Cochlear Implant Inductive Link Tuning for Lower Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cochlear implant hearing aid systems face challenges in reducing power losses, particularly in identifying and addressing power losses occurring in the sound processor, which is exacerbated by inefficiencies in the inductive link between the external and implantable units.
Innovation Solution
A cochlear implant hearing aid system with a dissipative current measuring unit that adapts the resonance frequency of the inductive link between coils based on measured dissipative currents, allowing for real-time tuning and minimizing power losses by selecting appropriate coil configurations for varying skin thicknesses and continuously monitoring the resonance frequency during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the resonance frequency of the inductive link is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to varying skin thicknesses and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resonance frequency adaptation by continuously measuring dissipative current and adjusting the resonance frequency of the inductive link in real-time. The system transitions from a fixed frequency design to a dynamic system that automatically adapts to varying skin thicknesses and coupling conditions, thereby maintaining optimal power efficiency without requiring manual intervention or complex external tuning equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the measured dissipative current from the inductive link is used to adjust the resonance frequency. The measuring unit continuously monitors the dissipative current, and this measurement feeds back to the control unit which then adjusts the resonance frequency to minimize power losses. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic optimization of power efficiency while keeping the device design relatively simple.
2Measurement precision
If dissipative current measurement is implemented, then the measurement precision of power losses is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional measuring components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves measurement precision by utilizing the existing inductive link components (first and second coils) for dual purposes: both for power transfer and for measuring dissipative current. The measuring unit leverages the same magnetic coupling mechanism that enables wireless power transfer, allowing the system to obtain accurate measurements of power losses without requiring separate dedicated measurement hardware, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-measurement by using its own operational components (the inductive link coils) to measure its own dissipative current. The measurement is obtained as a byproduct of the normal operational current flow through the inductive link, allowing the system to monitor its own efficiency without external measurement equipment or additional complex sensing mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If additional components are added to the switching unit for measurement purposes, then the measurement precision is improved, but the harmful factors increase due to parasitic resistance and impact on switching unit operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the magnetic field of the inductive link as an intermediary to transfer both power and measurement information. Instead of directly inserting measurement components into the switching unit circuitry (which would introduce parasitic resistance), the system measures dissipative current through the magnetic coupling between the first and second coils. This intermediary magnetic field approach allows accurate measurement while isolating the measurement process from the high-current switching circuitry, thereby avoiding parasitic resistance issues.
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 solution enhances power efficiency by optimizing the inductive link, reducing power losses, and simplifying the design by utilizing existing components, thereby avoiding additional components that could impact the switching unit or create parasitic resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the first coil is inductively linked to a second coil arranged in the implantable unit
Implementation Method 2
the switching unit is configured to operate as a switching element configured to switch between switching states, wherein the switching states include a first state for applying and a second state for not applying a current to the first coil
Data Source
AI summary
A cochlear implant hearing aid system is disclosed. The system comprises an external unit configured to receive acoustic sound and process the acoustic sound into a coded audio signal, and an implantable unit configured to receive the coded audio signal. Further, the external unit comprises a power supply unit connected via a first path to a switching unit, wherein the switching unit is connected via a second path to ground and is connected at an output thereof to a first coil. Furthermore, the switching unit is configured to operate as a switching element configured to switch between switching states, wherein the switching states include a first state for applying and a second state for not applying a current to the first coil. The coded audio signal is supplied to the switching unit as a control signal, and the first coil is inductively linked to a second coil arranged in the implantable unit. The system further comprises a measuring unit connected to at least one of the first and second paths and configured to measure a dissipative current occurring in relation to the switching states of the switching unit. Based on the at least one measured dissipative current, a resonance frequency of the inductive link between the first and second coils is adapted.