Wireless Charging Bridge for Auditory Prostheses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Auditory prostheses, such as cochlear implants, face challenges in charging due to proprietary wireless charging protocols, making standard wireless charging stations unavailable for power replenishment.

Innovation Solution

A bridge device that converts standard wireless charging protocols to proprietary protocols, enabling power transmission to auditory prostheses, including a portable design with a battery for charging when building power is unavailable, and accessories for simultaneous charging of external and implanted devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If standard wireless charging stations are used, then charging convenience is improved, but compatibility with proprietary auditory prosthesis protocols is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging convenienceVSAvoidprotocol compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a bridge device that acts as an intermediary between standard wireless charging stations and proprietary auditory prosthesis systems. The bridge device receives power via a first induction device using standard protocols (e.g., Qi) and transmits converted power through a second induction device using proprietary protocols, thereby enabling compatibility without modifying the standard charging infrastructure or the prosthesis itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge device changes the parameters of the wireless power transmission by converting between different wireless charging protocols. It transforms the electromagnetic field characteristics, frequency, and communication protocols from standard formats to proprietary formats required by the auditory prosthesis, enabling universal charging access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If proprietary wireless charging protocols are used, then device-specific charging requirements are met, but availability at public locations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging reliabilityVSAvoidlocation availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge device serves as a portable intermediary that can be brought to any location with a standard wireless charging station. This enables users to charge their proprietary auditory prostheses at public locations, airports, cafes, and other places with standard charging infrastructure, dramatically expanding location availability while maintaining reliable proprietary protocol charging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge device is designed to support multiple functions: it can receive power from various standard wireless charging protocols (Qi, AirFuel, etc.), convert to multiple proprietary protocols, and charge both external portions and implanted portions of auditory prostheses. This multi-functionality makes it a universal charging solution across different locations and device types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a bridge device is designed with battery for portability, then charging availability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging availabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge device employs a nested structure where a rechargeable battery is integrated within the housing, and the induction devices are contained within the same unit. The battery serves as an energy reservoir that enables the bridge device to function independently of wall power, while all components are compactly nested to maintain portability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge device is designed as a separate, portable unit that segments the charging function from the auditory prosthesis itself. This segmentation allows the bridge device to handle the complexity of protocol conversion and battery management independently, while the prosthesis remains simple and implantable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates convenient and universal charging of auditory prostheses across various locations, ensuring continuous operation by bridging standard and proprietary wireless charging protocols, and allowing charging of both external and implanted components.

Implementation Method 1

The bridge device receives power via a first induction device in the form of a standard wireless protocol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

transmits the converted power through a second induction device to a portable device such as an auditory prosthesis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11103715B2Devices and methods for charging medical devices

Publication Date: 2021.08.31 COCHLEAR LIMITED

AI summary

Devices and methods are used to bridge between standard wireless charging protocols and proprietary wireless charging protocols utilized in auditory prostheses. Such devices are portable and can enable a recipient to charge her device whenever wireless power is available. Additionally, the recipient can change settings on her prosthesis, via the bridge device, while her prosthesis is charging.