Systems and devices for equalizing telemetry signals transmitted by way of a transcutaneous narrowband inductive link

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cochlear implant systems face challenges in efficiently transferring power and data without the need for a separate headpiece and cable, as existing configurations lead to significant distortion due to bandwidth limitations in transcutaneous inductive links, limiting data rates and requiring strict geometric alignment.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of equalization circuitry within the sound processor and cochlear implant to compensate for distortion in telemetry signals transmitted through transcutaneous narrowband inductive links, allowing for reliable data transfer at high rates without a separate headpiece, using dissimilar coil sizes and lower carrier frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If transcutaneous inductive link is used for power and data transfer, then wireless communication is achieved, but significant distortion occurs due to bandwidth limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communicationVSAvoidsignal distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary equalization of the telemetry signal before transmission through the transcutaneous inductive link. The equalization circuitry pre-compensates for the bandwidth limitations and distortion that will occur during transmission, ensuring that the signal maintains integrity throughout the wireless communication process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the received signal characteristics are monitored and used to adjust the equalization parameters in real-time. This allows the system to adapt to varying transmission conditions and maintain optimal signal quality despite the inherent bandwidth limitations of the inductive link.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If high data rates are transmitted through transcutaneous inductive link, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but geometric alignment requirements become stricter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidgeometric alignment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The equalization circuitry performs preliminary compensation for geometric misalignment and bandwidth effects before signal transmission. This pre-processing allows the system to maintain high data rates even when the geometric alignment between transmitting and receiving coils is not perfectly precise, reducing the stringency of alignment requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If headpiece and cable are eliminated for direct sound processor to cochlear implant communication, then device complexity is reduced, but power and data transfer efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem configurationVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary equalization and signal conditioning before transmission through the simplified direct inductive link. This pre-processing compensates for the reduced efficiency inherent in eliminating the headpiece and cable, allowing the simplified configuration to achieve acceptable power and data transfer performance without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 and data transfer at high data rates, eliminating the need for a headpiece and reducing system size, cost, and improving convenience and aesthetics while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Implementation Method 1

power and data that is transmitted by way of transcutaneous inductive links

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250235699A1Systems and devices for equalizing telemetry signals transmitted by way of a transcutaneous narrowband inductive link

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 ADVANCED BIONICS AG

AI summary

An illustrative cochlear implant system includes a sound processor associated with a sound processor coil, a cochlear implant including a cochlear implant coil configured to form a transcutaneous narrowband inductive link with the sound processor coil when the cochlear implant is implanted within the recipient, and equalization circuitry integrated within the sound processor and configured to facilitate recovery, by the sound processor, of backward telemetry data from a backward telemetry signal transmitted by the cochlear implant by way of the transcutaneous narrowband inductive link.