Hearing Aid Holding Unit With Flexible Vibration Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transcutaneous vibration transmission systems cause pressure wounds and irritation due to constant skin pressurization and suffer from mechanical impedance mismatch during vibration transfer, affecting feedback margins in hearing aid systems.
Innovation Solution
A holding unit with a flexible mechanical coupling between a holding plate and a transmission member, using external and internal magnets with impedance relief means like springs or soft polymers to reduce vibration transmission to the external magnets, allowing better impedance matching and reduced feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a large plate with magnets is used to maintain pressure between the skin and vibrator, then the magnetic attraction force is sufficient to hold the device, but the plate acts as a speaker membrane that acoustically emits sound and creates mechanical impedance mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The holding plate is segmented into two distinct parts: a holding plate for magnetic attachment and a separate transmission member for vibration transfer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, eliminating the impedance mismatch and unwanted sound emission caused by a unified large plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration transmission function is extracted from the holding plate by introducing a separate transmission member. This extracted component can be specifically designed for optimal vibration transfer to the bone without the detrimental acoustic properties of the holding plate.
2Reliability
If constant pressure is applied between the skin and vibrator through implanted magnets, then the vibration transmission is maintained, but pressure wounds or irritation of the skin occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static constant pressure to dynamic pressure control. The flexible coupling allows the transmission member to move independently, creating dynamic pressure variations that maintain vibration transmission while reducing continuous pressure on the skin that causes wounds and irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure parameter is changed from constant to variable through the flexible coupling mechanism. This parameter change allows the system to maintain adequate contact pressure for vibration transmission while periodically reducing pressure to prevent skin damage.
3Force
If external magnets are mechanically attached to the holding plate, then the magnetic attraction is strong, but the mechanical coupling transmits vibrations to the magnets creating feedback
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible coupling acts as an intermediary element between the holding plate and transmission member. This intermediary provides the necessary mechanical connection for magnetic attachment while simultaneously isolating the magnets from vibration transmission, preventing feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible coupling functions as a flexible film or shell that connects the holding plate to the transmission member. This flexible element maintains mechanical attachment while its compliance prevents rigid vibration transmission to the magnets, eliminating the feedback path.
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 effectively reduces mechanical coupling, minimizes sound radiation, and enhances feedback margins by ensuring that most vibrations are transmitted to the skin while minimizing transmission through the holding plate, thereby improving the transfer of vibrations to the bone.
Implementation Method 1
a holding plate configured to be attached to the skin by means of magnetic attraction between a number of external magnets that are either: a) integrated within the holding plate; b) mechanically attached to the holding plate or c) constituting the holding plate, and a number of internal magnets implanted under the skin of a hearing impaired person
Implementation Method 2
The transmission member or plate member is interconnected by a mechanical flexible coupling to the magnet(s) of the holding plate... the connection between them is flexible, and comprises impedance relief means so that the vibrations of the vibration transmission part are only partially transmitted to the external magnet or magnetic means
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a holding unit is disclosed. The holding unit includes an internal magnet implanted under skin of a hearing impaired person; a holding plate configured to be attached to the skin by way of magnetic attraction between an external magnet and the internal magnet, the external magnet being configured to mechanically attach within holding plate and the external magnet comprises an adjusting unit configured to adjust the external magnet within the holding plate for changing the magnetic attraction between the external magnet and the internal magnet; and a transmission member configured to transfer mechanical vibrations from a vibrator through the skin to a bone of the person. A hearing aid system comprising the holding unit is also disclosed.