Cochlear Hearing Device Cable Antenna Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing aid devices require integration of two antennas for wireless communication with both implantable parts and external units, posing challenges in size and positioning, especially for devices with implantable cochlear implants.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device design incorporating a behind-the-ear part, an at-the-head part, a coupling element, and two antennas, where the first antenna communicates with an implant part and the second antenna communicates at high frequency with external units, using an electrically conducting element as part of the coupling element to transmit low-frequency audio signals and high-frequency data without increasing the device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two antennas are integrated into a hearing aid device for wireless communication with implant parts and external units, then communication functionality is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate antennas into a single integrated antenna structure. The first antenna communicates with the implantable part while the second antenna communicates with external units, but both functions are merged into one physical antenna element, thereby maintaining dual communication functionality while reducing device volume and avoiding the need for two separate antenna elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated antenna is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it serves as both the first antenna for implant communication and the second antenna for external unit communication. This multi-functional design allows a single antenna structure to replace what would traditionally require two separate antennas, thus improving space utilization while maintaining full communication versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two antennas are integrated into a hearing aid device, then communication functionality is improved, but positioning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the two antenna functions into a single integrated structure, the patent eliminates the need to position and align two separate antenna elements within the hearing aid device. This reduces positioning complexity while maintaining the ability to communicate with both implantable parts and external units through the same antenna element.
3Volume of moving object
If a single electrically conducting element serves as both coupling element and antenna part, then device size is reduced, but signal interference may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically conducting element is designed to simultaneously serve as both the coupling element connecting the behind-the-ear part to the at-the-head part, and as part of the antenna structure for wireless communication. This multi-functional design reduces device size by eliminating separate components, while the element's dual role is managed through careful electromagnetic design to maintain signal quality and prevent interference.
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
Enables wireless communication between the implant part and external units without enlarging the hearing device, facilitating effective communication and reducing size constraints while maintaining signal quality and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna adapted to communicate with an implant part
Implementation Method 2
a second antenna adapted for communicating at high frequency with an external unit
Implementation Method 3
The electrically conducting element is at least a part of the second antenna and adapted for transferring the signal comprising audio at a low frequency from the behind-the-ear part to the at-the-head part
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing aid device comprising a behind-the-ear part, an at-the-head part, a coupling element, a second antenna, and a wireless interface is disclosed. The behind-the-ear part is adapted for being arranged at an ear of a user and for providing a low frequency signal comprising audio. The at-the-head part is adapted for being arranged at the head of the user. The at-the-head part includes a first antenna adapted to communicate with an implant part comprising at least one cochlear electrode adapted for being arranged in the cochlea in proximity of an auditory nerve of the user. The coupling element couples the behind-the-ear part and the at-the-head part and is adapted for transmitting the low frequency signal comprising audio to the at-the-head part. The second antenna is adapted for communicating at high frequency with an external unit. The wireless interface is adapted for receiving and/or sending data via the second antenna. The at-the-head part is adapted for providing the low frequency signal comprising audio to the at least one cochlear electrode. The at least one cochlear electrode is adapted for converting the low frequency signal comprising audio to an output signal perceivable by a user as sound. The coupling element comprises an electrically conducting element coupled to the wireless interface. The electrically conducting element is at least a part of the second antenna and adapted for transferring the signal comprising audio at a low frequency from the behind-the-ear part to the at-the-head part and for transmitting and/or receiving high frequency signals via the second antenna.