Implant Power Control via Hall Sensor and External Magnet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current totally implantable cochlear implant systems lack the ability for external control to turn the device on or off, which is necessary for safety and power conservation, as they rely on external components for power transmission but not data or control information.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a Hall sensor and switch combination, referred to as a Hall Switch, that uses an external magnet to control power supply to the implant's electronic circuitry, allowing power to be interrupted or restored based on magnetic field polarity changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the implant relies on external components for power transmission only, then power supply is maintained, but external control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The external magnet serves multiple functions: it provides magnetic field coupling for power transmission and simultaneously acts as a control interface for switching power on/off. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling external control without adding separate control hardware to the implant.
Solution Approach 2:
The Hall sensor acts as an intermediary between the external magnet and the power switch circuit. It converts the magnetic field presence into an electrical signal that controls the power switching, enabling external control capability while keeping the implant's internal control logic simple.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the implant remains continuously powered on, then operational availability is maintained, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The implant operates in periodic cycles of being powered on and off based on user needs. The ability to switch power off during non-use periods (such as nighttime) extends battery life, while the simple magnetic control mechanism ensures the device can be quickly reactivated when needed, maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If no external control mechanism is provided, then device complexity is minimized, but safety and power conservation capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic control interfaces with a simple magnetic field-based control mechanism. The external magnet provides intuitive on/off control without requiring buttons, switches, or complex communication protocols, thereby enabling power control capability while minimizing added 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
Enables external control of the implant's power state, allowing users to safely shut down or restart the device, thereby conserving battery life and ensuring safety during emergencies or when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a Hall sensor and switch combination, referred to as a Hall Switch, that uses an external magnet to control power supply to the implant's electronic circuitry
Implementation Method 2
uses an external magnet to control power supply to the implant's electronic circuitry, allowing power to be interrupted or restored based on magnetic field polarity changes
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method of operating an implant system having an external portion and an implanted portion. The external portion includes a first magnet and a power signal transmission module for transmitting an electrical power signal across the skin of a user. The implanted portion including a second magnet, a receiver module for receiving the power signal across the skin of a user, a Hall Sensor, a switch, and a battery. The method includes externally orientating and/or positioning the first magnet in a first arrangement, such that the external portion is held in place on the user based substantially on a magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet, and such that the power signal transmission module is aligned with the receiver module and the receiver module receives the power signal.