Integrated Implantable Hearing Unit with Segmented Power and Signal Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable hearing devices often require external components, leading to stigmatizing cosmetics and complications in device removal and maintenance, especially for semi-implantable systems where internal components are difficult to access without causing damage.
Innovation Solution
An implantable hearing unit with an integrated microphone, rechargeable power storage, and signal processor, utilizing a wireless or conductive signal coupling device to connect with implanted stimulation devices, allowing for subcutaneous placement and independent removal without disturbing the stimulation device, and enabling retrofitting of semi-implantable systems to fully implantable ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If semi-implantable hearing devices are used with external components, then device functionality is achieved, but stigmatizing cosmetics and complications in device removal and maintenance occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the microphone, power supply, and speech signal processor into a single integrated implantable unit that is completely implanted within the patient's body. This eliminates the need for external components worn on the body surface, thereby resolving the stigmatizing cosmetic issue while maintaining full device functionality through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hearing device into two independent parts: an implantable unit containing the microphone and power supply, and a separate stimulator unit. This segmentation allows the implantable unit to be removed and replaced independently without disturbing the permanently implanted stimulator, thereby simplifying maintenance and removal procedures while avoiding the need for complex external components.
2Device complexity
If fully implantable hearing devices are used, then stigmatizing cosmetics are avoided, but device integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fully implantable system into two separable units: an implantable unit with microphone and power supply that can be independently implanted and removed, and a stimulator unit that remains permanently implanted. This segmentation reduces integration complexity by allowing independent implantation and maintenance of each unit, while still achieving the cosmetic benefit of a fully implantable device with no external components visible.
3Reliability
If internal components are made difficult to access, then device stability is improved, but maintenance and servicing become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an independently removable implantable unit containing the microphone and power supply, connected to the permanently implanted stimulator through a subcutaneous connector. This segmentation maintains device stability by keeping the stimulator permanently implanted while allowing easy access to and removal of the implantable unit for maintenance, servicing, or replacement without requiring surgical intervention on the stimulator.
4Adaptability or versatility
If semi-implantable systems are retrofitted to fully implantable ones, then consumer acceptance increases, but surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables retrofitting of semi-implantable systems by providing an implantable unit with standardized connectors that can interface with existing stimulators. The segmented design allows the implantable unit to be independently implanted and connected to the pre-existing stimulator through subcutaneous connectors, thereby converting semi-implantable systems to fully implantable configurations without requiring replacement of the stimulator or performing complex surgical procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable hearing unit is provided that includes an implantable microphone, a rechargeable power storage device and a speech signal processor. The hearing unit further includes a signal coupling device that is adapted for electrical interconnection to an implantable auditory stimulation device, which is operative to stimulate an auditory component of a patient. Such a stimulation device may include cochlear implants, brain stem stimulation systems, auditory nerve stimulation systems, and middle or inner ear transducer systems. The signal coupling device is operative to provide processed drive signals from the signal processor to the stimulation device as well provide power from the power storage device to operate the stimulation device. In one arrangement, the signal coupling device is a wireless coupling between first and second coils. In such an arrangement, the hearing unit may be utilized with an existing implanted stimulation device to make that device a fully implanted hearing system.