Implantable Hearing Aid Coil Charging With Qi Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable hearing aid chargers are not compatible with standard wireless charging technologies, limiting recharging options when away from home.
Innovation Solution
An implantable hearing aid system utilizing an inductive coil arrangement that supports recharging via conventional wireless technology standards like Qi, with a matched resonance frequency for efficient power and data transfer, and includes voltage converters to manage voltage levels for battery safety and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a customized charger is used for recharging the implantable hearing aid, then the charging function is achieved, but the compatibility with conventional wireless technology standards is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive coil arrangement is designed to support multiple wireless charging standards (QI, AirFuel, and other inductive charging standards) by implementing a universal resonance frequency that is compatible with conventional wireless technology standards, allowing the hearing aid to be recharged with any standard wireless charger rather than requiring a customized charger
2Ease of operation
If the inductive coil arrangement is arranged externally to the housing, then the coil can be placed on the skin for better charging contact, but the hearing aid structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid system is divided into two separate components: the hearing aid housed in its own housing, and the inductive coil arrangement positioned externally on the skin. This segmentation allows the coil to be optimally positioned for charging contact while keeping the hearing aid device compact and simple in structure
Solution Approach 2:
The external inductive coil arrangement acts as an intermediary component between the user's body and the hearing aid housing. It provides the charging function externally, allowing the hearing aid itself to maintain a simple, compact design without integrated coil complexity
3Reliability
If the voltage of power signals is decreased for battery charging, then the battery is protected from overvoltage, but additional voltage conversion components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage decreasing converter is designed to handle multiple voltage levels and charging standards, providing a universal solution that protects the battery across different charging scenarios. This multi-functional approach consolidates voltage management into a single robust component rather than requiring multiple specialized components
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 flexible and efficient recharging and software updating of the hearing aid using standard wireless chargers, ensuring battery longevity and robust communication links, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive coil arrangement having a second resonance frequency configured to form an inductive charging link with the coil unit to receive power signals from the charger unit
Implementation Method 2
the inductive coil arrangement may further be configured to form a transcutaneous link with the implantable coil to transmit at least one of data and power to the implantable component
Implementation Method 3
a voltage decreasing converter configured to decrease a voltage of the power signals received from the charger unit for use in charging the rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 4
a voltage increasing converter configured to increase a voltage of signals obtained from the rechargeable battery
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An implantable hearing aid system is disclosed. According to one or more of the mentioned aspects, the implantable hearing aid system comprises a charger unit which includes a coil unit having a first resonance frequency, a hearing aid and an implantable component. The hearing aid includes a rechargeable battery, an inductive coil arrangement having a second resonance frequency configured to form an inductive charging link with the coil unit to receive power signals from the charger unit. The implantable component includes an implantable coil, wherein the inductive coil arrangement may further be configured to form a transcutaneous link with the implantable coil to transmit at least one of data and power to the implantable component.