Auditory Prosthesis Coil System Eliminates Magnets for MRI Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aids and prostheses relying on air conduction are inadequate for individuals with conductive hearing loss, and the presence of magnets in implantable devices poses challenges for signal transmission and compatibility with procedures like MRI.
Innovation Solution
The development of auditory prostheses with an implantable and external coil system that eliminates the need for magnets by using a flexible wire coil disposed around the ear canal and an external coil positioned on the pinna or in the ear canal, enabling efficient signal transmission through electromagnetic induction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnets are used in implantable auditory prostheses for signal transmission, then signal transmission between external and implantable portions is enabled, but compatibility with MRI procedures is compromised and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes magnets from the implantable portion of the auditory prosthesis, extracting the harmful magnetic component while maintaining signal transmission capability through alternative means (electromagnetic induction between external and implantable coils). This extraction resolves the contradiction by eliminating MRI incompatibility while preserving essential functionality.
2Reliability
If magnets are used in implantable auditory prostheses, then signal transmission is achieved, but device complexity and potential harmful effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful magnetic field interactions into beneficial electromagnetic induction between coils. By using electromagnetic induction rather than permanent magnets, the system achieves signal transmission while minimizing harmful magnetic interference, effectively converting a potentially harmful approach into a beneficial one.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hearing aids using air conduction are used, then residual hearing can be utilized, but effectiveness is insufficient for individuals with conductive hearing loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (vibrations transmitted through the skull bone to the cochlea) that bridges the gap between external sound and the inner ear. This bone conduction intermediary allows effective sound transmission for individuals with conductive hearing loss who cannot adequately utilize air conduction pathways, while still preserving the ability to utilize residual hearing through the cochlea.
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 allows for effective signal transmission without magnets, ensuring compatibility with MRI procedures and providing reliable power and data transfer to the implantable portion, enhancing the functionality of auditory prostheses for both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Implementation Method 1
The implantable portion and external portion each include a transmission/receiver coil that are used for signal (data and/or power) transmission between the two portions
Data Source
AI summary
Certain medical devices, such as auditory prostheses, have an implantable portion and an external portion. The implantable portion and external portion each include a transmission/receiver coil that communicates signals between the two portions. The implanted coil is implanted about the ear canal while the external coil is disposed about the pinna or in the ear canal itself. The proximity of the two coils allows for signal transmission between the implantable and external portions.