Hearing Prosthesis Magnetic Attachment Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable hearing prosthesis systems face challenges in achieving consistent magnetic attachment due to individual anatomical variations, leading to potential skin damage or device detachment, and hardware issues such as temporary signal interruptions.
Innovation Solution
Measuring coil coupling strength values to estimate transcutaneous distance and magnetic coupling strength, allowing for adjustment of magnet strength and detection of hardware problems without hardware modifications, using a separate analyzing unit that can be integrated into devices like audiologist fittings or patient smartphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a stronger magnet is used to ensure secure attachment, then magnetic retention force is improved, but skin flap compression damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the magnetic field strength parameter based on real-time measurements of skin flap thickness and coil coupling strength. The external magnet's strength is modified according to measured parameters to achieve optimal retention force that prevents both detachment and skin compression damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback loop where coil coupling strength measurements are continuously monitored and fed back to control the external magnet's strength. This closed-loop control ensures the magnetic retention force is automatically adjusted to match the patient's anatomical characteristics, preventing both too weak attachment and excessive compression.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a weaker magnet is used to prevent skin damage, then skin flap compression is reduced, but magnetic retention force becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the magnetic field strength parameter based on real-time measurements of skin flap thickness and coil coupling strength. The external magnet's strength is modified according to measured parameters to achieve optimal retention force that prevents both detachment and skin compression damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback loop where coil coupling strength measurements are continuously monitored and fed back to control the external magnet's strength. This closed-loop control ensures the magnetic retention force is automatically adjusted to match the patient's anatomical characteristics, preventing both too weak attachment and excessive compression.
3Force
If magnet strength is increased to compensate for skin swelling, then attachment is improved, but skin thickness decreases over time requiring weaker magnet
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static magnet selection to dynamic magnet strength adjustment. The external magnet's strength is continuously adapted based on real-time measurements of skin flap thickness and coil coupling strength, allowing the system to respond to temporal changes in skin characteristics post-surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the magnetic field strength parameter based on real-time measurements of skin flap thickness and coil coupling strength. The external magnet's strength is modified according to measured parameters to achieve optimal retention force that prevents both detachment and skin compression damage.
4Measurement precision
If coil coupling strength is measured to estimate skin flap thickness, then magnet strength can be optimized, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement unit serves multiple functions: it measures coil coupling strength for skin flap thickness estimation, monitors magnetic field strength for magnet optimization, and detects hardware issues. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating measurement capabilities into a single integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement unit leverages the existing transceiver coil infrastructure to perform measurements. The coil coupling strength measurement utilizes the same electromagnetic coupling mechanism already present for wireless communication, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement hardware and reducing system complexity.
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 approach provides a reliable and simple method for optimizing magnetic attachment and detecting hardware issues, ensuring comfortable and secure device fit while preventing skin damage and signal interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
communicates with the implantable part via a transcutaneous short range radio frequency (RF) connection which is stablished by transcutaneous inductive coupling between an implant transceiver coil in the implantable part and an external transceiver coil in the external electronic device
Implementation Method 2
a separate headpiece with an integrated attachment magnet system may be provided which mechanically aligns itself to an attachment magnet system provided in the implantable part when the headpiece is placed in the vicinity of the implantable part
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a hearing prosthesis system comprising a hearing implant implantable within a patient and including an implant transceiver coil and an implant attachment magnet device; an external component including an external transceiver coil and an external attachment magnet device, wherein the external component comprises or is connected to a measurement unit for measuring coil coupling strength values indicative of the received coil telemetry coupling strength (“MTEL-RSSI”) when the external transceiver coil and the implant transceiver coil are inductively coupled; and an analyzing unit configured to control the measurement unit, to receive coil coupling strength values measured by the measurement unit and to analyze the received coil coupling strength values.