Acoustic Fitting System for Fully Implantable Middle Ear Cochlear Implants

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cochlear implant fitting systems are cumbersome, require manual calibration, and are not compatible with MRI procedures due to the use of RF links and magnets.

Innovation Solution

A fitting system that uses acoustic waves to tune cochlear implant devices, eliminating the need for RF links and magnets by employing transducers and electronic circuits to modulate and demodulate sound waves for data transfer and calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If RF links and magnets are used for data transfer in cochlear implants, then wireless communication is achieved, but MRI compatibility is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communicationVSAvoidMRI compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic field-based RF communication system with a mechanical vibration-based acoustic communication system. The transducer converts electrical signals to mechanical vibrations that propagate through the middle ear bones and eardrum, eliminating the need for magnets and RF links that interfere with MRI procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the middle ear mechanical structure (eardrum and middle ear bones) as an intermediary medium for data transmission. Instead of direct electromagnetic communication, data is modulated onto acoustic carrier frequencies and transmitted through this biological intermediary, which is naturally compatible with MRI environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If manual calibration procedures are used for cochlear implant fitting, then precise patient-specific adjustment is achieved, but the complexity and time required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient-specific calibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the cochlear implant system to perform self-calibration by automatically determining patient-specific fitting parameters through acoustic communication. The system autonomously measures hearing thresholds and optimizes stimulation parameters without requiring manual intervention from specialists, thereby maintaining precision while reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system transmits test signals through the acoustic channel, receives patient responses, and automatically adjusts fitting parameters based on the feedback. This closed-loop approach enables precise patient-specific calibration through automated iterative optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If acoustic waves are used for data transfer instead of RF links, then MRI compatibility is improved, but data transfer rate may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMRI compatibilityVSAvoiddata transfer rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic acoustic carrier waves for data transmission, modulating data onto these periodic vibrations. By using frequency modulation or amplitude modulation on the acoustic carrier, the system achieves reliable data transfer through the mechanical medium while maintaining MRI compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adapts the acoustic transmission parameters including frequency selection and modulation depth based on the patient's individual hearing characteristics and the specific data transfer requirements, optimizing the balance between MRI compatibility and data transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system allows for self-fitting by patients, reduces the complexity of calibration processes, and addresses MRI compatibility issues, thereby enhancing user convenience and safety.

Implementation Method 1

Sound transducers, placed in the middle ear, are used to sense generated vibration on the eardrum or ear bones. The electronic device configured to connect to transducer receives the sound wave, extracts the data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic transduction:

Implementation Method 2

The transmitter module generates bits and modulates them on acoustic carrier frequency to transfer to the implant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic wave generation:

Implementation Method 3

The transducers are also used for transferring data from an implant to a source device by vibrating middle ear bones and eardrum to generate back-telemetry sound waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20250177749A1Fitting system for fully implantable middle ear implant

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 ORTA DOGU TEKNIK UNIVERSITESI

AI summary

A fitting system for fully implantable middle ear implant uses acoustic waves to tune cochlear implant device according to patient comfort.