Adjustable Magnetic Retention in Auditory Prostheses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transcutaneous bone conduction devices face challenges in maintaining a consistent magnetic retention force, which can be too strong and cause discomfort or too weak, leading to disengagement, especially during varying activities such as vigorous exercise or everyday use.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating magnetic components proximate to either the external or implanted magnets to channel and adjust the magnetic field, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the retention force by altering the separation distance or orientation of these components, thereby accommodating different activity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stronger magnetic holding force is used to keep the external portion attached during vigorous activities, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the recipient experiences discomfort and potential skin necrosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the magnetic retention force to be varied based on activity level. The adjustable magnetic retention force mechanism enables the system to transition from a static to a dynamic state, where the holding force can be increased during vigorous activities to prevent disengagement and decreased during normal activities to prevent skin damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameter by introducing an adjustable magnetic retention force mechanism. This mechanism allows modification of the magnetic field strength between the external magnet and implanted magnet, enabling the system to adapt to different activity levels and prevent both disengagement and skin necrosis.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a weaker magnetic holding force is used to reduce skin compression and discomfort, then the harmful factors affecting the recipient are reduced, but the external portion becomes disengaged during vigorous activities
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable magnetic retention force mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the holding force based on activity level. During normal activities, a weaker force reduces skin compression, while during vigorous activities, the force can be increased to maintain secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies the magnetic field parameter through the adjustable retention force mechanism, allowing the magnetic attraction between external and implanted magnets to be varied to prevent both skin damage and disengagement.
3Device complexity
If a fixed magnetic retention force is used to simplify the device structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to different activity levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic adjustment capability that allows the magnetic retention force to be modified based on activity level. This transforms the system from a fixed to a dynamic configuration, enabling adaptation to varying operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable magnetic retention force mechanism enables modification of the magnetic field parameter, allowing the system to adapt to different activity levels while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
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
This solution enables users to easily adjust the retention force of auditory prostheses based on activity, enhancing comfort and preventing skin discomfort or necrosis by optimizing the magnetic interaction between the external and implanted magnets.
Implementation Method 1
an external magnet that interacts with an implanted magnet to hold the external portion against the skin
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic force generated by the external magnet and the implanted magnet can cause discomfort if too strong
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic component can be disposed proximate either or both of the external magnet and/or implanted magnet to channel the magnetic field associated therewith
Data Source
AI summary
An external portion of an auditory prosthesis includes an external magnet that interacts with an implanted magnet to hold the external portion against the skin of a recipient. A magnetic component can be disposed proximate either or both of the external magnet or implanted magnet to channel the magnetic field associated therewith. The magnetic component can be moved relative to its associated magnet so as to adjust the magnetic field, and thus, the retention force between the magnets.