Bone Conduction Device Travel Limit Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conductive hearing loss individuals, especially those with ear canal issues, malformations, or single-sided deafness, often find traditional hearing aids ineffective due to acoustic feedback and discomfort, and existing hearing prostheses may not adequately address these cases.
Innovation Solution
A bone conduction device with a vibrating actuator and a travel limit apparatus, anchored to the skull via an abutment system, which limits the range of travel to prevent damage and enhance vibration transfer, addressing the limitations of air conduction methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the housing is allowed to move freely relative to the coupling apparatus, then the device can accommodate various forces and positions, but the vibrating actuator may contact the housing causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a travel limit apparatus that prevents the housing from moving beyond a safe distance from the coupling apparatus. This apparatus acts as a pre-established protective mechanism that stops the housing before the vibrating actuator can contact the housing, thereby cushioning against potential damage beforehand rather than reacting to it after occurrence.
2Reliability
If the housing is constrained to limit travel, then damage is prevented, but the device cannot accommodate forces or position adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The travel limit apparatus provides dynamic constraints that allow the housing to move within a safe range while preventing excessive travel. The system adapts to applied forces by allowing movement up to the limit point, then becomes rigid to prevent further movement, thus combining flexibility with protection.
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 effectively transfers vibrations to the skull, reducing the risk of damage and providing a suitable solution for individuals with conductive hearing loss who cannot benefit from traditional hearing aids or cochlear implants, while minimizing discomfort and feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrating actuator movably suspended in the housing and configured to vibrate in response to sound signals received by the bone conduction device
Data Source
AI summary
A bone conduction device configured to couple to an abutment of an anchor system anchored to a recipient's skull. The bone conduction device includes a housing and a vibrating actuator movably suspended in the housing and configured to vibrate in response to sound signals received by the bone conduction device The bone conduction device further includes a coupling apparatus configured to attach the bone conduction device to the abutment so as to deliver to the recipient's skull vibrations generated by the vibrating actuator, and a travel limit apparatus configured to limit a range of travel of the housing relative to the coupling apparatus.