In-Ear Hearing Device Coil Layout for Inductive Charging Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment and coupling of receiver and transmitter coils in wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing devices are challenging due to space constraints and manufacturing deviations, affecting the efficiency of inductive charging.
Innovation Solution
Position the receiver coil adjacent to a sidewall of the hearing device with its axial centreline pointing through the sidewall, and the transmitter coil adjacent to a holder sidewall of the charger, allowing for optimal alignment and coupling despite manufacturing deviations and space limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the receiver coil is positioned inside the hearing device with conventional orientation, then the device can be recharged wirelessly, but the alignment between receiver and transmitter coils is difficult to achieve due to space constraints and manufacturing deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional coil orientation by positioning the receiver coil such that its axial centreline points through the sidewall of the hearing device rather than through the faceplate. This inversion allows the coil to be optimally aligned with the transmitter coil in the charger, solving the alignment problem caused by space constraints and manufacturing deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimensional orientation of the receiver coil from a faceplate-normal orientation to a sidewall-normal orientation. This dimensional change allows the coil to extend through the sidewall, creating a more favorable geometric relationship with the transmitter coil and improving alignment tolerance.
2Reliability
If the receiver coil is positioned to optimize alignment with the transmitter coil, then inductive charging efficiency is improved, but the available space within the small in-ear device is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the coil orientation to point through the sidewall rather than the faceplate, the patent utilizes previously underutilized space within the device housing. This inversion allows optimal coil positioning for magnetic coupling without increasing the overall device volume.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional coil positioning is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the coupling strength between receiver and transmitter coils is reduced due to alignment difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The inverted orientation of the receiver coil, with its axial centreline pointing through the sidewall, creates a more robust magnetic coupling geometry. This orientation is more tolerant of manufacturing variations and maintains stronger coupling strength compared to conventional faceplate-oriented positioning.
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 configuration enables efficient inductive charging with reduced device size and simplified charger design, accommodating various models and customizations while maintaining effective magnetic coupling.
Implementation Method 1
A fluctuating magnetic field created by an alternating current in a transmitter coil comprised in a charger induces an alternating electric current in a receiver coil comprised in the hearing device
Implementation Method 2
The alternating current induced in the receiver coil is rectified and used to charge the battery
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a wirelessly rechargeable in-car hearing device, a charger for a wirelessly rechargeable in-car hearing device, and a system comprising a wirelessly rechargeable in-car hearing device and a charger for the wirelessly rechargeable in-car hearing device.