Removable Cochlear Earplug Power Transfer via Implanted Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cochlear implant systems face challenges in providing a power source for external components due to size limitations, leading to frequent recharging and replacement needs.
Innovation Solution
A cochlear implant system with a removable earplug that utilizes near field communication interfaces to receive power from an implanted battery, eliminating the need for a power source within the earplug and allowing for a larger battery capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is placed inside the removable earplug, then the earplug can operate independently, but the battery capacity is limited due to size constraints of the ear canal
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power source into two separate components: a small battery in the removable earplug for immediate operation and a larger implanted battery for extended energy supply. This segmentation allows each battery to be optimized for its specific role without being constrained by the other's size requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The near field communication interface acts as an intermediary power transmission mechanism, enabling wireless energy transfer from the implanted battery to the earplug. This intermediary system allows the earplug to access additional power capacity without physically housing a large battery.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a larger battery is used in the earplug, then operation duration is extended, but the earplug size exceeds ear canal limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into a compact earplug unit and a separate implanted battery, allowing the earplug to remain small enough for ear canal insertion while the larger battery capacity is provided by the implanted component.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the additional battery capacity from the spatial dimension (earplug size) to a different dimension by implanting the larger battery within the body cavity, bypassing the ear canal size constraint entirely.
3Length of moving object
If a small battery is used in the earplug, then the earplug fits in the ear canal, but frequent recharging or replacement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The near field communication interface serves as an intermediary that enables automatic wireless power transfer from the implanted battery to the earplug, eliminating the need for manual recharging operations and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service recharging where the implanted battery automatically replenishes the earplug battery through near field communication when the earplug is inserted, without requiring user intervention for charging or replacement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an external component contains all system components and battery, then the system is self-contained, but the external component size is limited to fit in the ear canal
Solution Approach 1:
The cochlear implant system is segmented into external components (earplug with sensor and processor) and internal components (implanted battery and stimulator), allowing each part to be optimized for its specific function and size constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution relocates the battery from the external ear canal space to the internal body cavity, effectively using another spatial dimension to resolve the volume conflict while maintaining system integration.
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 extended operation without frequent recharging or replacement, improving the durability and efficiency of the cochlear implant system.
Implementation Method 1
The removable earplug can comprise a near field communication interface configured to receive electrical power from the battery when the removable earplug is inserted into the ear canal
Data Source
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.