Bone Conduction Transducer with Integrated Memory

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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, and existing hearing prostheses like cochlear implants are not suitable for all types of hearing loss, particularly those with intact hair cells in the cochlea.

Innovation Solution

A bone conduction device with a vibrating actuator assembly that converts electrical signals into mechanical vibrations, transmitted through the skull to stimulate the auditory nerve, including a machine-readable memory device to store and retrieve data for optimizing performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If air conduction hearing aids are used for conductive hearing loss, then sound transmission is provided through the ear canal, but they are not effective for individuals who cannot benefit from them

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of sound transmissionVSAvoidsuitability for different types of hearing loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a bone conduction transducer as an intermediary device that bypasses the ear canal and eardrum, transmitting sound vibrations directly through the skull bones to the inner ear. This mediator approach allows individuals who cannot benefit from air conduction hearing aids to receive effective sound transmission through an alternative pathway.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of transmitting sound through the traditional air conduction pathway (ear canal → eardrum → ossicles), the patent inverts the approach by using bone conduction (transducer → skull bones → inner ear). This inversion of the transmission pathway enables effective hearing assistance for individuals who cannot utilize the conventional air conduction route.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If cochlear implants are used to bypass hair cells, then electrical stimulation is provided to the auditory nerve, but they are not suitable for individuals with intact hair cells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for different types of hearing lossVSAvoidcomplexity of the prosthesis system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by preserving the natural function of intact hair cells in the inner ear while providing bone conduction stimulation at a different location (skull bones). This localized approach allows the system to work with existing healthy structures rather than replacing them, simplifying the overall system compared to cochlear implants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bone conduction transducer serves multiple functions: it can be used by individuals with conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss with intact hair cells, and those who cannot benefit from traditional hearing aids. This universal applicability across different hearing loss types reduces the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a memory device is added to the transducer to store operational data, then performance optimization is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational performanceVSAvoidcomplexity of the transducer system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The memory device stores operational data and performance parameters in advance, allowing the transducer to be pre-configured with optimal settings. This preliminary action enables the system to automatically adjust to individual user needs without requiring complex real-time processing or extensive programming during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The transducer with integrated memory device can store and retrieve its own operational data, enabling self-diagnosis, self-adjustment, and automatic optimization of performance. This self-service capability reduces the need for external programming devices or complex user interfaces, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 bone conduction device provides an alternative means of sound perception for individuals with conductive or sensorineural hearing loss, offering effective sound transmission and potential for improved performance through data-driven adjustments, enhancing the hearing experience.

Implementation Method 1

the actuator assembly is configured to vibrate when an electrical current is applied to the actuator assembly such that a first apparatus of the actuator assembly vibrates relative to a second apparatus of the actuator assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10602284B2Transducer management

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 COCHLEAR LIMITED

AI summary

A hearing prosthesis, including an actuator assembly, and a chassis supporting the actuator assembly, wherein the actuator assembly is configured to vibrate when an electrical current is applied to the actuator assembly such that a first apparatus of the actuator assembly vibrates relative to a second apparatus of the actuator assembly, the chassis is connected to the second apparatus, and the actuator assembly retains data related to an operational performance of the actuator assembly.