Patent Grant
11930325
The present invention is directed to improved designs for contact hearing devices and, more particularly, improved designs for the support structures and platforms for such devices.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the present inventive concepts will be apparent from the more particular description of preferred embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same or like elements. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the preferred embodiments.
In embodiments of the invention magnet 100 may be a strong permanent magnet. In embodiments of the invention magnet 100 may be a rare earth magnet, such as, for example, a samarium-cobalt (SmCo) magnet.
In embodiments of the invention direct print chassis 1104 may be printed using a commercially available three dimensional printing system. In embodiments of the invention, the shape of the direct print chassis to be printed may be printed to conform to the unique physiology of a patients ear canal by scanning an impression of the ear canal and modeling an appropriate direct print chassis using mathematical modeling techniques.
In embodiments of the invention, a suitable reaction mixture for forming the direct print chassis may include 4,4′.Isopropylidenedicyclohexanol, oligomeric reaction products with 1-chloro-2,3-epoxypropane (CAS #30583-72-3). In embodiments of the invention, a suitable reaction mixture for forming the direct print chassis may include Mixture containing triarylsulfonium salt: 50% propylene carbonate, 50% mixed triarylsulfonium salts (CAS #108-32-7, 71449-78-0, 89452-37-9). In embodiments of the invention, a suitable reaction mixture for forming the direct print chassis may include 3-ethyl-3-hydroxymethyl-oxetane (CAS #3047-32-3).
In embodiments of the invention, a material suitable for use in forming a direct print chassis would have one or more of the following characteristics: a density (liquid) at 25 Degrees Centigrade of approximately 1.1 grams per centimeter cubed; a density (solid) at 25 Degrees Centigrade of approximately 1.17 grams per centimeter cubed; a tensile strength of approximately 52 MPa; a tensile modulus of approximately 2560 MPa; an elongation at break of approximately 6%; a flexural strength of approximately 83 MPa; a flexural modulus of approximately 2330 MPa; an impact strength (notched izod) of approximately 46 J/m; a heat distortion temperature (HDT) at 0.45 MPa of approximately 51 Degrees Centigrade; an HDT at 1.82 MPa of approximately 50 Degrees Centigrade; a hardness, Shore D, of approximately 86; and a glass transition (Tg) of approximately 70 Degrees Centigrade.
In embodiments of the invention, a direct print chassis includes a receiver mount, a motor mount pocket, a central frame and at least one anchor arm. In embodiments of the invention, the chassis may be formed as a single continuous component. In embodiments of the invention, the chassis may be 3D printed. In embodiments of the invention, the chassis may be formed to conform to the anatomy of the ear canal of a user. In embodiments of the invention, the motor mount pocket may be configured to receive and hold a motor mount. In embodiments of the invention, the motor mount may be a component of a motor assembly. In embodiments of the invention, the motor assembly may include a motor mount, a microactuator, and a connection component movably connecting the microactuator to the motor mount. In embodiments of the invention, the connection component may be one or more springs. In embodiments of the invention, the motor assembly may include one or more molded sliders. In embodiments of the invention, the molded sliders may be connected between the connection component and the motor assembly. In embodiments of the invention, the chassis may be connected to a sulcus platform configured in the shape of the anatomy of at least a portion of the user's ear canal. In embodiments of the invention, the chassis may include at least one anchor surface at a distal end of the anchor arm, the anchor surface being configured in the shape of at least a portion of the user's ear canal. In embodiments of the invention, the anchor arms may have a length which is determined by subtracting the width of the sulcus platform from the length required to fit the anchor arm to the user's anatomy without the sulcus platform. In embodiments of the invention, the sulcus platform being connected to the chassis at distal ends of the anchor arm. In embodiments of the invention, the sulcus platform may be connected to the chassis at the anchor surfaces. In embodiments of the invention, anchor arms may extend from a proximal end of the chassis on a first side of a central axis of the chassis. In embodiments of the invention, anchor arms may extend from a distal end of the chassis on both sides of the central axis of the chassis. In embodiments of the invention, the motor mount pocket may be formed in the shape of at least a portion of the motor mount. In embodiments of the invention, a receive coil may be mounted in the receiver mount. In embodiments of the invention, the receive coil may be mounted in a three prong jewel configuration. In embodiments of the invention, a photodetector may be mounted in the receiver mount. In embodiments of the invention, the receiver mount may be manufactured in order to properly align a receive coils mounted therein with a transmit coil mounted in the ear canal of a user. In embodiments of the invention, the chassis may include preprinted wire channels for wires connecting components of the contact hearing device. In embodiments of the invention, the direct print chassis may be parylene coated. In embodiments of the invention, the central frame of the direct print chassis does not conform to the anatomy of the user.
In embodiments of the invention the sulcus platform and/or umbo platform may be 3D printed out of a flexible elastomer. In embodiments of the invention the use of 3D printing of the sulcus platform may be advantageous in allowing the designer to add design features which improve the performance of the sulcus platform and/or umbo platform may facilitate the selective thickness of regions of the sulcus platform and/or umbo platform. In embodiments of the invention the materials used to print the sulcus platform and/or umbo platform may have a Shore A durometer of 75 plus or minus 10%. In embodiments of the invention the materials used to print the sulcus platform and/or umbo platform may have a Shore A durometer of between 40 (plus or minus 10%) and 85 (plus or minus 10%). In embodiments of the invention the sulcus platform and/or umbo platform has a Shore A durometer which is lower than the durometer of the material used to print the direct print chassis. In embodiments of the invention 3D printing of the sulcus platform and/or umbo platform may be advantageous in that it facilitates engineered wall thicknesses, controlled wall thicknesses and repeatability of design and wall thicknesses. In embodiments of the invention 3D printing of the sulcus platform and/or umbo platform facilitates the incorporation of anatomical features of specific users, which facilitates matching the sulcus platform and/or umbo to the anatomy of the user.
In embodiments of the invention, the invention my include a chassis formed as a single continuous material, the chassis including: a receiver mount; a motor mount pocket; a central frame; and at least one anchor arm, wherein a distal end of the at least one anchor arm is shaped to fit the anatomy of a user. In embodiments of the invention the chassis is three D printed. In embodiments of the invention the motor mount pocket conforms to the shape of a motor mount. In embodiments of the invention the motor mount is a component of a motor assembly. In embodiments of the invention the motor assembly includes: a motor mount; a microactuator; and a connection component. In embodiments of the invention the connection component includes one or more springs. In embodiments of the invention the motor assembly includes one or more molded sliders. In embodiments of the invention the distal end of the at least one anchor arm is connected to a flexible sulcus platform. In embodiments of the invention the chassis includes at least two anchor arms, a first anchor arm at a first end of the chassis and a second anchor arm at a second end of the chassis, wherein the distal end of each anchor arm is shaped to fit the anatomy of a user. In embodiments of the invention a sulcus platform extends continuously around the chassis, the sulcus platform being connected to the chassis at the distal ends of the anchor arms. In embodiments of the invention the sulcus platform does not contact any portion of the chassis except the distal ends of the anchor arms. In embodiments of the invention the sulcus platform conforms to the anatomy of a user. In embodiments of the invention the distal end of the at least one anchor arm forms an anchor surface. In embodiments of the invention the anchor surface conforms to the shape of a specific portion of the user's ear canal. In embodiments of the invention at least one anchor surface conforms to the shape of a portion of the user's anterior sulcus. In embodiments of the invention the length of the anchor arms are determined by subtracting the width of the sulcus platform from the optimal depth as determined by a model of the user's ear canal. In embodiments of the invention the model is a physical model. In embodiments of the invention the anchor arms have a length which is determined by subtracting the width of the sulcus platform from the length required to fit the anchor arm to the user's anatomy without the sulcus platform. In embodiments of the invention at least one anchor surface conforms to the shape of at least a portion of a user's posterior sulcus. In embodiments of the invention the motor mount pocket includes a three prong mounting.
In embodiments of the invention, the invention may include a contact hearing device comprising a chassis, sulcus platform and umbo platform wherein: the chassis is formed as a single continuous material; the sulcus platform is formed as a single continuous material; the umbo platform is formed as a single continuous material. In embodiments of the invention the chassis includes: a receiver mount; a motor mount pocket; a central frame. In embodiments of the invention the sulcus platform includes one or more registration features adapted to mate with at least a portion of the chassis. In embodiments of the invention the umbo platform includes a drive post landing pad, the drive post landing pad including at least on alignment feature. In embodiments of the invention the chassis is three D printed. In embodiments of the invention the sulcus platform is three D printed. In embodiments of the invention the umbo platform is three D printed. In embodiments of the invention the motor mount pocket conforms to the shape of a motor mount. In embodiments of the invention the motor mount is a component of a motor assembly. In embodiments of the invention the motor assembly includes: a motor mount; a microactuator; and a connection component. In embodiments of the invention the connection component comprises one or more springs. In embodiments of the invention the motor assembly includes one or more molded sliders. In embodiments of the invention the sulcus platform conforms to the anatomy of a user. In embodiments of the invention the motor mount pocket comprises a three prong mounting.
Audio Processor—A system for receiving and processing audio signals. Audio processors may include one or more microphones adapted to receive audio which reaches the user's ear. The audio processor may include one or more components for processing the received sound. The audio processor may include digital signal processing electronics and software which are adapted to process the received sound. Processing of the received sound may include amplification of the received sound. The output of the audio processor may be a signal suitable for driving a laser located in an ear tip. The output of the audio processor may be a signal suitable for driving an antenna located in an ear tip. The output of the audio processor may be a signal suitable for driving an inductive coil located in an ear tip. Audio processors may also be referred to as behind the ear units or BTEs.
Contact Hearing System—A system including a contact hearing device, an ear tip and an audio processor. Contact hearing systems may also include an external communication device. An example of such system is an Earlens hearing-aid that transmits audio signal by laser to a contact hearing device which is located on or adjacent to the ear drum. The contact hearing system may also be referred to as a smart lens.
Contact Hearing Device—A tiny actuator connected to a customized ring-shaped support platform that floats on the ear canal around the eardrum, where the actuator directly vibrates the eardrum causing energy to be transmitted through the middle and inner ears to stimulate the brain and produce the perception of sound. The contact hearing device may comprise a photodetector, a microactuator connected to the photodetector and a support structure supporting the photodetector and microactuator. The contact hearing device may comprise an antenna, a microactuator connected to the antenna and a support structure supporting the antenna and microactuator. The contact hearing device may comprise a coil, a microactuator connected to the coil and a support structure supporting the coil and microactuator. The contact hearing device may also be referred to as a Tympanic Contact Actuator (TCA), a Tympanic Lens, a Tympanic Membrane Transducer (TMT), a smart lens.
Ear Tip—A structure designed to be placed into and reside in the ear canal of a user, where the structure is adapted to receive signals from an audio processor and transmit signals to the user's tympanic membrane or to a device positioned on or near the user's tympanic membrane (such as, for example, a contact hearing device). In one embodiment of the invention, the signals may be transmitted by light, using, for example, a laser positioned in the light tip. In one embodiment of the invention, the signals may be transmitted using radio frequency, using, for example, an antenna connected to the Ear Tip. In one embodiment of the invention the signal may be transmitted using inductive coupling, using, for example, a coil connected to the ear tip. The ear tip may also be referred to as a light tip, magnetic tip or mag tip.
Light Driven Hearing Aid System—A contact hearing system wherein signals are transmitted from an ear tip to a contact hearing device using light. In a light driven hearing system, light (e.g. laser light) may be used to transmit information, power or both information and power to a contact hearing device.
RF Driven Hearing Aid System—A contact hearing system wherein signals are transmitted from an ear tip to a contact hearing device using radio frequency electromagnetic radiation. In an RF driven hearing system, electromagnetic radiation may be used to transmit information, power or both information and power from the ear tip to the contact hearing device.
Inductively Driven Hearing Aid System—A contact hearing system wherein signals are transmitted from an ear tip to a contact hearing device using inductive coupling. In an inductively driven hearing system, magnetic waves may be used to transmit information, power or both information and power from the ear tip to the contact hearing device.
Light Tip—An ear tip adapted for use in a light driven hearing aid system. A light tip may include a laser.
Mag Tip—An ear tip adapted for use in an inductively driven hearing aid system. The mag tip may include an inductive transmit coil.
While the preferred embodiments of the devices and methods have been described in reference to the environment in which they were developed, they are merely illustrative of the principles of the present inventive concepts. Modification or combinations of the above-described assemblies, other embodiments, configurations, and methods for carrying out the invention, and variations of aspects of the invention that are obvious to those of skill in the art are intended to be within the scope of the claims. In addition, where this application has listed the steps of a method or procedure in a specific order, it may be possible, or even expedient in certain circumstances, to change the order in which some steps are performed, and it is intended that the particular steps of the method or procedure claim set forth herebelow not be construed as being order-specific unless such order specificity is expressly stated in the claim.
This application is a continuation of PCT Application no. PCT/US2020/024669, filed Mar. 25, 2020; which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/824,967, filed Mar. 27, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/990,947, filed Mar. 17, 2020; which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220014860 A1 | Jan 2022 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62990947 | Mar 2020 | US | |
| 62824967 | Mar 2019 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/US2020/024669 | Mar 2020 | US |
| Child | 17482240 | US |
