Wearable Hearing Device Case with Pivot Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional clip assemblies for hearing devices can damage the devices due to exerted force and may accidentally release them, while also making it inconvenient to access or replace components.

Innovation Solution

A wearable case with a cradle member and a pivotally connected cover member that securely cradles the hearing device without direct pressure, allowing access to removable components and accommodating varying sizes, preventing accidental release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional clip assembly uses a spring clip to hold the hearing device, then the hearing device is secured to the clip assembly, but the exerted force may damage the fragile hearing device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holdingVSAvoiddamage from exerted force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wearable case as an intermediary between the clip assembly and the hearing device. The case receives and cradles the hearing device, while the clip assembly secures the case rather than directly holding the hearing device. This intermediary structure prevents direct force application to the fragile hearing device while maintaining secure holding through the case's cradle geometry and the clip's attachment to the case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a conventional clip assembly exerts force to secure the hearing device, then the hearing device is held firmly, but impacts may overcome this force and accidentally release the hearing device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holdingVSAvoidaccidental release

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the holding function into two independent components: the wearable case provides geometric constraint through its cradle structure, and the clip assembly provides attachment security. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other, preventing accidental release while maintaining firm holding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wearable case acts as a protective cushion between impacts and the hearing device. The case's cradle structure absorbs and distributes impact forces, preventing them from directly affecting the hearing device's secure holding in the clip assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the hearing device is attached to a conventional clip assembly, then it can be worn on clothing, but it becomes difficult or inconvenient to access the hearing device for battery replacement or control interaction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment to clothingVSAvoidaccess to hearing device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the device into a secure attachment portion (case with clip assembly) and an accessible hearing device portion. The case can be securely attached to clothing while the hearing device remains accessible within the open cradle structure, allowing easy removal for battery replacement or control interaction without compromising attachment security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wearable case provides dynamic accessibility - the hearing device can be easily inserted and removed from the open cradle when needed for access, while the case itself remains securely attached to clothing through the clip assembly. This dynamic design allows flexible access while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a wearable case fully encloses the hearing device, then it provides complete protection, but it prevents access to removable components like batteries

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprotectionVSAvoidaccess to components

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable case uses a segmented cradle structure with distinct receiving portions for different components of the hearing device. The battery compartment is separately accessible through a dedicated opening in the case, allowing the battery to be removed and replaced without removing the hearing device from the case or compromising overall protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The case applies different levels of enclosure and protection to different portions of the hearing device based on local needs. The main body receives full cradle protection, while the battery portion has a dedicated access opening that provides localized accessibility without compromising the protection of other components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10828489B2Wearable case for hearing device and methods for using the same

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 ADVANCED BIONICS AG

AI summary

A wearable case for a hearing device includes a cradle member configured to receive the hearing device, and a cover member pivotally connected to the cradle member and configured to selectively pivot between an open position and a closed position. When the cover member is in the closed position, the cradle member and the cover member are configured to securely cradle the hearing device within a space defined by the cradle member and the cover member without fully enclosing an entire surface area of the hearing device. When the cover member is in the open position, the hearing device is removable from the cradle member.