Cochlear Headpiece Magnet Receptacles for Flexible Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cochlear implant headpieces face issues with magnet strength adjustment leading to potential tissue necrosis, limited magnetic strength options, and inefficiency with diametrically magnetized implants, particularly affecting pediatric patients and those who wear their headpieces differently.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a non-circular magnet receptacle and a magnet system with varying magnetic strengths and orientations, including compressible non-magnetic members, to prevent unauthorized magnet use and enhance retention force flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If stronger magnets are used to increase retention force, then the headpiece retention is improved, but tissue necrosis risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention forceVSAvoidtissue necrosis risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet receptacle is designed with a non-circular shape that allows dynamic adjustment of magnet orientation and position. This enables optimization of retention force while distributing pressure more evenly across the skin flap, reducing the risk of tissue necrosis that occurs with concentrated pressure from stronger magnets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The non-circular magnet receptacle creates an asymmetric configuration that prevents unauthorized magnets from fitting properly. This asymmetric design ensures that only magnets with correct dimensions and orientation can be installed, thereby controlling the magnetic strength to safe levels while maintaining adequate retention force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of operation

If standard disk-shaped magnets are used, then ease of replacement is improved, but magnetic strength adjustment is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnet replacement easeVSAvoidmagnetic strength options

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet system is segmented into multiple receptacles with different non-circular shapes, each accommodating magnets of specific dimensions and magnetic strengths. This segmentation allows users to select and replace magnets with different strength characteristics while maintaining the same general replacement process, thereby expanding magnetic strength options without sacrificing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the magnet receptacle are designed with specific geometric characteristics suitable for different magnet types. This local differentiation enables the system to accommodate various magnetic strengths and configurations in a single headpiece design, providing adaptability while keeping the replacement process straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If diametrically magnetized magnets are used, then magnetic field strength is improved, but compatibility with headpiece is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field strengthVSAvoidheadpiece compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet receptacle geometry is specifically designed to accommodate diametrically magnetized magnets by changing the physical parameters of the receptacle (non-circular shape, specific dimensions). This parameter adjustment allows the headpiece to work effectively with diametrically magnetized implants, improving compatibility while maintaining the magnetic field strength benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable magnet strength is implemented, then adaptability to different users is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser-specific retention adjustmentVSAvoidmagnet adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The headpiece is pre-configured with multiple magnet receptacles designed for specific magnet types and strengths. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms during use, as users simply need to replace the entire magnet assembly rather than adjusting individual components, thereby reducing perceived device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 design reduces the risk of tissue damage, increases magnetic strength options, and optimizes retention force for diverse wearing habits, ensuring secure and comfortable fit for all users.

Implementation Method 1

The headpiece and the cochlear implant may include respective magnets (or respective pluralities of magnets) that are attracted to one another, thereby retaining the headpiece on the head and maintaining the position of the headpiece transmitter on the head over the implant receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12350493B2Headpieces and implantable cochlear stimulation systems including the same

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 ADVANCED BIONICS AG

AI summary

A headpiece including a housing, a headpiece magnet carried by the housing, and a headpiece antenna carried by the housing.