External RF Coil with Magnetic Attachment for Bone Conduction Hearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aids and prostheses, such as cochlear implants, often rely on either air conduction or electrical stimulation, which may not effectively address conductive hearing loss or fully utilize residual hearing capabilities, limiting the ability to provide comprehensive sound perception.
Innovation Solution
A transcutaneous RF communication system that combines electrical and mechanical stimulation, using an external component with a magnetic attraction mechanism to secure a device to the skin, allowing for both electrical stimulation of the cochlea and mechanical vibration through bone conduction, enabling simultaneous perception of sound through RF signals and vibrations at specific frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hearing aids use air conduction to transmit acoustic signals, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot effectively address conductive hearing loss or fully utilize residual hearing capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical stimulation (cochlear implant functionality) and mechanical vibration (bone conduction) into a single integrated device. The external component includes both an RF communication apparatus for electrical stimulation and a transducer for mechanical vibration, allowing simultaneous delivery of both stimulation types through a unified system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing prosthesis is designed to perform multiple functions: it can provide electrical stimulation to the cochlea, deliver mechanical vibrations through bone conduction, and adapt to different types of hearing loss. The device can be configured to address both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, making it a universal solution for various hearing impairments.
2Reliability
If magnetic attraction force is increased to secure the external component to skin, then attachment reliability improves, but discomfort or damage to the recipient may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies optimizing the magnetic attraction force parameters to fall within a safe and effective range (0.75N to 1.05N at 1-10mm skin separation). This parameter optimization ensures sufficient attachment reliability while preventing excessive force that could cause skin discomfort or damage, balancing both requirements through precise parameter control.
3Productivity
If the external component is held closer to the skin for better RF communication, then communication efficiency improves, but magnetic attraction force increases potentially causing harm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines an optimal operating range for skin separation (1-10mm) that balances RF communication efficiency with magnetic force safety. Within this range, the system maintains sufficient magnetic attraction for reliable attachment and communication while preventing excessive force that could cause harm, allowing close proximity for efficient RF transfer without compromising safety.
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
This approach enhances sound perception by utilizing both electrical and mechanical stimulation, effectively addressing conductive hearing loss and preserving residual hearing, providing a more comprehensive auditory experience.
Implementation Method 1
the system is configured to hold the external component to skin of the recipient via magnetic attraction between the first magnetic and the second magnetic
Implementation Method 2
a transducer configured to at least one of convert electrical input into mechanical output or mechanical input into electrical output
Implementation Method 3
transcutaneous RF communication system
Data Source
AI summary
A device including an inductive radio frequency communication coil and a platform apparatus configured to be secured or coupled to an actuator such that the actuator can induce vibration in the skull inducing hearing percepts, and the RF coil can deliver communication allowing an implantable stimulator to also induce hearing percepts.