Cochlear Implant Magnetic Flux Redirection for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cochlear implant systems face issues due to magnetic flux interference between electronic circuitry and induction coils or retention magnets, leading to undesirable configurations that are not close enough to each other, affecting the system's efficiency and patient comfort.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating telemetry and retention flux guides positioned between the circuit board and induction coils or retention magnets to direct magnetic flux away from the electronic circuitry, allowing for a more compact and efficient design by placing these components in closer proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If electronic circuitry is placed close to the induction coil and retention magnet, then the system becomes more compact and efficient, but magnetic flux interference causes energy losses and interference
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic shield is introduced as an intermediary component positioned between the induction coil/retention magnet and the electronic circuitry. This shield acts as a mediator that blocks and redirects magnetic flux lines, preventing direct interaction between the magnetic field and sensitive electronic components while allowing the components to remain in close proximity for compactness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electronic circuitry is housed separately in a behind-the-ear unit, then magnetic flux interference is reduced, but the system complexity increases and patient comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously separate components (induction coil, retention magnet, and electronic circuitry) into a single integrated headpiece unit. The magnetic shield enables this consolidation by protecting the electronic circuitry from magnetic flux, allowing all components to coexist in one device rather than requiring separate behind-the-ear and headpiece units
3Ease of operation
If the induction coil and retention magnet are positioned close to the electronic circuitry, then the device is more convenient for patients, but magnetic flux causes interference and energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic shield serves as a protective intermediary that enables close positioning of components for patient convenience while maintaining signal reliability. It selectively blocks harmful magnetic flux paths from reaching the electronic circuitry, allowing the induction coil and retention magnet to be positioned adjacent to the circuitry without causing 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
This configuration minimizes energy losses, extends battery life, and enhances the system's compactness and user comfort by eliminating the need for separate behind-the-ear assemblies, resulting in a more effective and user-friendly cochlear implant system.
Implementation Method 1
An inductive link is commonly used to transmit telemetry signals from the external control assembly to the implanted cochlear stimulator. To this end, the external control assembly often includes an inductive coil that produces a telemetry signal by generating an electro-magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The external control often includes a retention magnet for securing the headpiece to the patient's head so that the induction coil is properly positioned adjacent to the implanted receiver
Implementation Method 3
a telemetry flux guide positioned between the induction coil and the circuit board. The telemetry flux guide is configured to direct magnetic flux of the telemetry magnetic field away from the circuit board
Implementation Method 4
a retention flux guide positioned between the retention magnet and the circuit board. The retention flux guide is configured to direct magnetic flux of the retention magnetic field away from the circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary cochlear implant system includes a component that houses a circuit board comprising electronic circuitry that generates one or more signals, an induction coil that transmits the one or more signals by generating a telemetry magnetic field, and a telemetry flux guide positioned between and in direct contact with a top surface of the induction coil and a bottom surface of the circuit board.