Bone Conduction Coupling for Percutaneous-Transcutaneous Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone conduction devices lack flexibility in converting between percutaneous and transcutaneous configurations, limiting their adaptability and effectiveness for individuals with conductive hearing loss.
Innovation Solution
A bone conduction device with a vibrator and platform that can be quickly connected and disconnected, allowing conversion between percutaneous and transcutaneous modes, and methods for converting between removable and implanted components to enhance compatibility and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bone conduction device uses a fixed percutaneous or transcutaneous configuration, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bone conduction device is divided into separate modular components: a vibrator unit and a platform unit. These segments can be independently manufactured and then assembled or disassembled to convert between percutaneous and transcutaneous configurations, enabling adaptability without requiring complete device redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic configurability through quick-release mechanisms that allow the vibrator and platform to be easily connected or disconnected. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to transition between different operational modes (percutaneous/transcutaneous) based on user needs, resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and adaptive complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a bone conduction device uses skin penetration (percutaneous), then vibration transmission is direct and efficient, but user comfort and skin health are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The platform acts as an intermediary component between the vibrator and the user's skin. In transcutaneous mode, it transmits vibrations through the skin without penetration, eliminating the harmful effects of percutaneous insertion while maintaining vibration transmission efficiency. The platform serves as a safe mediator that enables non-invasive bone conduction.
3Ease of operation
If a bone conduction device uses quick-release connections, then convertibility and ease of operation are improved, but connection reliability and stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release mechanism combines multiple functions into a single integrated connection system: secure attachment, alignment guidance, and easy release all in one mechanism. This merging of functions ensures that the connection remains reliable and stable during use while maintaining ease of operation for mode conversion.
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
Enables flexible conversion of bone conduction devices, improving adaptability and effectiveness for individuals with conductive hearing loss by optimizing vibration transmission and reducing skin penetration, thereby enhancing user comfort and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure plate configured to transmit hearing percept evoking vibrations, generated by an external vibrator of an external component of a bone conduction device and transmitted to the pressure plate, into skin of a recipient
Data Source
AI summary
An external component of a bone conduction device, including a vibrator and a platform configured to transfer vibrations from the vibrator to skin of the recipient, wherein the vibrator and platform are configured to quick connect and quick disconnect to and from, respectively, one another.