External Headpiece Battery-Magnet Layout for Stable Transcutaneous Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing prostheses, such as bone conduction devices and cochlear implants, face challenges in efficiently delivering electrical signals to stimulate auditory nerves without penetrating the skin, particularly for individuals with conductive hearing loss or those who cannot benefit from traditional hearing aids.
Innovation Solution
A transcutaneous bone conduction device with a magnetically coupled external component that includes a battery and a magnet apparatus, where the magnet provides a path for electricity to flow to the electrically powered components, using a magnetic force to secure the battery against the skin and establish a magnetic link for signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transcutaneous magnetic coupling is used to support the external component against the skin, then the device can deliver electrical signals without penetrating the skin, but the retention force may be insufficient for stable positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple magnets within the external component to create a unified magnetic coupling system. This merging of multiple magnetic elements works together to generate sufficient retention force to securely hold the external component against the skin while maintaining stable electrical signal delivery through the transcutaneous interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the strength and configuration parameters of the magnets to optimize the balance between retention force and signal delivery. By changing magnetic field parameters, the device achieves adequate adhesion to the skin without compromising the electrical coupling efficiency for signal transmission
2Device complexity
If magnets are used to provide a path for electricity to flow from the battery to the electrically powered component, then the circuit is completed, but the magnetic force may interfere with electrical signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrically conductive, magnetically permeable intermediary material or structure that serves dual purposes: completing the electrical circuit for power delivery while allowing magnetic field lines to pass through with minimal interference. This intermediary enables both electrical and magnetic functions to coexist without significant mutual interference
3Stability of the object's composition
If the battery is positioned to extend through the magnet, then the center of gravity is optimized for stable positioning, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the battery is positioned within or through the magnet structure in a space-efficient manner. This nesting allows the battery to extend through the magnet for optimal center of gravity positioning while minimizing the overall device volume by utilizing the existing magnetic component space
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 transfers vibrations through the skin without penetrating it, providing a stable and efficient means of delivering electrical signals to stimulate auditory nerves, suitable for various types of hearing loss and allowing for adjustable retention force based on individual needs.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet configured to support the headpiece against skin of the recipient via a transcutaneous magnetic coupling with an implanted magnet implanted in a recipient
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic force generated by the magnet apparatus applies a force onto the battery such that the battery is urged against an electrical contact of a circuit of which the battery is apart
Data Source
AI summary
An external headpiece of an implantable hearing aid system, including an RF coil, a sound processing apparatus, a battery, and a magnet configured to support the headpiece against skin of the recipient via a transcutaneous magnetic coupling with an implanted magnet implanted in a recipient, wherein a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical battery extends through the magnet.