Universal Flexible Otoplastic for Hearing Aid Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earmolds for hearing aids are not universally compatible with different ear shapes and hearing aid models, leading to challenges in ease of use, wearing comfort, and the need for custom-made solutions.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece, flexible or semi-flexible otoplastic with a hollow, tube-like base body that tapers from the connection side to the auditory canal side, featuring an oval first opening for accessory connection and a universal second opening for sound tube reception, along with concave and convex curved sections for improved fit and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom-made earmolds are used for each ear shape and hearing aid model, then compatibility and fit are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single otoplastic body that can accommodate multiple hearing aid types and models through a standardized connection section. The connection section features a universal opening geometry that can receive different hearing aid accessories, eliminating the need for custom-made earmolds for each device type while maintaining compatibility across various ear shapes and hearing aid models.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom-made earmolds are created through imaging negative contour, then precise fit is improved, but productivity and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the otoplastic body with a standardized connection section and opening geometry during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the connection section to be ready to receive any hearing aid accessory without requiring time-consuming custom imaging and fabrication for each user, while still providing a precise fit through the pre-designed anatomical shape.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hearing aid accessories are connected to otoplastic, then functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to insertion difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells by making the otoplastic body from flexible material that can elastically deform during insertion and removal of hearing aid accessories. The connection section is designed with flexible walls that can be compressed to allow easy insertion of accessories, then return to their original shape to securely hold the accessory in place, significantly improving ease of operation compared to rigid structures.
4Ease of operation
If the otoplastic is made flexible or semi-flexible, then ease of operation and wearing comfort are improved, but structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining flexible or semi-flexible material with strategically placed rigidifying elements within the otoplastic body. These rigidifying elements provide structural stability and maintain the integrity of the connection section while allowing the outer surface to remain flexible for comfort and ease of insertion, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability.
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 otoplastic provides increased ease of use and wearing comfort while being compatible with various ear shapes and hearing aids, eliminating the need for custom-made earmolds and allowing immediate use with different hearing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible or semi-flexible otoplastic (1) as an ear insert for hearing aids
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a one-piece, flexible or semi-flexible earmold (1) for use as an ear insert for hearing aids. The earmold (1) has a hollow, tube-like base body (2) that tapers from a connection side (3) to an ear canal side (4). A first opening (5) for connecting a hearing aid accessory is provided at the connection side (3), and a second opening (6) for sound emission and/or as a receptacle for the end of a sound tube (17) is provided at the ear canal side (4). The first opening (5) at the connection side (3) has an oval shape. Furthermore, a connection section (7) of the base body (2) associated with the connection side (3) transitions via a concave curved section (9) into an ear canal section (8) of the base body (2) associated with the ear canal side (4).The earmold (1) according to the invention is a universal earmold that is anatomically shaped so that it can be used by a large number of people with a high degree of fit and wearing comfort. It is also a universal earmold that is manufactured in one piece and can be connected to a large number of device types and models without any adapters, since its special shape in the connecting section (7) allows it to be coupled with different hearing aid accessories. The invention also relates to the use of such an earmold (1) as a trial earmold for testing different hearing aid types and models.