Sub-cranial Vibratory Stimulator Fluid-Mediated Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bone conduction devices transfer vibrations directly to the skull bone, which can result in mechanical losses and require higher power actuators to compensate, limiting their effectiveness for severe hearing loss and increasing power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A sub-cranial vibratory stimulator with an implantable actuator positioned between the skull bone and the dura mater, using a vibration damping material to mechanically decouple the actuator from the skull bone, thereby delivering vibrations directly to bodily fluids within the skull, reducing mechanical losses and power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If bone conduction devices transfer vibrations directly to the skull bone, then the vibrations are delivered to the cochlea, but mechanical losses increase and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary fluid medium (saline solution or bodily fluid) between the actuator and the skull bone. The actuator vibrates this fluid medium, which then transmits the vibrations to the cochlea through the temporal bone, reducing direct mechanical coupling losses compared to traditional bone conduction devices that contact the skull directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical contact system with a fluid-mediated transmission system. Instead of direct solid-to-solid vibration transfer from actuator to skull bone, the system uses fluid vibration transmission, which reduces mechanical losses and improves energy efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bone conduction devices are used, then they can treat mild to moderate hearing loss, but they are ineffective for severe hearing loss up to 75 dB HL
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of bone conduction devices by using fluid-mediated vibration transmission instead of direct bone contact. This parameter change enables the device to effectively treat severe hearing loss up to 75 dB HL, expanding the treatment range beyond what traditional devices can achieve.
3Loss of energy
If the actuator is mechanically coupled to the skull bone, then vibrations are transmitted efficiently, but mechanical losses increase and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a fluid intermediary (saline solution) to couple the actuator to the temporal bone, creating a more efficient vibration transmission path that reduces mechanical losses and lowers power requirements compared to direct rigid mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using fluid (saline solution or bodily fluid) to transmit vibrations from the actuator to the cochlea. This fluid-based transmission system reduces mechanical losses and power consumption compared to traditional solid mechanical coupling.
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 sub-cranial approach allows for lower power consumption and increased effectiveness in treating hearing loss up to 75 dB HL, as vibrations are transmitted with minimal loss through bodily fluids, potentially addressing limitations of traditional bone conduction devices.
Implementation Method 1
an isolation member formed from a vibration damping material. The isolation member is configured to be positioned between the implantable actuator and the recipient's skull bone and is configured to substantially mechanically decouple the implantable actuator from the recipient's skull bone
Implementation Method 2
an implantable actuator positioned in the body and configured to generate mechanical vibrations for delivery to bodily fluid of the recipient
Data Source
AI summary
A sub-cranial vibratory stimulator that at least partially bypasses a recipient's skull bone and delivers vibration to fluid within a recipient's skull bone. The sub-cranial vibratory stimulator comprises an actuator that is configured to be implanted beneath a recipient's skull bone. The actuator transfers vibration to the fluid within the recipient's skull without first passing through the skull bone. The actuator is also substantially mechanically decoupled (isolated) from the recipient's skull bone.