Removable Cochlear Earplug Powered by an Implanted Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cochlear implant systems face challenges in efficiently powering components due to size limitations of external batteries, requiring frequent recharging or replacement, and potential vascularization issues with battery replacement near the implant site.
Innovation Solution
A cochlear implant system with a removable earplug sensor and an implanted battery configuration, utilizing near field communication interfaces to power the earplug components wirelessly, allowing for a larger battery capacity and reducing the need for frequent recharging or replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is placed inside the removable earplug to power its components, then the earplug can operate independently, but the battery size is limited by the ear canal dimensions requiring frequent recharging or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power supply function into two separate components: a small battery in the removable earplug for immediate operation, and a larger implanted battery that can be recharged. This segmentation allows the earplug to fit in the ear canal while the larger battery capacity is achieved through the implanted component, resolving the contradiction between operational duration and battery size constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
An inductive power transfer mechanism serves as an intermediary between the implanted battery and the earplug battery. This mediator enables wireless power transfer through the skin, allowing the implanted battery to recharge the earplug battery without direct physical connection, thus solving the problem of frequent recharging while maintaining the small earplug form factor.
2Ease of operation
If a battery is placed inside the removable earplug, then the earplug can function autonomously, but the battery requires frequent replacement which causes vascularization issues near the implant site
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply function is extracted from the removable earplug and placed in a separate implanted battery. This extraction allows the earplug to maintain autonomous operation through wireless power transfer, while the implanted battery can be replaced without affecting the earplug or causing vascularization issues at the ear canal site, as the implant is placed in a different anatomical location.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive power transfer system acts as an intermediary that enables autonomous earplug operation without requiring a large battery inside the earplug. This mediator allows the earplug to function independently while being powered by the implanted battery, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements in the ear canal and thus preventing vascularization issues.
3Volume of moving object
If the earplug is made compact to fit in the ear canal, then it can be comfortably worn, but it cannot accommodate a sufficient battery capacity for prolonged operation
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into a small battery within the compact earplug and a larger implanted battery. This segmentation allows the earplug to maintain its compact size for comfortable wear while the operational duration is extended through the larger implanted battery capacity and wireless power transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power capacity problem is solved by moving from a one-dimensional constraint (battery size within earplug volume) to a different spatial dimension by implanting the larger battery in the body tissue. This dimensional shift allows the earplug to remain compact while accessing the energy capacity of a much larger battery through wireless power transfer.
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 prolonged operation of cochlear implant components by using an implanted battery to power the earplug, reducing the frequency of recharging and replacement, and minimizing vascularization issues associated with battery replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The removable earplug can comprise a sensor configured to sense auditory signals and generate an input signal representative of the sensed auditory signals. The removable earplug can further comprise a second near field communication interface and a signal processor in electrical communication with the sensor and the second near field communication interface. The battery can be configured to provide electrical power to the removable earplug via the communication link.
Data Source
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AI summary
Cochlear implant systems can comprise an implantable subsystem comprising a cochlear electrode, a stimulator, a battery, and a first near field communication interface positioned subcutaneously proximate an ear canal. Cochlear implant systems can further comprise a removable earplug comprising a sensor, a second near field communication interface, and a signal processor. The removable earplug can be inserted into an ear canal to align the first and second near field communication interfaces. Once aligned, the battery can provide electrical power to the removable earplug via the near field communication interfaces. The signal processor can receive input signals from the sensor of the removable earplug and generate a stimulation signal representative of the auditory signals. The signal processor can communicate the stimulation signal to the stimulator via the near field communication interfaces.