Removable Coil Transducer for Stapedius Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electro-magnetic transducers used to detect the stapedius reflex face challenges such as prolonged calibration times due to repetitive installation and removal, and are compromised by external magnetic fields during MRI, leading to potential injury or device damage.
Innovation Solution
An electro-magnetic transducer assembly with anti-parallel magnets and a removable coil assembly that minimizes torque and demagnetization, allowing for safer MRI compatibility and reduced calibration time through a secure attachment mechanism to the stapedius tendon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electro-magnetic transducer is used to detect the stapedius reflex, then the stapedius reflex can be measured, but the transducer requires repetitive installation and removal leading to prolonged calibration times
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer is divided into separate components: a permanent magnet component that can be attached to the stapedius tendon, and a separate coil assembly that can be attached to the magnet. This segmentation allows the magnet to remain permanently implanted while only the coil assembly needs to be temporarily attached during calibration, significantly reducing repetitive installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnet is pre-implanted and positioned on the stapedius tendon before the actual stapedius reflex measurement. This preliminary action eliminates the need to re-install the entire transducer during calibration, as only the coil assembly needs to be temporarily attached to the pre-positioned magnet.
2Measurement precision
If an electro-magnetic transducer with magnets is used, then the stapedius reflex can be detected, but external magnetic fields during MRI cause torque and demagnetization leading to potential injury or device damage
Solution Approach 1:
The coil assembly is extracted as a separate removable component from the permanent magnet. During MRI procedures, the coil assembly can be removed or deactivated, leaving only the passive permanent magnet in place. This eliminates the risk of electromagnetic induction and heating in the coil during MRI while maintaining the ability to perform stapedius reflex measurements when the coil is reattached.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static integrated transducer to a dynamic configuration where the coil assembly can be attached or detached based on procedural needs. This dynamic approach allows optimization for both measurement functionality and MRI safety by adjusting the configuration according to the specific procedure being performed.
3Loss of time
If a secure attachment mechanism is used to reduce calibration time, then repetitive installation can be minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into simple, standardized interfaces: a mounting surface on the permanent magnet and a corresponding attachment mechanism on the coil assembly. This segmentation creates modular components with simple attachment/detachment interfaces that minimize complexity while enabling rapid reconfiguration.
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 enables efficient and safe measurement of the stapedius reflex with reduced exposure to external magnetic fields, ensuring the transducer's integrity and facilitating prolonged testing without repetitive installation, thus enhancing patient safety and diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A coil assembly includes at least one coil that produces a signal representative of the vibration of the at least one magnet
Implementation Method 2
An electro-magnetic transducer assembly includes a first component. The first component includes at least one magnet. A coil assembly includes a second attachment mechanism for removably attaching the coil assembly to the first component
Data Source
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AI summary
An electro-magnetic transducer assembly includes a first component. The first component includes at least one magnet, and optionally a first attachment mechanism for attaching the first component to a vibrating structure. A coil assembly includes a second attachment mechanism for removably attaching the coil assembly to the first component. The coil assembly further includes at least one coil that produces a signal representative of the vibration of the at least one magnet. An output port provides the signal.