MRI-Compatible Cochlear Implant Magnet Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cochlear implants with disk-shaped magnets are not MRI-compatible and can be demagnetized or dislocated by strong magnetic fields, while MRI-compatible magnet apparatus with elongate diametrically magnetized magnets face difficulties in assembly due to high magnetic strength and tight fits, leading to potential damage and alignment issues.
Innovation Solution
A magnet assembly with a case, rotatable frame, and a magnet holder with elongate diametrically magnetized magnets, where the magnets are placed in the holder before assembly, reducing assembly complexity and the risk of damage, and allowing for proper alignment using separate frame members to manage the tight fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elongate diametrically magnetized magnets are used in MRI-compatible cochlear implants, then MRI compatibility is achieved, but assembly difficulty increases due to high magnetic strength and tight fits
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet assembly is divided into separate components: a frame with receptacles, individual elongate magnets, and a securing mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be prepared and positioned separately before final assembly, reducing the difficulty of handling high-strength magnets during manufacturing while maintaining MRI compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is pre-configured with receptacles and alignment features before the magnets are inserted. This preliminary preparation of the housing structure enables easier and more accurate placement of the high-strength elongate magnets, reducing assembly difficulty while maintaining the tight fit required for MRI compatibility
2Manufacturing precision
If tight fits are used between magnets and frame, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment features and receptacles serve as intermediary elements between the frame and magnets. These intermediaries provide built-in guidance and positioning mechanisms that ensure precise alignment during assembly, reducing the need for complex post-assembly adjustments while maintaining tight fits for MRI compatibility
3Force
If high strength magnets are used, then magnetic holding force is improved, but risk of damage during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame receptacles and securing mechanisms are designed to gently guide and accommodate the high-strength elongate magnets during assembly. This protective design prevents sudden impacts or excessive forces that could damage the magnets, while still enabling the magnets to exert their full holding force for MRI compatibility
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 solution simplifies the assembly process, reduces the risk of magnet damage, and ensures proper alignment and stability under MRI conditions, enhancing the compatibility and reliability of the cochlear implant magnet system.
Implementation Method 1
MRI-compatible magnet apparatus have a case defining a central axis, a frame within the case that is rotatable relative to the case about the central axis, and a plurality of elongate diametrically magnetized magnets that are located in the frame and rotatable about their respective longitudinal axis relative to the frame
Implementation Method 2
The headpiece and the cochlear implant may include respective positioning magnets that are attracted to one another, and that maintain the position of the headpiece transmitter over the implant receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A magnet apparatus including a case defining a central axis, a frame, defining a receptacle, within the case and rotatable about the central axis of the case, a magnet holder within the receptacle and including a plurality of tubes that together define an integral structure, and a plurality of elongate diametrically magnetized magnets that are respectively located in the plurality of tubes, the magnets defining a longitudinal axis and a N-S direction and being rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the tubes.