Auditory Prosthesis Suspension Sealing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bone conduction devices face challenges in balancing sealing and suspension functionality, as overly stiff suspensions can compromise the transmission of vibrations while preventing water and dirt infiltration.
Innovation Solution
A combination suspension and sealing system that utilizes a housing with a sealing mechanism to prevent contaminants while maintaining sufficient suspension functionality, allowing for efficient vibration transmission and minimizing feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stiff suspension system is used to seal the housing against contaminants, then sealing capability is improved, but vibration transmission is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into multiple independent elastic elements (springs) that individually provide both sealing and vibration damping functions. Each spring segment contributes to the overall sealing capability while independently damping vibrations, allowing the system to achieve both sealing and vibration isolation without requiring a single stiff structure
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system combines multiple materials with different properties (metal springs for structural support and elasticity, sealing rings for contamination barrier) to create a composite structure that simultaneously provides sealing capability and vibration damping. The combination of rigid and flexible elements allows the system to maintain sealing while isolating vibrations
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a suspension system is implemented to isolate vibrations from microphones, then feedback is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the elastic elements simultaneously provide mechanical support for the electronic components, isolate vibrations from the microphones, and contribute to the overall device assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving vibration isolation and feedback reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic suspension elements inherently provide vibration damping and feedback reduction without requiring active control systems or additional complexity. The passive elastic properties of the springs automatically isolate vibrations from the microphones, reducing feedback without needing complex active noise cancellation or additional sensing elements
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 system effectively seals the device against water, sweat, and dirt while providing adequate damping to reduce feedback and enhance vibration transmission, making it suitable for both percutaneous and transcutaneous applications.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element configured to dampen vibrations between the transmission element and the housing
Implementation Method 2
a sealing element disposed between the transmission element and the housing to form a seal that prevents infiltration of water, sweat, and/or dirt into the housing
Data Source
AI summary
In bone conduction auditory prostheses, a suspension of the electronic components relative to the vibrating mass is beneficial for a number of reasons. The suspension systems depicted also function as a seal, so as to prevent infiltration of direct, water, or other contaminants into the housing. The present technology utilizes a combination suspension and sealing system that seals the housing of an auditory prosthesis while still providing sufficient suspension functionality.