Bone Conduction Transducer Interface Geometry for Electrostatic Discharge Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hearing aids for conductive hearing loss rely on air conduction, which may not be effective for individuals who cannot benefit from them or have specific conditions like stuttering, and existing bone conduction devices may not adequately manage energy transfer and electrostatic discharge.

Innovation Solution

A bone conduction device with a transducer and connection assembly that includes a removable component with a connector configured to connect to a skin-penetrating component without metallic parts near the connector end, maintaining a potential difference and controlling energy flow to prevent electrostatic discharge and ensure efficient energy transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a connector is used to removably connect the removable component to the skin penetrating component, then ease of operation is improved, but electrostatic discharge may occur causing harmful effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremovable connectionVSAvoidelectrostatic discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A non-conductive spacer or insulating material is introduced between the connector and the skin penetrating component to prevent electrostatic discharge while allowing mechanical connection. This intermediary element blocks the electrical discharge path while maintaining the removable connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Metallic components are removed from the removable component entirely, replacing them with non-conductive materials. This extraction of conductive elements eliminates the source of electrostatic discharge while preserving the mechanical connection capabilities through non-metallic structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If metallic components are present near the connector end, then structural strength is improved, but electrostatic discharge and potential harm to the recipient increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector strengthVSAvoidelectrostatic discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is constructed from composite materials that combine mechanical strength with electrical insulation properties. Non-conductive polymers or composite structures provide both the necessary structural integrity and the electrical isolation to prevent electrostatic discharge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The removable component is designed as a disposable unit that is replaced periodically. This allows the use of non-reinforced non-conductive materials that would otherwise be too weak for long-term use, as the component is replaced rather than maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Power

If energy transfer efficiency is increased, then power delivery to the skull is improved, but electrostatic discharge risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidelectrostatic discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic actuator system is designed to transfer energy through controlled electromagnetic fields and mechanical coupling rather than direct electrical contact. This substitution of direct electrical connection with field-based and mechanical energy transfer reduces electrostatic discharge risk while maintaining power delivery efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 effectively transfers vibrational energy to the skull for sound perception while minimizing electrostatic discharge, providing an alternative for individuals with conductive hearing loss and those who cannot use traditional hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Implementation Method 1

A bone conduction device with a transducer and connection assembly that includes a removable component with a connector configured to connect to a skin-penetrating component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transduction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

maintaining a potential difference and controlling energy flow to prevent electrostatic discharge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge control: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS10757516B2Electromagnetic transducer with specific interface geometries

Publication Date: 2020.08.25 COCHLEAR LIMITED

AI summary

A device including a transducer and a connection assembly in fixed relationship with the transducer, configured to transfer vibrational energy directly or indirectly, at least one of to or from, the transducer, wherein a first component of the connection assembly is actively held by positive retention to the device by a second component of the connection assembly.