Shared Inductive Coil for Hearing Aid Compatibility and Wireless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile communication devices face challenges in being Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) compliant and in incorporating electromagnetic induction charging capabilities, as they require costly and space-consuming coils for generating magnetic fields for hearing aids and charging.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication device equipped with a single coil that can inductively couple with both hearing aids and electromagnetic induction chargers, using the same coil to generate electromagnetic induction signals for charging the device's battery or a hearing aid, thereby maintaining a compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate coils are used for HAC compliance and electromagnetic induction charging, then both functions can be achieved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the HAC coil and charging coil into a single shared coil structure. The coil is configured to perform both functions: generating magnetic fields for hearing aid compatibility and enabling electromagnetic induction charging. This merging eliminates the need for separate coils, thereby reducing device size and component count while maintaining both functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared coil is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes. It can operate in HAC mode to communicate with telecoil-equipped hearing aids and in charging mode to transfer power wirelessly. The coil structure and associated circuitry are configured to adapt between these different functions, making a single component perform the role of what would traditionally require two separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate coils are used for HAC compliance and electromagnetic induction charging, then both functions can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the HAC coil and charging coil into a single shared coil structure. The coil is configured to perform both functions: generating magnetic fields for hearing aid compatibility and enabling electromagnetic induction charging. This merging eliminates the need for separate coils, thereby reducing device size and component count while maintaining both functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared coil is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes. It can operate in HAC mode to communicate with telecoil-equipped hearing aids and in charging mode to transfer power wirelessly. The coil structure and associated circuitry are configured to adapt between these different functions, making a single component perform the role of what would traditionally require two separate components.
3Area of stationary object
If a single shared coil is used for both HAC and charging, then device size is reduced, but electromagnetic interference between functions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches the shared coil between different operational modes. A control mechanism determines whether the coil should be used for HAC communication or charging based on detected conditions. The coil's electrical characteristics (such as resonant frequency and impedance) are adjusted dynamically to match the required function, preventing interference between the two applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic detection and switching to manage the shared coil's operation. The control circuit periodically checks for the presence of hearing aids or charging devices and switches the coil's function accordingly. This periodic control ensures that the coil performs the appropriate function at the appropriate time, avoiding simultaneous operation that could cause interference.
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 enables HAC compliance and electromagnetic induction charging in a compact design, allowing for efficient energy transfer and compatibility with hearing aids while minimizing space and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a coil formed in a mobile communication device to inductively couple a battery of the mobile communication device or a hearing aid to a charge signal
Implementation Method 2
The telecoil generates an electrical signal upon being subjected to a varying magnetic field produced by the HAC-compliant telephone
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile communication device that is compliant with the Hearing Aid Compliance Act. The device includes a coil and circuitry that can couple, through electromagnetic induction, the output of an audio codec of the device to a hearing aid. The coil and circuitry can also be used to charge the battery of the device. The coil and circuitry can further be used, through electromagnetic induction, to transfer energy from the battery of the device to the battery of the hearing aid to charge the battery of the hearing aid.