Adjustable Magnetic Retention for Bone Conduction Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing aids and cochlear implants are inadequate for individuals with conductive hearing loss, as they rely on air conduction and may not effectively bypass damaged mechanical pathways, limiting their ability to perceive sound.
Innovation Solution
A bone conduction device utilizing a magnetic retention system with adjustable magnetic flux paths to securely attach an external component to the skin, allowing for varying magnetic retention forces through the adjustment of magnetic flux paths, enabling effective sound transmission to the inner ear without penetrating the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetic retention system is used to attach the external component to the skin, then the device can be securely retained without penetrating the skin, but the magnetic retention force may not be sufficient for active individuals or those requiring higher retention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the magnetic flux path adjustable rather than fixed. The external component includes a mechanism to vary the magnetic flux path between a first position (providing higher retention force) and a second position (providing lower retention force), allowing the device to adapt to different retention needs of various users or the same user under different conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the magnetic flux path parameter to control the retention force. By changing the position of the magnetic flux path (from first position to second position and vice versa), the magnetic retention force parameter can be varied to match different retention requirements, transforming a static magnetic system into a dynamically adjustable one
2Adaptability or versatility
If the magnetic flux path is adjusted to vary retention force, then the device can accommodate different users and conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the adjustable magnetic flux path mechanism to serve multiple functions: it provides both high retention force for active individuals and lower retention force for those needing gentler attachment. This single adjustable mechanism replaces the need for multiple separate devices with different fixed retention forces, making the system more universal and multi-functional
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 device provides a reliable and adjustable means of transmitting sound vibrations to the inner ear, effectively bypassing damaged mechanical pathways, thereby improving sound perception for individuals with conductive hearing loss.
Implementation Method 1
configured to be magnetically retained against outer skin of a recipient, via a magnetic coupling between the external component and an implanted component in the recipient
Implementation Method 2
the external component is configured to enable the adjustment of an orientation of the polarity axis
Implementation Method 3
certain types of hearing prostheses commonly referred to as bone conduction devices, convert a received sound into vibrations. The vibrations are transferred through the skull to the cochlea causing generation of nerve impulses
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, including an external component of a medical device configured to generate a magnetic flux that removably retains, via a resulting magnetic retention force, the external component to a recipient thereof, wherein the external component is configured to enable the adjustment of a path of the generated magnetic flux so as to vary the resulting magnetic retention force.