Two-Wire Implant Cable for Cochlear Power and Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aids relying on air conduction are ineffective for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, and existing bone conduction devices face challenges in efficiently powering and data transmission due to the complexity of multi-wire interfaces, which increases bulk and interferes with tissue stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A two-wire interface system that interleaves power and data within the cable, allowing for simplified manufacturing and reduced bulk, with modes of operation that enable charging and signal transmission based on the presence or absence of an external processor device, utilizing a rechargeable auxiliary device battery for self-powering and efficient data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-wire interface is used for power and data transmission, then reliable power supply and data communication can be achieved, but the device bulk increases and interferes with tissue stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication functions into a single two-wire interface. The stimulator device and auxiliary device exchange both power and data signals through the same cable connection, eliminating the need for separate power and data wires. This merging reduces the overall device bulk while maintaining reliable power supply and data communication through coordinated signal protocols.
2Volume of moving object
If a two-wire interface is used to reduce bulk, then device size is minimized, but distinguishing between power and data signals becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using distinct timing patterns to differentiate between power and data signals. The stimulator device and auxiliary device use specific pulse patterns, duty cycles, and timing sequences to identify whether a signal on the two-wire interface is for power transmission or data communication. This temporal differentiation allows simple two-wire hardware to support complex dual-function operation without requiring additional wires or complex signal processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the auxiliary device uses its own battery, then power independence is achieved, but charging the battery requires additional wiring complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the two-wire interface universal by designing it to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the data communication channel and the power charging channel. The same cable connection used for data exchange between the stimulator and auxiliary device is also used to charge the auxiliary device battery. The system automatically switches between data mode and charging mode based on signal detection, eliminating the need for separate charging ports or wires and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical system including an implantable stimulator device and an implantable auxiliary device. An implantable cable electrically connects the implantable stimulator device and the implantable auxiliary device. The implantable auxiliary device has an auxiliary device rechargeable battery and an auxiliary component. The implantable medical system is configured to selectively operate in a first mode or a second mode. The implantable medical system is configured to, based on the mode, control charging the auxiliary device rechargeable battery from the implantable stimulator device over the implantable cable and control transmission of an auxiliary device signal from the auxiliary component to the implantable stimulator device over the implantable cable.