Cochlear Implant Headpiece Magnet Assembly for MRI Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cochlear implant systems face issues with magnet alignment during MRI, leading to demagnetization or tissue damage, and headpiece retention is compromised due to misalignment of magnetic fields and varying skin flap thickness, affecting normal and lateral retention forces.
Innovation Solution
A cochlear implant headpiece design with a receptacle and magnet apparatus that allows adjustable orientation of the headpiece magnet relative to the implant magnet, reducing distance and increasing magnetic attraction, and includes interchangeable magnet apparatuses of varying strengths for optimal fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the headpiece magnet is fixed in a standard orientation, then the device structure is simple, but the magnetic field alignment with MRI is poor causing demagnetization or tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet apparatus incorporates a rotatable magnet assembly that can dynamically change its orientation. The magnet is mounted on a rotation mechanism allowing it to be positioned at different angles relative to the headpiece housing, enabling adaptation to both standard wear and MRI conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional rotational degree of freedom for the magnet assembly. By adding this dimensional freedom, the magnet can be oriented not only in the standard position but also rotated to align with the MRI magnetic field direction, resolving the conflict between fixed structure and field alignment.
2Force
If the headpiece magnet is positioned closer to the implant magnet, then the magnetic attraction and retention force are enhanced, but the risk of demagnetization during MRI increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet apparatus allows dynamic adjustment of the magnet's position and orientation. During normal use, the magnet can be positioned closer to maximize retention force. During MRI procedures, the magnet can be rotated or repositioned to a safer orientation or distance, reducing the risk of demagnetization while maintaining strong attraction during regular operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the magnet apparatus is made rotatable and interchangeable, then adaptability to different orientations and MRI environments is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet apparatus is divided into separate modular components: the magnet assembly, the mounting mechanism, and the housing. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled into the final rotatable assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet apparatus is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple functions: providing retention force during normal use and enabling MRI compatibility through rotation. This multi-functionality is achieved through a standardized interface and rotation mechanism that can be integrated into the existing headpiece design without requiring completely separate systems.
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
Enhances magnetic attraction and retention force, ensuring stable headpiece positioning regardless of user orientation or skin flap thickness, while accommodating different MRI environments.
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
Implementation Method 2
a magnet apparatus with a diametrically magnetized disk-shaped magnet that is rotatable relative to the remainder of the implant about an axis, and that has a N-S orientation which is perpendicular to the axis
Data Source
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AI summary
A cochlear implant headpiece in accordance with one of the present inventions includes a housing including a top wall, a bottom wall and a receptacle that extends from the top wall to the bottom wall, that defines an open top end, an open bottom end and a central axis, and that includes a receptacle lock member, a magnet apparatus defining a bottom and including a magnet and a magnet apparatus lock member, and a headpiece antenna on or within the housing. The respective configurations of the receptacle and the magnet apparatus are such that the magnet apparatus can be inserted into the receptacle and, when fully inserted into the receptacle, the magnet apparatus bottom is located within or downwardly beyond the open bottom end of the receptacle. The respective configurations of the receptacle lock member and the magnet apparatus lock member are such that the fully inserted magnet apparatus will be fixed in one of a plurality of rotational orientations around the central axis. The present inventions also include cochlear stimulation systems with a sound processor and/or a cochlear implant in combination with such a headpiece.