Embedded Ferrite Antenna for Miniaturized Hearing Prostheses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing prostheses face challenges in achieving wireless communication at reduced size and cost, particularly due to the limitations of Near-Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) communication systems which have a short range and are not efficiently miniaturized.
Innovation Solution
The hearing prosthesis incorporates a near-field magnetic induction communication unit connected to a magnetic field antenna, which includes a coil and a ferrite core embedded in a multi-layer printed circuit board, enabling miniaturization and cost reduction while maintaining effective short-range wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional antenna is used for wireless communication in hearing prostheses, then communication range is extended, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental communication parameter from RF electromagnetic waves to near-field magnetic induction, operating at 13.56 MHz with a wavelength of 22.1 meters. This parameter change enables the use of a compact ferrite core antenna instead of a traditional antenna, reducing device size while maintaining communication effectiveness through the human head at short ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ferrite core as an intermediary magnetic field concentrator and shield. The ferrite core concentrates magnetic field lines within the device housing and shields the antenna from external magnetic fields, enabling efficient near-field magnetic induction communication with a compact antenna structure that would not be effective without this intermediary material
2Volume of moving object
If NFMI communication is implemented with a compact antenna, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the ferrite core antenna within the existing hearing prosthesis housing structure. The antenna is nested inside the device housing with the ferrite core positioned to concentrate magnetic fields, utilizing the existing housing as part of the antenna structure rather than requiring a separate external antenna component
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrite core serves multiple functions simultaneously: it concentrates magnetic field lines to enhance near-field coupling, shields the antenna from external magnetic field interference, and integrates with the device housing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing despite the specialized antenna design
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 configuration allows for efficient, low-cost, and miniaturized hearing prostheses that can perform wireless communication with minimal attenuation through human tissue, facilitating binaural communication and integration with other devices.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic field antenna comprises a coil and a magnetic core, which is a ferrite core for provision of a strong magnetic field at low loss and low cost
Implementation Method 2
Near-Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) communication utilizes a non-propagating magnetic field for communication between devices. A transmitter coil in one device modulates a magnetic field which is received and sensed by a receiver coil in another device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A hearing prosthesis is provided comprising an electric circuit with a hearing loss processor configured to process an audio signal and compensate a hearing loss of a user of the hearing prosthesis and output a hearing loss compensated audio signal based on the audio signal, an output transducer configured to convert the hearing loss compensated audio signal into an auditory output signal that can be received by the human auditory system and resulting in the user hearing sound, and a near-field magnetic induction communication unit configured for wireless communication, and a magnetic field antenna operatively connected with the near-field magnetic induction communication unit, characterized in that at least a part of the magnetic field antenna is embedded in a multi-layer printed circuit board.