Adjustable Magnetic Retention for Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing aids and cochlear implants are inadequate for individuals with conductive hearing loss, as they rely on air conduction and may not effectively bypass damaged mechanical pathways, limiting their ability to perceive sound.
Innovation Solution
A bone conduction device with an external and implantable component that utilizes a magnetic flux to retain the external component against the skin, allowing adjustment of the magnetic retention force by varying the path of the magnetic flux, enabling effective sound transmission through the skull.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a permanent magnet is used to retain the external component to the recipient, then the retention force is provided, but the retention force cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the magnetic flux path adjustable rather than fixed. The external component includes a mechanism that allows the magnetic flux path to be varied, enabling dynamic adjustment of the retention force. This transforms a static magnetic retention system into a dynamic one where the retention characteristics can be modified to suit different user needs and conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the magnetic flux path is adjusted to vary retention force, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Parameter changes principle by modifying the magnetic flux path parameters to achieve variable retention force. Instead of changing the fundamental magnetic properties of the permanent magnet, the system adjusts geometric and positional parameters of the magnetic flux path. This allows for parameter-based control of retention force while maintaining the simplicity of permanent magnet technology.
3Reliability
If bone conduction is used to bypass damaged mechanical pathways, then hearing effectiveness is improved for conductive hearing loss, but the device requires implantation increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Segmentation principle by dividing the bone conduction device into separate implantable and external components. The implantable component is a relatively simple magnetic element embedded in the skull, while the external component contains the sound processing and magnetic flux adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows the complex functions to be isolated in the external portion while keeping the implanted portion minimal and less invasive.
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 device provides a reliable means of sound perception for individuals with conductive hearing loss by converting sound into vibrations that bypass damaged mechanical pathways, offering adjustable retention force for improved comfort and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the apparatus is configured to generate a magnetic flux that removably retains, via a resulting magnetic retention force, the external component to a recipient thereof
Implementation Method 2
a permanent magnet having a polarity axis, the external component being configured such that the permanent magnet at least partially removably retains, via a resulting magnetic retention force, the external component to a recipient thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, including an external component of a medical device configured to generate a magnetic flux that removably retains, via a resulting magnetic retention force, the external component to a recipient thereof, wherein the external component is configured to enable the adjustment of a path of the generated magnetic flux so as to vary the resulting magnetic retention force.