UV-Reflective Tray for Hearing Aid Disinfection Kit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing aid devices are prone to moisture-related issues that affect performance and longevity, leading to corrosion, ear infections, and maintenance challenges, as existing maintenance systems are large, expensive, and not portable.
Innovation Solution
A portable, battery-powered hearing aid dryer and disinfection kit with a container, desiccant, and a removable lid containing a UV light source for disinfection, along with a controller circuit for timed operation and desiccant replacement indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hearing aid maintenance system is designed to be effective in reducing moisture and disinfecting, then the reliability and longevity of hearing aid devices is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single portable container: moisture reduction through desiccant, disinfection through UV light source, and heating through a heater element. This integration of drying, disinfection, and heating functions into one compact unit resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive maintenance capabilities without requiring multiple separate devices, thus maintaining reliability while reducing overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance kit is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs moisture absorption, disinfection, and heating operations. The universal design allows a single portable unit to address multiple maintenance needs (drying, sterilization, and thermal treatment) that would traditionally require separate specialized devices, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device volume.
2Reliability
If a hearing aid maintenance system is designed to be effective in reducing moisture and disinfecting, then the reliability and longevity of hearing aid devices is improved, but the cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a desiccant that can be easily replaced and is designed as a consumable component. By using an inexpensive, replaceable desiccant rather than a permanent complex moisture removal system, the overall cost of the maintenance kit is reduced while maintaining effective moisture reduction capabilities throughout the desiccant's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance kit incorporates automatic control features where the controller activates the UV light source and heater element based on sensor detection of moisture levels and operational timing. This self-service automation reduces the need for complex manual operation systems and lowers manufacturing costs while ensuring consistent and reliable maintenance performance.
3Ease of operation
If a hearing aid maintenance system is made portable with battery power, then ease of carrying is improved, but the power and operational duration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to operate the UV light source and heater element in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The system activates these components for specific durations based on detected moisture levels and operational requirements, then pauses or deactivates them. This periodic operation mode extends battery life and operational duration while maintaining effective maintenance performance, resolving the contradiction between portability and operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance kit incorporates sensors that continuously monitor moisture levels and operational conditions, providing feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the operation timing and duration of the UV light source and heater element, optimizing power consumption and extending operational duration while maintaining effective maintenance capabilities in the portable battery-powered system.
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
Effectively reduces moisture, disinfects, and extends the lifespan of hearing aid devices, preventing infections while being compact and affordable.
Implementation Method 1
a desiccant disposed in the interior portion of the container
Implementation Method 2
The disinfecting light source comprises an ultraviolet light source
Implementation Method 3
The tray includes a UV-reflective coating
Data Source
AI summary
A portable dryer and disinfection device includes a container having an interior for receiving one or more electronic components for drying and disinfection. A lid is configured to be removably secured to an upper portion of the container. An ultraviolet light source is attached to a bottom portion of the lid, wherein ultraviolet light generated by the ultraviolet light source is directed into the interior of the container below the lid. A power source is disposed in the lid for providing electrical power to the ultraviolet light source. A tray is disposed within the interior of the container on which the one or more electronic components are placed for drying and disinfection. The tray includes holes that provide air flow communication through the removable tray. A removable desiccant holder is disposed at least partially within the interior of the container below the tray.