Cochlear Implant Accessory Programming Through NFC Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually pairing external devices with a cochlear implant system is costly in time and prone to human error, leading to potential re-pairing requirements and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A pairing system comprising an external housing with compartments and a near field communication device that aligns with external devices for simultaneous charging and communication, facilitated by a programming device to enable seamless integration with the cochlear implant system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pairing of external devices with cochlear implant system is performed, then device compatibility can be ensured, but time consumption and human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic pairing between external devices and the cochlear implant system through proximity-based detection. When an external device is placed in the designated compartment of the external housing, the system automatically detects the device and initiates pairing without requiring manual intervention from the user or audiologist, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual pairing while maintaining reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the external housing and pairing device continuously monitor the presence and status of external devices. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust pairing parameters and establish connections based on real-time device detection, ensuring reliable pairing while reducing the time required for manual configuration.
2Reliability
If manual charging of external devices is performed, then charging control can be maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external housing incorporates charging capabilities that automatically detect when external devices are placed in the designated compartments. The system then autonomously initiates charging without requiring manual intervention, maintaining reliable charging control while eliminating the time consumption associated with manual charging operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external devices are paired manually, then device compatibility is ensured, but complexity and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The external housing is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate multiple types of external devices (headphones, speakers, smartphones) in standardized compartments. The pairing system uses unified proximity-based detection mechanisms that work across different device types, enabling the system to handle multiple devices with a single standardized interface rather than requiring separate pairing procedures for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The external housing is divided into multiple designated compartments, each capable of holding a specific external device. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple devices independently while using a unified pairing approach for each compartment, reducing the complexity of managing multiple devices simultaneously.
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 efficient, error-free pairing and charging of external devices with the cochlear implant system, reducing time and resource costs while ensuring reliable communication and compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
an external pairing device, such as a mat, a tabletop, or the like. The external pairing device may comprise a second surface as well as a plurality of near field communication devices
Data Source
AI summary
Pairing systems for pairing external devices to a cochlear implant system can comprise an external housing and an external pairing system. The external housing may comprise a first surface and one or more compartments, each configured to house an external device capable of wirelessly interfacing with an implantable cochlear implant system. The external pairing device may comprise a second surface and one or more corresponding near field communication devices. The near field communication devices may be arranged such that the first surface of the external housing can be aligned with the second surface of the external pairing device in such a way that each of the near field communication devices aligns with a corresponding compartment of the external housing. The external pairing device can provide communication between a programming device and external devices contained within compartments of the external housing via one or more corresponding near field communication devices.