Electromagnetic Transducer Internal Geometry for Bone-Conduction Hearing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aids and cochlear implants are inadequate for individuals with conductive hearing loss, as they rely on air conduction or require invasive surgical procedures, limiting their effectiveness and applicability.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic transducer with a bobbin and connection apparatus that transfers vibrational energy directly or indirectly to the skull, bypassing traditional mechanical pathways, and is secured to the bone via a single-point fixation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hearing aids use air conduction to transmit acoustic signals to the cochlea, then hearing perception can be achieved for some users, but the approach is inadequate for individuals with conductive hearing loss and requires invasive surgical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional air conduction mechanical system with a bone conduction electromagnetic system. The electromagnetic transducer generates vibrations that directly stimulate the cochlea through bone, eliminating the need for air conduction and invasive surgery while effectively treating conductive hearing loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bone as an intermediary medium between the sound source and the cochlea. The electromagnetic transducer placed on the bone surface transmits vibrations through the bone to the cochlea, serving as a non-invasive intermediary that bypasses the damaged air conduction pathway
2Reliability
If cochlear implants are used to bypass mechanical pathways, then hearing perception can be achieved, but the approach requires invasive surgical procedures and is not suitable for all individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the invasive mechanical electrode array implantation with a non-invasive electromagnetic transducer placed on the bone surface. The electromagnetic field generates vibrations that travel through bone to stimulate the cochlea, achieving hearing perception without invasive surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the invasive surgical component from the cochlear implant system. Instead of implanting electrodes directly into the cochlea, the system uses an external electromagnetic transducer that communicates with the cochlea through bone vibrations, removing the invasive element while preserving the core function
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hearing aids amplify sound through air conduction, then hearing aid functionality is achieved, but the approach cannot effectively treat conductive hearing loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental transmission parameter from air conduction to bone conduction. By placing the electromagnetic transducer on the bone surface and generating vibrations that travel through bone to the cochlea, the system adapts to conductive hearing loss by using an alternative transmission pathway
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 device effectively transmits vibrations to the cochlea, enabling hearing perception in individuals with conductive hearing loss without the need for air conduction or invasive surgery, providing a viable alternative for those who cannot benefit from traditional hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic transducer in vibrational communication with a fixation component, wherein the electromagnetic transducer is locationally fixed to the fixation component via a mechanical connection extending through the electromagnetic transducer
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic transducer including a bobbin through which a dynamic magnetic flux flows
Data Source
AI summary
A device, including an electromagnetic transducer including a bobbin having a space therein, a connection apparatus in fixed relationship to the bobbin configured to transfer vibrational energy directly or indirectly at least one of to or from the electromagnetic transducer, and a passage from the space to the connection apparatus.