Swappable Rechargeable Battery Cartridge for Hearing Aid
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ear-worn devices with rechargeable batteries face challenges in maintaining power supply when users are away from charging devices for extended periods, similar to disposable batteries, as rechargeable batteries may deplete without access to charging.
Innovation Solution
A hearing assistance system with a swappable rechargeable battery cartridge that allows users to replace depleted cartridges with fully charged ones, using a charger case for recharging, providing flexibility in charging either the entire device or just the cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rechargeable batteries are used in ear-worn devices, then cost savings and environmental benefits are achieved, but the devices become dependent on access to charging infrastructure and cannot be used for extended periods away from chargers
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into modular cartridges that can be independently replaced. The hearing device separates the battery function into a removable cartridge module, allowing users to swap depleted cartridges for charged ones without needing to charge the entire device. This segmentation enables continuous operation by decoupling the battery replacement process from device charging infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery is extracted from the main device body and placed into a separate, removable cartridge. This extraction allows the battery to be independently managed - users can remove depleted cartridges and replace them with pre-charged cartridges, eliminating the need to charge the entire device and providing flexibility for extended use away from charging sources.
2Ease of operation
If disposable batteries are used, then continuous operation is maintained through simple replacement, but cost increases and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple battery cartridges are pre-charged in advance before use. Users can prepare several cartridges ahead of time by charging them separately, then swap them into the device as needed. This preliminary charging action eliminates the need to charge the entire device during travel or extended use, providing disposable-battery-like convenience with rechargeable battery sustainability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding depleted batteries, the system recovers them by placing used cartridges into a charging case for recharging. The charging case automatically recharges depleted cartridges, transforming the linear disposable model into a circular reusable model, thereby reducing waste while maintaining simple replacement operation.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the entire ear-worn device is charged, then the battery is fully recharged, but the device size and complexity increase to accommodate larger battery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The battery capacity is segmented across multiple smaller cartridges rather than requiring one large battery. Each cartridge contains a smaller battery that charges faster and occupies less space, but multiple cartridges provide the total capacity needed for extended operation. This segmentation allows the device to maintain compact size while achieving high total battery capacity through cartridge multiplication.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple battery cartridges are nested within a charging case, which itself can be worn or carried compactly. The charging case contains multiple cartridges in a space-efficient arrangement, allowing users to carry several days worth of battery capacity in a compact form factor, avoiding the need for a large single battery in the hearing device itself.
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
Ensures continuous power supply to ear-worn devices by allowing easy replacement and recharging of cartridges, combining the cost savings of rechargeable batteries with the convenience of disposable batteries, reducing downtime due to battery depletion.
Implementation Method 1
the first cartridge can be configured to be positioned within the charger case so that the first cartridge charging structure can be adjacent to the first case charging structure within the charger case
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to ear-worn devices with swappable, rechargeable battery cartridges and charger cases for the ear-worn devices. In an embodiment, a hearing assistance system is included having a first ear-worn device can include a first cartridge having a rechargeable battery and a first cartridge charging structure, and a charger case can include a first case charging structure, where the first ear-worn device is configured to be positioned within the charger case so that the first cartridge charging structure of the first ear-worn device is adjacent to the first case charging structure within the charger case. The first cartridge is configured to be removed from the first ear-worn device and positioned within the charger case so that the first cartridge charging structure is adjacent to the first case charging structure within the charger case, without the ear-worn device being positioned in the charger case.