Auditory Prosthesis Magnet Layout for Low-Profile Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Auditory prostheses, such as bone conduction devices, face challenges with stray magnetic fields interfering with the operation of vibrating elements, leading to reduced retention forces and increased battery forces, which can affect the efficacy and comfort of sound transmission in hearing-impaired individuals.
Innovation Solution
The use of additional magnets within the auditory prosthesis to redirect magnetic flux, allowing the vibrating element to be positioned closer to the magnets, thereby reducing the overall height profile, increasing magnetic retention forces, and allowing smaller magnets to be used, while minimizing stray magnetic fields that interfere with the device's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If magnets are used to hold the external portion against the skin, then retention force is improved, but stray magnetic field interferes with the vibrating element operation
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic flux redirecting component is introduced as an intermediary between the magnet and the vibrating element. This component redirects the magnetic flux through itself, allowing the magnet to maintain retention force while the vibrating element operates in a region with reduced stray magnetic field interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic flux is redirected through the third dimension by routing it through the magnetic flux redirecting component rather than allowing it to propagate freely in all directions. This dimensional routing confines the magnetic flux path and reduces interference in the region where the vibrating element operates.
2Length of moving object
If the vibrating element is positioned closer to the magnet, then the height profile is reduced, but magnetic interference with the vibrating element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic flux redirecting component serves as a mediator that allows the vibrating element to be positioned close to the magnet while protecting it from magnetic interference. The component absorbs and redirects the magnetic flux, creating a shielded zone where the vibrating element can operate despite proximity to the magnet.
3Force
If larger magnets are used to increase retention force, then magnetic retention is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic flux redirecting component acts as a force multiplier, allowing smaller magnets to generate effective retention forces. By efficiently routing and concentrating the magnetic flux through the redirecting component, the system achieves high retention forces without requiring large magnet volumes, thus reducing device complexity.
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 configuration enhances the retention force of the external portion on the skin, reduces interference with internal components, and allows for a more compact and comfortable design of the auditory prosthesis, improving sound transmission and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The technologies described herein utilize additional magnets disposed within portions of the auditory prosthesis to redirect the magnetic flux
Implementation Method 2
An external portion of an auditory prosthesis includes an external magnet that interacts with an implantable magnet to hold the external portion against the skin
Data Source
AI summary
An external portion of an auditory prosthesis includes an external magnet that interacts with an implantable magnet to hold the external portion against the skin. Magnetic force generated by the stray field of these magnets can disturb the operation of a vibrating element of the auditory prosthesis. The technologies described herein utilize additional magnets disposed within portions of the auditory prosthesis to redirect the magnetic flux, which allows the vibrating element to be disposed more closely to the magnets, reducing the overall height profile of the prosthesis.