Implantable Hearing Device with Floating Mass and Cochlear Transducers

Solution Overview

Problem

Current hearing aids and cochlear implants are inadequate in providing optimal hearing correction across the entire normal audio frequency range for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss or tinnitus, often resulting in limited assistance and potential aggravation of tinnitus.

Innovation Solution

Implantable medical devices utilizing multiple signal transducers, including a floating mass transducer and a cochlear implant, to provide mechanical and electrical stimulation to the ear, addressing both high and low frequency ranges, and capable of being attached to various structures within the ear for enhanced sound perception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional hearing aids are used, then low frequency hearing assistance is provided, but high frequency hearing correction is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehearing correction effectivenessVSAvoidfrequency range coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hearing device is divided into multiple transducers, each responsible for specific frequency ranges. The first transducer handles low frequency sounds while the second transducer handles high frequency sounds, allowing each component to specialize in a particular function rather than requiring a single device to cover the entire spectrum effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hearing device incorporates multiple transducers with different functional capabilities within a single system. The first transducer provides mechanical stimulation for low frequencies while the second transducer provides electrical stimulation for high frequencies, making the overall device universally effective across the complete audible frequency range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If cochlear implants are used, then high frequency hearing assistance is provided, but low frequency hearing correction is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehearing correction effectivenessVSAvoidfrequency range coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hearing device is divided into multiple transducers, each responsible for specific frequency ranges. The first transducer handles low frequency sounds while the second transducer handles high frequency sounds, allowing each component to specialize in a particular function rather than requiring a single device to cover the entire spectrum effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hearing device incorporates multiple transducers with different functional capabilities within a single system. The first transducer provides mechanical stimulation for low frequencies while the second transducer provides electrical stimulation for high frequencies, making the overall device universally effective across the complete audible frequency range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If traditional hearing aids are used, then acoustic amplification is provided, but clear natural sound perception is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic amplificationVSAvoidsound quality perception

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces pure acoustic amplification with a combination of mechanical and electrical stimulation methods. Instead of simply amplifying sound waves acoustically, the device uses electrical signals to directly stimulate the auditory nerve, providing clearer and more natural sound perception while maintaining energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If cochlear implants are used, then electrical stimulation is provided, but tinnitus may be aggravated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehearing correction effectivenessVSAvoidtinnitus aggravation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies different stimulation methods to different frequency ranges based on local needs. Electrical stimulation is applied only to high frequency ranges where it is most beneficial, while mechanical stimulation handles low frequencies, avoiding unnecessary electrical stimulation that could aggravate tinnitus in certain frequency bands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

These devices offer superior hearing correction across the entire normal audio frequency range, improving sound perception for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss or tinnitus, and are suitable for those who have not benefited from standard cochlear implants.

Implementation Method 1

a transducer comprising a magnet and a coil disposed within and attached to a housing, the magnet producing a first magnetic field and the first coil producing a second magnetic field, the first and second magnetic fields interacting to cause vibrations of the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8285384B2Implantable medical devices with multiple transducers

Publication Date: 2012.10.09 MED EL ELEKTROMEDIZINISCHE GERAETE GMBH

AI summary

Devices with both electrical and mechanical signal transducers can be used for improving sound perception by individuals with severe to profound hearing loss or tinnitus.