Adjustable Headset Coil Assembly for Implant Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The variability in shape and size of the human head makes it challenging to use a coil for charging and communicating with implantable devices located in the head, as the head is not symmetric and requires precise alignment of multiple coils over varying anatomical features for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A wearable headset system with adjustable and rotatable coil assemblies that can move in three-dimensional space to accommodate different head shapes, providing alignment indicators and secure positioning to maintain contact with implantable devices during charging and communication processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed coil assembly is used for charging implantable devices, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate variations in head shape and size
Solution Approach 1:
The coil assembly is made dynamic through rotatable arms that allow the coil to be positioned at different angles and locations. The arms can rotate to adjust the coil's orientation to match variations in head anatomy, transforming a static structure into an adaptive one that responds to different patient geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil assembly is divided into separate functional components: a coil unit, rotatable arms, and a headset band. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and combined in various configurations to accommodate different head shapes, making the overall system more adaptable.
2Productivity
If multiple coils are used to cover varying anatomical features, then charging effectiveness is improved, but alignment precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment indicators provide visual feedback to the user about the relative positioning of the coil and implantable device. This feedback mechanism guides the user to achieve proper alignment by showing when the coil is correctly positioned over the implant, simplifying what would otherwise be a complex multi-coil alignment task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-alignment through the rotatable arms that can be easily adjusted by the user without requiring precise technical knowledge. The mechanical design allows the coil to be positioned and maintained over the implantable device through simple rotational movements, making the alignment process self-serviceable.
3Reliability
If the coil must remain stationary for extended charging periods, then charging stability is improved, but patient comfort and movement freedom are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The headset incorporates dynamic elements including rotatable arms and flexible positioning mechanisms that allow the coil to maintain stable contact with the implantable device while accommodating patient movements. The system transitions from a completely stationary requirement to a dynamically stable configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The headset band and arm structures incorporate flexible elements that can deform and adapt to patient head movements while maintaining the functional relationship between the coil and implantable device. This flexibility allows the system to remain stable during charging without restricting patient movement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable coil positioning is implemented, then adaptability to anatomy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rotatable arms provide adjustable coil positioning through simple rotational joints rather than complex multi-axis mechanisms. This dynamic adjustment capability achieves anatomical adaptability while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple and intuitive to operate.
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
Enables efficient and comfortable charging and communication with implantable devices by allowing for flexible alignment and secure positioning over varying head anatomy, accommodating patient movement and anatomy variations, and providing status information on alignment and charge state.
Implementation Method 1
a first coil assembly connected to the first arm and a second coil assembly connected to the second arm
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a headset band configured to be worn on a head of a patient, first and second arms, first and second coil assemblies, and at least one power supply electrically connected to the first coil assembly and the second coil assembly. The headset band may include a first end and a second end, and may be configured the first end to be on a first side of the head when the second end is on a second side of the head when worn on the head. The first arm may be rotatably connected to the headset band near the first end, and the second arm may be rotatably connected to the headset band near the second end. The first coil assembly may be connected to the first arm and the second coil assembly may be connected to the second arm.