Implantable Hearing Prosthesis Night Charging Mode for Sleep Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices, such as cochlear implants, face challenges in optimizing their operation during charging cycles, particularly when using rechargeable batteries, as they often continue to function at full capacity during charging, which can disrupt the user's sleep and waste energy.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a night-time mode of operation for implantable hearing prostheses, triggered by inductive charging, which reduces power consumption and modifies sound processing to minimize disturbances during sleep, using a pillow charger to inductively charge the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the implantable hearing prosthesis operates at full capacity during charging, then the device provides complete therapeutic function, but it disrupts user sleep and consumes excessive energy
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 transitions from full-capacity daytime mode to reduced-power nighttime mode, optimizing the balance between therapeutic function and energy conservation during sleep periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different power modes. The implant controller modifies stimulation parameters, sound processing intensity, and overall device activity levels when transitioning to nighttime mode, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining essential therapeutic benefits during sleep
2Reliability
If the implantable hearing prosthesis operates at full capacity during charging, then the device provides complete sound processing, but it creates disturbances during sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its sound processing capabilities based on temporal context and charging status. During nighttime charging periods, the implant controller reduces sound processing intensity and modifies stimulation delivery to minimize audible disturbances that would interfere with sleep, while maintaining essential hearing support functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic operation by distinguishing between daytime and nighttime modes. During nighttime charging periods, the hearing prosthesis operates in a reduced-capacity mode with lower stimulation rates and modified sound processing, creating a periodic cycle that aligns with natural sleep-wake patterns and reduces sleep disturbances
3Productivity
If the implantable hearing prosthesis does not switch to night-time mode, then the device maintains consistent performance, but it wastes battery power during charging cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The implant controller continuously monitors charging status through the implantable coil and battery management system. When inductive charging is detected during nighttime hours, the system receives feedback about the charging state and automatically adjusts its operational parameters accordingly, switching to nighttime mode to conserve battery power while maintaining essential functions
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing prosthesis autonomously manages its own power consumption by detecting charging conditions and self-adjusting its operational mode. The implant controller independently determines when to switch to nighttime mode based on detected inductive charging and time-of-day parameters, eliminating the need for external control and optimizing battery usage automatically
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 night-time mode effectively conserves battery power and enhances user comfort by reducing sound sensitivity and providing additional therapeutic functions like tinnitus masking, ensuring uninterrupted sleep and efficient energy use.
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.