Dual-Flux Electromagnetic Transducer for Bone Conduction Hearing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hearing prostheses, such as hearing aids and cochlear implants, are inadequate for individuals with conductive hearing loss who retain some residual hearing, as they rely on air conduction or require invasive implantation.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic transducer with a plurality of static and dynamic flux paths arranged in a tic-tac-toe lattice, incorporating a seismic mass assembly and dynamic magnetic flux circuits, which converts sound into mechanical vibrations for bone conduction, suitable for both implantation and external wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hearing aids relying on air conduction are used, then sound transmission to the cochlea is achieved, but they are ineffective for individuals with conductive hearing loss who retain residual hearing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness for conductive hearing lossVSAvoidsuitability for different hearing loss types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bone conduction device is designed to provide effective sound transmission for individuals with conductive hearing loss who retain residual hearing, offering a universal solution that works where traditional air conduction hearing aids fail. The device transduces sound into vibrations that travel through the skull to the cochlea, bypassing the impaired mechanical pathways while preserving natural hearing for frequencies that remain functional.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If cochlear implants are used, then sound perception is restored for sensorineural hearing loss, but invasive implantation is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound perception capabilityVSAvoidinvasive implantation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the invasive electrical stimulation approach of cochlear implants with a mechanical vibration approach. The electromagnetic transducer converts sound into mechanical vibrations that travel through the skull bones to reach the cochlea, providing an non-invasive alternative that restores sound perception without requiring surgical implantation of electrode arrays into the cochlea.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If bone conduction devices are used, then sound is transmitted through skull vibrations, but device complexity increases compared to traditional hearing aids

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound transmission effectivenessVSAvoidelectromagnetic transducer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bone conduction device is divided into two separate components: an external sound processing unit and an implanted vibratory transducer. This segmentation allows the complex electromagnetic transducer to be miniaturized and implanted, while the bulk of the device remains external and removable. The segmented design reduces the complexity burden on the patient by separating the invasive minimal implant from the larger processing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If electromagnetic transducers with multiple flux paths are used, then transduction efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransduction efficiencyVSAvoidflux path alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic transducer merges multiple static flux paths and dynamic flux paths into a unified magnetic circuit structure. By combining the flux paths through integrated magnetic circuits and shared magnetic materials, the design achieves improved transduction efficiency while reducing the number of separate components that would require precise alignment during manufacturing. The merged structure allows flux paths to interact cooperatively rather than requiring independent precision positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 transducer effectively transduces sound frequencies between 300 Hz to 4000 Hz, providing effective sound perception through skull vibration, suitable for conductive hearing loss without invasive implantation for external components and with minimal skin penetration for internal components.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic transducer with a plurality of static and dynamic flux paths arranged in a tic-tac-toe lattice, incorporating a seismic mass assembly and dynamic magnetic flux circuits, which converts sound into mechanical vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12523634B2Electromagnetic transducer with dual flux

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 COCHLEAR LIMITED

AI summary

An electromagnetic transducer, including a plurality of static flux paths, and a plurality of dynamic flux paths, wherein at least two of the plurality of static flux paths lie in respective first planes parallel and offset from one another, at least two of the plurality of dynamic flux paths lie in respective second planes parallel and offset from one another, and the first planes and the second planes are arrayed so as to establish at least a general tic-tac-toe lattice.