Shared NFC Coil for Inductive Charging and Hearing Aid Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices face challenges in being Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) compliant due to the need for costly and space-consuming coils, and they also require dedicated circuitry for electromagnetic induction charging, which complicates their design.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication device utilizing a single coil to couple with both hearing aids and electromagnetic induction chargers, employing circuitry that converts input data into electrical output signals to generate electromagnetic induction signals for charging and compatibility, while also using a switching device and detection and control circuitry to manage connections efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated charge coil and related circuitry are added for electromagnetic induction charging, then charging capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the existing NFC coil perform dual functions: it serves both as the telecoil for HAC-compliant communication with hearing aids and as the charge coil for electromagnetic induction charging. The controller intelligently switches between these two modes of operation, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated charge coil and its associated circuitry, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining both functionalities
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated charge coil and related circuitry are added for electromagnetic induction charging, then charging capability is improved, but the coil and circuitry take up more space in the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the existing NFC coil perform dual functions: it serves both as the telecoil for HAC-compliant communication with hearing aids and as the charge coil for electromagnetic induction charging. The controller intelligently switches between these two modes of operation, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated charge coil and its associated circuitry, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining both functionalities
3Adaptability or versatility
If special circuitry and a coil are added for HAC compliance, then hearing aid compatibility is improved, but cost and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the existing NFC coil perform dual functions: it serves both as the telecoil for HAC-compliant communication with hearing aids and as the charge coil for electromagnetic induction charging. The controller intelligently switches between these two modes of operation, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated charge coil and its associated circuitry, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining both functionalities
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 solution allows for HAC compliance and electromagnetic induction charging with a single coil, maintaining a compact form factor and enhancing user experience by enabling efficient energy transfer and compatibility with hearing aids.
Implementation Method 1
The telecoil generates an electrical signal upon being subjected to a varying magnetic field produced by the HAC-compliant telephone
Implementation Method 2
the mobile communication devices need to be equipped with a dedicated charge coil and related circuitry that can generate a charge current upon being subjected to an electromagnetic induction charge signal
Data Source
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.