Interchangeable Hearing Prosthesis Housings for Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cochlear implant hearing prostheses have limited user-interactable features and high manufacturing costs due to the fixed nature of the external speech processor unit, which restricts customization and upgrade options for recipients.
Innovation Solution
A hearing prosthesis system with a primary signal processing unit housed in a first component and a removably connectable second component that includes a user interface for controlling the operation of the primary processor, allowing for interchangeable user interfaces that can be customized based on user needs and preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the external speech processor unit is manufactured as a fixed single-unit structure, then the manufacturing cost is high and customization options are limited, but the device complexity is reduced and reliability is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The external speech processor unit is divided into a first housing containing the primary signal processor and a second housing containing the user interface. These two housings are removably connectable to each other, allowing the user interface to be interchangeable while maintaining the core signal processing functionality in the first housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The first housing is designed with a universal connection interface that can accommodate multiple different second housings with various user interface configurations. This allows a single base unit to support multiple functional variations through interchangeable interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire speech processor unit is replaced for upgrades, then all features can be updated, but the manufacturing and purchasing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a permanent first housing and a replaceable second housing. When upgrades are needed, only the second housing needs to be replaced, not the entire unit, thereby reducing manufacturing and purchasing costs for upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface components are extracted into a separate second housing that can be removed and replaced independently. This allows selective replacement of only the interface portion when new features are required, rather than replacing the entire speech processor unit.
3Ease of operation
If the user interface is integrated into the first housing, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of replacement and customization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into a separate second housing that connects to the first housing through a removable connection mechanism. This allows the user interface to be easily replaced while maintaining reliable connection during use through the inter-engageable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the first and second housings is designed to be dynamically changeable between connected and disconnected states. The inter-engageable connection provides stable structural integrity when connected but allows easy separation for replacement when needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple user interfaces are provided in a fixed configuration, then all user needs are met, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first housing is designed as a universal base that can interface with multiple different second housings containing various user interface configurations. This allows the system to provide multiple user interface options without increasing the complexity of the base unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface variety is achieved through segmentation into different second housings that can be selectively attached to the first housing. Each second housing contains a specific user interface configuration, allowing users to select appropriate interfaces without affecting the core system.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a hearing prosthesis comprising a first housing (11) containing a primary signal processor that receives signals output by a microphone; and a second housing (13) removably connectable to the first housing (11); wherein a user interface (14) is provided on the second housing (13) that provides control of one or more features of the operation of the primary signal processor.