Hearing Device Antenna Placement in Hermetic Housing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern hearing devices with implantable portions face challenges in reliable and long-range wireless communication due to the attenuation of RF signals by hermetically-sealed metallic housings, which limit the distance and quality of communication with external devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a biocompatible feedthrough made of ceramic material near or under an aperture in the housing, positioning an antenna beneath or in-line with the feedthrough, and using waveguides or dielectric materials to enhance RF signal transmission and reception, thereby reducing signal attenuation and improving communication reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hermetically-sealed metallic housing is used to protect the implantable hearing device, then the device's reliability and biocompatibility are improved, but RF signal transmission is attenuated and communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into metallic portions for hermetic sealing and a non-metallic feedthrough portion for RF signal transmission. This segmentation allows the device to simultaneously achieve hermetic protection and RF signal penetration by dividing the housing structure into functional zones with different material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing incorporates composite construction with both metallic and non-metallic portions. The non-metallic feedthrough portion is integrated into the metallic housing structure, creating a composite material solution that combines the corrosion resistance and structural integrity of metals with the RF signal transparency of non-metallic materials.
2Device complexity
If the antenna is positioned inside the hermetic housing, then the device structure is simplified, but RF signal transmission distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The non-metallic feedthrough portion acts as an intermediary that facilitates RF signal transmission between the antenna inside the hermetic housing and external devices. This intermediary structure allows the antenna to remain positioned inside the housing for structural simplicity while enabling effective RF signal transmission through the housing boundary.
3Loss of energy
If a non-metallic feedthrough is used to allow RF signal transmission, then communication range is improved, but the hermetic seal may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The non-metallic feedthrough is merged with the metallic housing structure to form an integrated hermetic seal. This merging ensures that the interface between the non-metallic feedthrough and metallic housing maintains hermetic sealing while allowing RF signal transmission through the non-metallic portion.
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
This configuration enhances the reliability and range of wireless communications between the implantable hearing device and external devices by minimizing signal loss through the metallic housing, allowing for more effective RF signal transmission and reception.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a biocompatible feedthrough made of ceramic material near or under an aperture in the housing, positioning an antenna beneath or in-line with the feedthrough, and using waveguides or dielectric materials to enhance RF signal transmission and reception
Implementation Method 2
using waveguides or dielectric materials to enhance RF signal transmission and reception
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are example configurations of implantable units of implantable medical devices such as hearing devices. An example implantable hearing device includes a housing having a posterior side and an anterior side, with the anterior side being formed such that an inner edge of the anterior side defines an aperture. The housing includes an electrical feedthrough, a transceiver, and an antenna element. The electrical feedthrough is made of one or more biocompatible materials, and at least a portion of the electrical feedthrough is positioned beneath the aperture. The transceiver is configured to conduct RF communications. Further, the antenna element is electrically connected to the transceiver and is positioned below, above, or inside the electrical feedthrough.