Flexible Magnetic Coupling for Implantable Bone Conduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conductive hearing loss individuals often do not benefit sufficiently from traditional air conduction hearing aids and cochlear implants, as these devices rely on mechanical pathways that may be impaired, necessitating an alternative method for sound perception.

Innovation Solution

An implantable bone conduction device with a flexible magnetic coupling system that allows for limited movement to accommodate trauma, enabling effective transfer of mechanical vibrations from an external or internal vibrator to the skull, thereby bypassing damaged mechanical pathways and stimulating the auditory nerve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid coupling structure is used to connect the housing to the bone fixture, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate trauma is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidability to accommodate trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure transitions from a rigid static connection to a dynamic flexible connection that allows limited movement. The flexible coupling member enables the housing to move relative to the bone fixture in response to trauma forces, while maintaining sufficient stability for normal operation and vibration transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible coupling member is introduced between the housing and bone fixture. This flexible element can deform under trauma forces to accommodate movement, yet maintains structural integrity for transmitting bone conduction vibrations during normal use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible coupling structure is used to connect the housing to the bone fixture, then the ability to accommodate trauma is improved, but the structural stability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate traumaVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to be flexible under trauma loads while maintaining stability during normal operation. The flexible coupling member provides controlled movement capability without compromising the overall structural integrity needed for vibration transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling structure's mechanical properties are optimized to provide different levels of flexibility under different loading conditions. It maintains sufficient rigidity for vibration transmission at normal operating levels while allowing controlled deformation under trauma forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the housing is rigidly fixed to the bone fixture, then the vibration transmission efficiency is improved, but the device reliability under trauma conditions is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidtrauma impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible coupling member acts as a pre-designed cushioning element that absorbs and dissipates trauma forces before they can damage the bone fixture or other critical components. This protective feature is built into the structure in advance to withstand potential trauma events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible coupling member provides a compliant connection that can deform under trauma forces to protect the rigid bone fixture and internal components, while maintaining sufficient stiffness for reliable vibration transmission during normal use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 provides a reliable means for sound perception in individuals with conductive hearing loss by using magnetic coupling to transmit vibrations through the skull, offering an alternative to traditional hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Implementation Method 1

one or more magnets disposed in a housing coupled to the bone fixture via a structure that extends from the housing to the bone fixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the coupling to transmit vibrations of the magnets and magnet housing to be transmitted to the fixture in order for the communication of sound to be accomplished through bone conduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration transmission: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS10003898B1Flexible connection bone conduction device

Publication Date: 2018.06.19 COCHLEAR LIMITED

AI summary

A device including an implantable assembly. The assembly includes a bone fixture configured to anchor to bone of a recipient, and a vibratory apparatus configured to be completely implanted beneath the skin of a recipient, wherein the implantable assembly is configured such that the vibratory apparatus can move relative to the bone fixture while implanted in a recipient.