Bone Conduction Transducer with Lever Arm and Resonant Mass

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implantable bone conduction devices face challenges in generating sufficient vibrational forces for hearing stimulation with limited power consumption, particularly at low frequencies, due to the need for large masses and high power demands, which results in short operating durations and inadequate hearing assistance for patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss.

Innovation Solution

A bone conduction actuator/transducer (BCT) utilizing a mechanical advantage mechanism, such as a lever arrangement, to convert low displacement, high force output into high displacement, low force output, allowing for increased force generation with a compact mass and reduced power consumption, incorporating a piezoelectric element and a resonant mass to optimize vibrational force delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a large mass is used to generate sufficient vibrational force at low frequencies, then the vibrational force magnitude is improved, but the power consumption increases and operating duration decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibrational forceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes resonance by tuning the natural frequency of the mass-spring system to match the driving frequency, thereby amplifying the vibrational force output without proportionally increasing power consumption. The resonant oscillation of the mass at its natural frequency creates large amplitude vibrations with minimal energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the system by introducing a spring element with specific stiffness and selecting a mass with particular properties to create a resonant system. By adjusting the mass and spring constants, the system achieves resonance at desired frequencies, optimizing the force-to-power ratio.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If a large mass is used to generate sufficient vibrational force, then the vibrational force magnitude is improved, but the device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibrational forceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a resonant mass-spring system that generates large vibrational forces through resonance rather than requiring large masses. The natural oscillation of the tuned system amplifies the output force while keeping the mass and overall device size compact and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element acts as a counterbalancing mechanism that works with the mass to create resonant oscillations. The spring stores and releases energy in opposition to the mass's inertia, enabling the system to generate large vibrational forces with a relatively small mass, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Force

If high power is supplied to generate adequate stimulation at low frequencies, then the vibrational force is improved, but the operating duration between charges decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibrational forceVSAvoidoperating duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The resonant system efficiently converts electrical energy to mechanical vibration at the resonant frequency. By operating at resonance, the system maximizes the output force for a given power input, thereby extending the operating duration between charges while maintaining adequate stimulation levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the operating parameters by tuning the system to resonate at the desired low frequencies. This parameter optimization ensures that the maximum vibrational force is generated at minimal power consumption, directly extending the battery operating duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 BCT effectively generates large vibrational forces with low power consumption, improving coupling and reducing infection risks, while providing extended operating duration and enhanced hearing assistance for patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss by efficiently transmitting sound through bone conduction.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating a piezoelectric element and a resonant mass to optimize vibrational force delivery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

incorporating a piezoelectric element and a resonant mass to optimize vibrational force delivery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

Bone anchored hearing instruments utilize a surgically implanted abutment to transmit sound by direct conduction through bone to the inner ear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBone conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10448136B2Electromechanical transducer with mechanical advantage

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 COCHLEAR LIMITED

AI summary

A vibratory apparatus including a lever arm apparatus including a living hinge, wherein the vibratory apparatus is configured such that at least a portion of the lever arm moves about the living hinge when the vibratory apparatus is generating vibrations.