Direct Print Chassis for Contact Hearing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current contact hearing devices face challenges in efficiently transmitting audio signals and power within the ear canal, with existing solutions often relying on bulky external components and limited design flexibility to conform to individual anatomy.
Innovation Solution
The development of inductively and optically coupled contact hearing systems that use electromagnetic waves or light signals to transmit information and power from ear tips to contact hearing devices within the ear canal, utilizing innovative components like receive coils, photodetectors, and microactuators integrated into a customizable direct print chassis and sulcus platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional contact hearing devices are used, then audio signals can be transmitted, but the devices are bulky and lack design flexibility to conform to individual anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional components: a receiver coil for electromagnetic signal reception, a magnet for coupling, a support structure for anatomical conformity, and a platform for eardrum contact. These segmented components are arranged to achieve both compact size and design flexibility while maintaining signal transmission functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver coil, magnet, and electronic components are nested within a compact support structure that conforms to the ear canal anatomy. This nesting arrangement minimizes overall device volume while preserving the functionality of each component and enabling customized anatomical fitting
2Ease of operation
If inductively coupled contact hearing systems are used, then power and signals can be transmitted wirelessly, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A magnet serves as an intermediary component that enables inductive coupling between the external transmitter and the implanted receiver coil. This intermediary allows wireless power and signal transmission while keeping the implanted device relatively simple in structure
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical wire connections are replaced with an inductive coupling system using electromagnetic fields. The receiver coil and magnet replace physical wiring, eliminating the need for penetrating connections and simplifying the overall device architecture while enabling wireless operation
3Productivity
If optically coupled contact hearing systems are used, then signal transmission efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates optical features with specific light interaction properties that enable precise alignment through optical detection. These features allow the manufacturing process to achieve required precision by using light-based alignment verification during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The optical coupling system uses controllable light parameters (intensity, wavelength, modulation) to optimize signal transmission efficiency. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high efficiency while accommodating reasonable manufacturing tolerances through parameter optimization rather than requiring extreme precision
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
These systems provide a more efficient and anatomically conforming means of transmitting audio signals, enhancing sound perception while reducing bulk and improving design flexibility and precision.
Implementation Method 1
inductively coupled contact hearing systems that use electromagnetic waves or light signals to transmit information and power from ear tips to contact hearing devices
Implementation Method 2
optically coupled contact hearing systems that use electromagnetic waves or light signals to transmit information and power from ear tips to contact hearing devices
Data Source
AI summary
A contact hearing device includes a chassis, sulcus platform and umbo platform wherein the chassis is formed as a single continuous material, the sulcus platform is formed as a single continuous material, and the umbo platform is formed as a single continuous material. The chassis may include a receiver mount, a motor mount pocket and a central frame. The sulcus platform includes one or more registration features adapted to mate with at least a portion of the chassis, the umbo platform includes a drive post landing pad, the drive post landing pad including at least one alignment feature.