Implantable Hearing Prosthesis Night Mode via Inductive Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices, such as cochlear implants, face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and operation modes during charging cycles, particularly when using rechargeable batteries, which can disrupt sleep if not managed appropriately.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a night-time mode of operation for implantable hearing prostheses, triggered by inductive charging from an external device, which reduces power consumption and adjusts functionality to suit sleeping recipients, including reduced-sensitivity sound processing and tinnitus masking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the implantable hearing prosthesis operates at full functionality during charging, then the device performance is maintained, but power consumption increases and may disrupt sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The implant controller dynamically adjusts the operational mode of the hearing prosthesis based on charging detection. When inductive charging is detected during nighttime hours, the system automatically switches to a reduced-power nighttime mode, which maintains essential functions while reducing overall power consumption to prevent sleep disruption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining device performance and reducing energy usage during charging periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different power modes (full functionality mode vs. nighttime mode) based on charging status and time of day. The nighttime mode modifies parameters such as processing sensitivity, output levels, and activation thresholds to reduce power consumption while maintaining adequate hearing assistance during sleep hours.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the implantable hearing prosthesis switches to nighttime mode during charging, then power consumption is reduced and sleep is protected, but device functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging during nighttime hours when the user is sleeping, accumulating energy in the rechargeable battery during this low-activity period. This preliminary energy accumulation allows the device to operate at reduced functionality during sleep while ensuring sufficient power is stored for full functionality during daytime waking hours, thus resolving the contradiction between reduced nighttime functionality and overall device adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing prosthesis operates in periodic cycles, alternating between nighttime mode during charging/sleep periods and full functionality mode during daytime periods. This periodic switching between operational states allows the device to accept the temporary limitation of reduced functionality during nighttime while maintaining overall versatility and adaptability across different time periods.
3Duration of action of moving object
If inductive charging is used during nighttime, then the battery is recharged, but sleep may be disrupted by device operation or charging signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potentially harmful effect of charging-related disruptions into a beneficial nighttime mode operation. By detecting the charging state and automatically switching to nighttime mode, the system uses the charging event as a trigger to enter a low-power state that actually protects sleep. The charging process itself becomes beneficial by extending battery duration, while the associated operational changes eliminate sleep disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant controller continuously monitors charging status and provides feedback to adjust operational mode accordingly. When inductive charging is detected, the system receives feedback about the charging state and responds by switching to nighttime mode, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents sleep disruption while maintaining charging functionality.
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 efficient power management and tailored functionality during charging, minimizing sleep disturbances and extending device operation without requiring frequent recharging.
Implementation Method 1
an implantable coil configured to be inductively coupled to an external coil of an external night-time charging device
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are techniques for initiating a night-time mode of operation in an implantable hearing prosthesis in response to detection of night-time recharging operations. More specifically, an implantable hearing prosthesis comprises a rechargeable battery that is configured to be recharged via an external night-time charging device, such as a pillow charger. The implantable hearing prosthesis is configured to detect inductive charging of the rechargeable battery by the external night-time charging device. In response, the implantable hearing prosthesis is switched to a night-time mode of operation.