Dynamic Bone Conduction Support Adjusting Skull Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Non-invasive bone conduction auditory prostheses face challenges in comfortably and effectively transmitting sound vibrations to the skull without causing skin injury, as higher forces for better sound quality can be uncomfortable and lead to skin damage over time.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus dynamically adjusts the force applied to the skull using an adjustment mechanism that can modify its length and shape in response to operational conditions, such as the type of auditory information being received, to optimize sound transmission while minimizing skin discomfort and injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If higher force is applied by the bone conduction device to the skull, then sound quality is improved, but skin discomfort and risk of skin damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates an adjustment mechanism that dynamically modifies the length and shape of the support in response to operational conditions, enabling the force applied to the skull to be actively adjusted while worn, thereby optimizing sound transmission while minimizing skin discomfort and injury risk
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism changes physical parameters (length and shape) of the support structure without mechanical manipulation, allowing the force applied to the skull to be modified in response to operational conditions such as the type of auditory information being received
2Reliability
If the support structure is made rigid to ensure stable vibration transmission, then sound transmission efficiency is improved, but comfort and adaptability to different head shapes are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates an adjustment mechanism that dynamically modifies the length and shape of the support in response to operational conditions, enabling the force applied to the skull to be actively adjusted while worn, thereby optimizing sound transmission while minimizing skin discomfort and injury risk
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to be flexible enough to adapt to different head shapes and sizes while maintaining sufficient rigidity to transmit vibrations effectively, combining comfort with functional performance
3Measurement precision
If the adjustment mechanism is made complex to precisely control force application, then force control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust at least one of a length and a shape of the structure without mechanical manipulation, meaning it automatically responds to operational conditions such as the type of auditory information being received, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining 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
This solution allows for improved sound quality by increasing force during necessary conditions and decreasing it during others, enhancing comfort and preventing skin damage by dynamically adjusting the force applied by the bone conduction device.
Implementation Method 1
press at least one bone conduction actuator against the head such that vibrations generated by the at least one bone conduction actuator are transmitted through skin of the recipient at a location where the skin covers a temporal bone of the recipient
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a support configured to be worn on a head of a recipient and to hold at least one device next to the recipient's skull. The at least one device provides information to the recipient. The support is configured to adjust a fit of the apparatus to the recipient and to actively adjust the fit in response to control signals while the support is worn by the recipient.