Dual-Actuator Bone Conduction Device for Conductive Hearing Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aids relying on air conduction are ineffective for individuals with conductive hearing loss, as they fail to efficiently transmit sound vibrations to the cochlea, particularly for high-frequency sounds which suffer significant attenuation through the skull.
Innovation Solution
A bone conduction device employing multiple actuators, including high-frequency and low-frequency actuators, where the high-frequency actuator is implanted closer to the cochlea and utilizes piezoelectric transducers to enhance transmission efficiency, while low-frequency actuators use electromechanical transducers, secured with bone screws, to deliver vibrations directly to the skull.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single actuator is used in bone conduction devices, then the device structure is simple, but the frequency response range is limited and high-frequency transmission efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The bone conduction device divides the frequency response range by using multiple actuators: a first actuator for low-frequency vibrations and a second actuator for high-frequency vibrations. This segmentation allows each actuator to be optimized for its specific frequency range, improving overall frequency response coverage while managing complexity through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different transducer types to different frequency requirements: electromechanical transducers for low frequencies and piezoelectric transducers for high frequencies. Each location in the device has a transducer type specifically suited to its functional requirement, optimizing local performance for the intended frequency range.
2Reliability
If high-frequency actuators are placed farther from the cochlea for easier implantation, then the implantation procedure is simpler, but transmission efficiency decreases due to greater attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the high-frequency actuator in proximity to the cochlea to minimize attenuation and maximize transmission efficiency for high-frequency vibrations. This localized optimization ensures that the actuator requiring highest transmission fidelity is positioned where it can deliver vibrations most effectively, while the low-frequency actuator can be positioned elsewhere in the skull.
3Reliability
If electromechanical transducers are used for all frequencies, then the transducer design is standardized, but high-frequency transmission efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the second actuator for high-frequency vibrations utilizes a piezoelectric transducer, which offers superior high-frequency transmission efficiency compared to electromechanical transducers. This localized use of piezoelectric technology at the high-frequency position addresses the transmission efficiency requirement, while electromechanical transducers are used for low frequencies where they remain effective.
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
The dual-actuator bone conduction device effectively transmits a wider range of frequencies to the cochlea, improving sound perception for individuals with conductive hearing loss by minimizing attenuation and leveraging the characteristics of different transducer types for efficient signal delivery.
Implementation Method 1
the high-frequency actuator can be implanted under tissue close to the cochlea... a piezoelectric transducer can be used for the high frequencies
Implementation Method 2
an electromechanical transducer can be used for the low frequencies
Implementation Method 3
The vibrations are transferred through the skull to the cochlea causing motion of the perilymph and stimulation of the auditory nerve
Data Source
AI summary
A bone conduction device includes split high-frequency and low-frequency actuators. The frequency response of the low-frequency actuator can be restricted to the lower range of hearing frequencies to improve performance. The high-frequency actuator can be implanted under tissue close to the cochlea to improve transmission efficiency, since high-frequency vibrations suffer greater attenuation.