Hearing Instrument Receiver With Flexible Joint Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The geometry of conventional hearing instrument receivers makes it difficult to deeply insert them into the ear canal, especially due to the sharp bend, while reducing size compromises acoustic performance and fit rate.
Innovation Solution
A cascade arrangement of lateral and medial receiver modules connected by a flexible joint assembly allows for deep insertion into the ear canal, maintaining acoustic performance by enabling the receiver system to follow the ear canal's shape and accommodating the sharp bend without increasing length excessively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the receiver size is reduced to enable deep insertion into the ear canal, then the fit rate improves, but the acoustic output performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver system is divided into multiple receiver modules (first receiver module, second receiver module, etc.) that are connected in series along the longitudinal axis. Each module can have a smaller individual cross-section, allowing the overall system to be inserted deeply into the ear canal while maintaining sufficient acoustic performance through the combined output of multiple modules.
2Area of moving object
If the receiver cross-section is reduced to enable deep insertion, then the fit rate improves, but the acoustic output performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver system is divided into multiple receiver modules (first receiver module, second receiver module, etc.) that are connected in series along the longitudinal axis. Each module can have a smaller individual cross-section, allowing the overall system to be inserted deeply into the ear canal while maintaining sufficient acoustic performance through the combined output of multiple modules.
3Reliability
If the receiver length is increased to maintain acoustic performance with reduced cross-section, then the acoustic output performance is maintained, but the fit rate deteriorates due to the sharp bend in the ear canal
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver system is divided into multiple receiver modules connected in series, allowing the total length to be distributed along the curved path of the ear canal rather than requiring a single long straight component.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver modules are connected via flexible joints that allow relative movement between modules, enabling the receiver system to adapt its shape to follow the curvature of the ear canal including the sharp bend, thereby maintaining both sufficient length for acoustic performance and the ability to navigate the ear canal anatomy.
4Ease of manufacture
If a conventional rigid receiver structure is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the insertion into the ear canal beyond the sharp bend is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver modules are connected via flexible joints that allow relative movement between modules, enabling the receiver system to adapt its shape to follow the curvature of the ear canal including the sharp bend, thereby maintaining both sufficient length for acoustic performance and the ability to navigate the ear canal anatomy.
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 flexible joint assembly allows for high fit rates and deep insertion of the receiver system into the ear canal, ensuring sufficient acoustic performance without compromising sound output.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible joint assembly (46) connecting the lateral receiver module (42) and the medial receiver module (44) in such a manner that the receiver modules are pivotable relative to each other
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A hearing instrument receiver system for operation in an ear canal of a user for converting audio signals into sound, comprising a lateral receiver, a medial receiver and a flexible joint assembly connecting the medial end of the lateral receiver and the lateral end of the medial receiver in such a manner that the lateral receiver and the medial receiver are pivotable relative to each other in order to follow the shape of the ear canal.