Transcutaneous Hearing Aid Coil Layout Without Implant Magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable hearing aid systems face issues with magnet dislocation during MRI scans, poor energy transfer efficiency due to low coupling coefficients, and aesthetically unappealing designs, leading to discomfort and potential skin irritation.
Innovation Solution
An implantable hearing aid system with a wireless transcutaneous link using a loop structure inductive coil arrangement, where the external unit is configured to transmit power and data signals through a first inductive coil with a loop structure and the implantable unit receives these signals via a second inductive coil arrangement, eliminating the need for magnetic coupling and optimizing coil alignment for improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnet is used to fixate the external unit to the implantable unit, then the external unit can be retained in position, but the magnet may dislocate during MRI scans causing pain and requiring revision surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the magnet from the implantable unit entirely, replacing it with a magnet-free retention mechanism. The external unit is retained through friction fit and ergonomic design rather than magnetic attraction, eliminating the risk of magnet dislocation during MRI scans while maintaining secure positioning during normal use.
2Device complexity
If a conventional parallel coil arrangement is used for transcutaneous power transmission, then the design is simple, but the coupling coefficient is very low resulting in poor energy transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a parallel coil arrangement to a face-to-face orthogonal configuration where the transmitter and receiver coils are positioned perpendicular to each other with their faces facing one another. This dimensional change optimizes magnetic flux coupling through the skin interface, dramatically improving the coupling coefficient and energy transfer efficiency while maintaining design simplicity.
3Reliability
If the external unit is fixed via magnetic forces, then the unit can be retained, but the external unit becomes heavier and larger requiring a bigger battery compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the magnet from the system, eliminating the need for heavy magnetic retention mechanisms and large battery compartments. The external unit achieves retention through friction fit and ergonomic design, significantly reducing its weight and size while improving aesthetics and user comfort.
4Reliability
If a tight head bandage with rigid splint is used during MRI, then magnet dislocation risk is reduced, but the scan becomes complicated and causes skin pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the magnet from the implantable unit, removing the root cause of magnet dislocation risk. This allows MRI scans to be performed without tight head bandages or rigid splints, simplifying the procedure and eliminating skin pain while completely preventing magnet dislocation.
5Reliability
If a rotatable self-aligning implant magnet is used, then magnet alignment is improved, but the design becomes complicated and does not guarantee high tesla MRI scan safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the magnet entirely from the implantable unit, eliminating the need for complex rotatable self-aligning mechanisms. The magnet-free design inherently ensures safety during high tesla MRI scans while achieving proper alignment through the friction fit retention mechanism.
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 solution enhances power transmission efficiency, reduces the risk of magnet dislocation, provides a more aesthetic and comfortable design, and allows for increased amplification in bone conducting devices, making it suitable for patients with severe hearing loss.
Implementation Method 1
a first inductive coil arrangement (6) configured to transmit power and/or data signals wirelessly over a transcutaneous link (18)
Implementation Method 2
the first inductive coil arrangement includes a loop structure with coils wound around and along at least a part of length of the loop structure
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an implantable hearing aid system is disclosed. The implantable hearing aid system includes an external unit which includes an electronic unit operationally coupled to a first inductive coil arrangement configured to transmit power and/or data signals, and where the first inductive coil arrangement includes a loop structure with coils wound around and along at least a part of length of the loop structure, and the loop structure comprises an opening. Furthermore, the implantable hearing aid system includes an implantable unit which comprises a second inductive coil arrangement configured to form a transcutaneous link with the loop structure and to receive the power and/or data signals over the transcutaneous link, and where the second inductive coil arrangement is configured to be implanted fully or partially within a part of an ear of a user of the implantable hearing aid system. The external unit includes a housing and an earhook, and where a first end-face of the loop structure is arranged within the earhook and a second end-face of the loop structure is arranged within the housing or within the earhook.