Steerable Inductive Field for Hearing Aid Telecoil Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing aids face challenges in achieving optimal inductive coupling with Hearing Aid Compatible Devices (HACDs) due to variability in telecoil orientation and the presence of unwanted electromagnetic interference, making it difficult for users to find a comfortable and effective position for optimal sound reception.
Innovation Solution
A Steerable Hearing Aid Compatible Device (SHAD) system that adjusts its inductive field based on the location and orientation of a hearing aid's telecoil, using a Tagged Hearing Assistive Device (THAD) with a Telecoil Orientation Tag (TOT) to determine the telecoil's position and orient the inductive field for optimal coupling, thereby enhancing the communication between the HACD and the hearing aid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the telecoil orientation is fixed during manufacturing, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the inductive coupling efficiency varies due to telecoil reorientation or shifting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the inductive field orientation adjustable rather than fixed. The HACD dynamically reorients its inductive field based on detected telecoil position to maintain optimal coupling despite manufacturing variations. This is achieved through multiple transmit coils that can be selectively activated to steer the inductive field in different directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the inductive field to match the detected telecoil orientation. By varying the activation pattern of different transmit coils, the system adjusts the inductive field's spatial orientation to optimize coupling with the telecoil, compensating for manufacturing tolerances.
2Reliability
If the user manually reorients the HACD to find a hot spot, then the inductive coupling is optimized, but the user comfort and device operation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting telecoil orientation and adjusting its own inductive field accordingly. The HACD autonomously optimizes coupling without requiring user intervention to manually reposition the device, thereby maintaining both optimal performance and user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by detecting the telecoil's position and orientation, then using this information to adjust the inductive field orientation. This closed-loop system continuously optimizes coupling based on real-time telecoil position data, eliminating the need for manual hot-spot searching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmit coils are used to steer the inductive field, then the adaptability to telecoil orientation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmit function into multiple independent coils arranged in specific geometries (e.g., orthogonal pairs). Each coil can be independently controlled to achieve different field orientations. This segmentation allows flexible steering of the inductive field while keeping each individual coil simple in design.
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 SHAD system improves the efficiency of inductive coupling, reducing electromagnetic interference and user discomfort by automatically adjusting the inductive field to match the telecoil's orientation, providing better sound quality and reducing the need for manual reorientation of the HACD.
Implementation Method 1
When placed in a varying magnetic field, an alternating current is induced in the wire so that the telecoil may receive the electrical audio signal from an inductive field emitted from a HACD
Implementation Method 2
generating and positioning an inductive field generated by a hearing aid compatible device in accordance with the location and orientation of a telecoil
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system to optimize the relative position of an inductive field of a hearing aid compatible device and a telecoil of a hearing assistive device, are provided. A Steerable Hearing Aid Compatible Device (SHAD) has a steerable inductive field for locating an inductive field in accordance with the location of a telecoil in the hearing assistive device. A Telecoil Hearing Assistive Device (THAD) has a telecoil and telecoil orientation tag. The location of the telecoil of the THAD is determined with respect to a reference system and this telecoil location information is stored on the telecoil orientation tag as Telecoil Location Information (TLI) and provided to the SHAD. In an exemplary embodiment the telecoil orientation tag may be an RFID tag that is read by a tag reader of the SHAD. The SHAD receives the TLI and generates an inductive field in accordance with the TLI, such as a position that is parallel to the telecoil of the THAD.