Publication Date: 2022.05.25 SONION NEDERLAND BV
  • EP3468231B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3468231B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3468231B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a receiver assembly comprising a first receiver having a distinct longitudinal direction and a first longitudinal centre line, and a second receiver having a distinct longitudinal direction and a second longitudinal centre line, wherein the distinct longitudinal directions of the first and second receivers are arranged essentially along a distinct longitudinal direction of the receiver assembly. The receiver assembly further comprises one or more microphone units.