Bone Conduction Alarm Transmission for Ventricular Assist Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanically assisted circulation systems, such as ventricular assist devices, face challenges in effectively alerting patients to faults due to the limitations of audible alarms, particularly in noisy environments or for individuals with diminished hearing, as visual and haptic feedback can be obscured.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a signal processor coupled to a hearing implant to transmit inaudible alarm signals via bone conduction or other pathways, allowing patients to perceive alarms audibly without disturbing others, using vibrations or sound waves conducted along the bone to the inner ear, and optionally emitting audible signals for more serious hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional audible alarms are used to alert patients to system faults, then patients can be notified of critical issues, but the alarms may not be effectively perceived in noisy environments or by patients with diminished hearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces bone conduction as an intermediary transmission path between the alarm signal and the patient's auditory system. The alarm signal is transmitted through the skull bone directly to the inner ear, bypassing the outer and middle ear structures that may be compromised by noise or hearing impairment. This mediator approach ensures reliable alarm notification by using an alternative physiological pathway that is less susceptible to environmental interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional acoustic air-conduction mechanism with a mechanical vibration transmission path through bone. Instead of relying on air pressure waves that can be masked by ambient noise, the system uses direct mechanical vibrations transmitted through the skull bone to stimulate the cochlea, providing a more reliable detection path for alarm signals in challenging acoustic environments.
2Reliability
If loud audible alarms are used to ensure patient awareness in noisy environments, then alarm detection is improved, but the alarms may draw unwanted attention in quiet public settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing the alarm signal specifically to the patient's inner ear through bone conduction, creating a localized auditory experience that does not propagate externally. The vibration energy is confined to the patient's skull and does not radiate into the surrounding environment, allowing the patient to perceive the alarm clearly without creating audible disruption in quiet public settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone structure serves as an intermediary that isolates the alarm signal from the external environment. The mechanical vibration path through the skull creates a private communication channel between the alarm system and the patient's auditory system, preventing the alarm from being transmitted to the surrounding acoustic environment and thus avoiding social disruption.
3Reliability
If continuous audible alarms are transmitted to ensure patient awareness, then alarm detection is reliable, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by transmitting alarm signals in discrete bursts or pulses through the bone conduction path rather than continuously. The alarm can be activated on-demand when faults are detected, and the bone conduction transducer can deliver brief vibration sequences that are sufficient to alert the patient. This periodic transmission pattern significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous audible alarms while maintaining reliable notification capability.
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
Enhances the ability of patients to discern alarms in both loud and quiet environments without drawing attention, ensuring timely notification of critical system faults while conserving battery life through selective and adaptive alarm transmission.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a second alarm signal along the bone of the patient to an inner ear of the patient based on the first signal such that the second alarm signal is audibly perceived by the patient
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for transmitting an alarm for a circulatory support system includes receiving an inaudible signal with a signal processor coupled to a hearing implant anchored in a bone behind a patient's ear. The inaudible signal is associated with an alarm of the system. A second alarm signal is transmitted along the bone to an inner ear of the patient based on the inaudible signal such that it is audibly perceived. A method for transmitting an alarm for a circulatory support system to a hearing implant anchored behind an ear of a patient includes receiving an inaudible signal with a signal processor that is coupled to the hearing implant. The inaudible signal is associated with an alarm of the system. A second alarm signal is transmitted to an inner ear of the patient based on the inaudible signal such that the second alarm signal is audibly perceived by the patient.