Implantable Hearing Device Metallic Nonmetallic Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable hearing devices face challenges in achieving a reliable and efficient connection between the implant antenna element and external devices due to the metallic housing, which hinders magnetic field performance and increases device size.
Innovation Solution
The implantable hearing device features a housing with a metallic bottom side for biocompatibility and a nonmetallic top side for improved magnetic field connection, along with a magnetic sheet between the antenna element and the housing to enhance magnetic field propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the housing bottom side is made of metallic material for biocompatibility, then biocompatibility is improved, but the magnetic field performance of the implant antenna element is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into two distinct parts: a metallic bottom side for biocompatibility and a nonmetallic top side for magnetic field transmission. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between biocompatibility and magnetic field performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are applied to different regions of the housing based on local functional requirements. The bottom side uses metallic material where biocompatibility is critical, while the top side uses nonmetallic material where magnetic field transmission is essential. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each region for its primary function.
2Reliability
If the implant antenna element is sourced out of the housing to improve connection, then magnetic field connection is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing top side is made of nonmetallic material specifically at the location where the implant antenna element is positioned, creating a localized optimal environment for magnetic field transmission without requiring the antenna to be external. This resolves the contradiction by improving connection reliability while maintaining compact device size.
3Productivity
If the distance between the implant antenna element and the bottom part of the housing is increased to improve efficiency, then magnetic field efficiency is improved, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The top side of the housing is made of nonmetallic material in the region where the implant antenna element is located, creating a localized low-loss path for magnetic field transmission. This allows the antenna to be positioned close to the housing bottom while maintaining high efficiency, resolving the contradiction between energy transfer efficiency and device thickness.
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 enables a compact and reliable connection between the implant antenna element and external devices, improving the efficiency of energy transfer and reducing device thickness.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one implant antenna element is for inductively connecting the implantable hearing device to an external device via a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic sheet arranged substantially between the at least one implant antenna element and the bottom side of the at least one housing, wherein the at least one magnetic sheet is configured to affect the magnetic field of the at least one implant antenna element
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable hearing device for enhancing the hearing capability of a user is disclosed. The implantable hearing device may include: at least one housing having a top side to be substantially directed towards the skin of a user and at least one bottom side to be substantially directed opposite to the top side, at least one implant antenna element for inductively connecting the implantable hearing device to an external device via a magnetic field, in particular to at least one external hearing device. The bottom side of the at least one housing at least partly is of metallic material, and the top side of the at least one housing at least partly is of nonmetallic material. Additionally, an implantable hearing system is disclosed.