Patent ID: 12212935

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed technology relates to improvements in connectors used by bone conduction apparatuses, such as connectors used by bone conduction auditory prostheses to connect to an abutment. Bone conduction auditory prostheses typically include a bone conduction implant (e.g., having the abutment) and a bone conduction device that houses a vibrator. The bone conduction device can be coupled to the bone conduction implant to transmit vibrations generated by the vibrator to the recipient's skull to cause a hearing percept. Traditionally, the connector of the bone conduction device is located proximate a distal end of a shaft and has a unitary structure that functions to both mechanically and vibrationally couple the bone conduction device to the bone conduction implant. The connector can greatly affect the extent to which the bone conduction device protrudes from the bone conduction implant and the perceived size of the overall auditory prosthesis. Traditional bone conduction auditory prostheses have a connector that protrudes at least 3 mm from the housing of the bone conduction device, which can contribute to approximately 20% of the total protrusion of the overall prostheses.

Contrary to traditional arrangements, disclosed examples can provide for a relatively shorter protrusion from the bone conduction implant as well as improved vibration transfer and coupling characteristics. For instance, disclosed configurations can provide a connector assembly having separate vibration transfer and coupling components. For example, a connector assembly as described herein can protrude a relatively shorter distance, such as approximately 1 mm or 8% of the total protrusion of the auditory prosthesis from the bone conduction implant. Disclosed examples can further include angled connector assemblies to correct for an angle of a bone conduction implant. An example bone conduction auditory prosthesis that can benefit from technologies herein is described inFIG.1.

Bone Conduction Auditory Prosthesis

FIG.1is a perspective view of a bone conduction auditory prosthesis100that can benefit from technologies described herein. The bone conduction auditory prosthesis100is wearable by a recipient relative to an outer ear, a middle ear, and an inner ear of the recipient. Elements of the outer, middle, and inner ear are described below, followed by a description of the bone conduction auditory prosthesis100.

In typical human hearing anatomy, the outer ear includes an auricle and an ear canal. A sound wave or acoustic pressure is collected by the auricle and channeled into and through the ear canal. Disposed across an end of the ear canal is an ear drum (also known as the tympanic membrane) that vibrates in response to the acoustic wave. This vibration is coupled to an oval window (or fenestra ovalis) through three bones of middle ear: the malleus, the incus and the stapes, which are collectively referred to as the ossicles. The ossicles serve to filter and amplify the acoustic wave, which causes the oval window to vibrate. The vibration sets up waves of fluid motion within the cochlea. This fluid motion activates hair cells that line the inside of the cochlea. Activation of the hair cells causes appropriate nerve impulses to be transferred through the spiral ganglion cells and an auditory nerve to the brain, where the nerve impulses are perceived as sound.

As illustrated, the bone conduction auditory prosthesis100is positioned behind the outer ear of the recipient and includes a bone conduction device150and a bone conduction implant190. The bone conduction device150is configured to be releasably coupled to the bone conduction implant190. By being releasably coupled, the bone conduction device150can be releasable in such a manner that the recipient can relatively easily attach and remove the bone conduction device150during normal use of the bone conduction auditory prosthesis100. Such releasable coupling can be accomplished via a connector assembly240of the bone conduction device150and a corresponding mating portion of the bone conduction implant190, as is detailed below. As described in more detail inFIG.2, the bone conduction device150can include a sound input device126, a sound processor, a vibratory actuator, and various other operational components.

As illustrated, the bone conduction device150further includes a connector assembly240configured to removably attach the bone conduction device150to the bone conduction implant190, which is at least partially implanted in the recipient. In the illustrated example ofFIG.1, the connector assembly240is connected to the bone conduction implant190implanted in the recipient. An example implementation of the bone conduction implant190is shown and described in more detail inFIG.2.

It is noted that while many of the details of the embodiments presented herein are described with respect to a percutaneous bone conduction device, some or all of the teachings disclosed herein may be utilized in other devices. For example, disclosed examples can be used with transcutaneous bone conduction devices where the bone conduction device150is connectable to a bone conduction device support (e.g., the COCHLEAR BAHA SOUNDARC or BAHA SOFTBAND) having a component to receive the bone conduction device150and being configured to hold a plate or other vibration conductor against the recipient's skin. An example of such a bone conduction device support is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,906,853, which is titled “Bone Conduction Device Support” and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all purposes. Technology described herein can be used in other ways as well, such as in situations where vibration transfer between components is desired.

FIG.2illustrates an example partial cutaway view of the bone conduction auditory prosthesis100ofFIG.1, including the bone conduction device150and the bone conduction implant190. The bone conduction device150includes a housing242, a power source248, a sound processor246, the sound input device126, and a connector assembly240, among other components.

The sound input device126is a component configured to receive sound signals and can be or include a microphone, a telecoil, a wireless transceiver (e.g., configured to receive BLUETOOTH or other wireless signals, which can transmit sound data), other components, or combinations thereof. The sound input device126can be located at various locations, such as on the bone conduction device150, in the bone conduction device150, or coupled to the bone conduction device150(e.g., via a cable extending from the bone conduction device150). Sound signals received by the sound input device126can be provided as electrical signals to the sound processor246.

The sound processor246can be a component configured to use one or more of a plurality of techniques to selectively process, amplify, and/or filter electrical signals from the sound input device126or another location to generate a processed signal. The processed signal can be provided to the vibratory actuator250directly or via one or more transducer drive components to produce a drive signal to ultimately cause the vibratory actuator250to vibrate. The vibrations can be conducted to the recipient's skull via the connector assembly240to cause a hearing percept in the recipient.

The power source248is a component that provides electrical power to one or more components of bone conduction device150. In many examples, the power source248is a rechargeable battery and the bone conduction device150can include a port for receiving a charging cable to charge the power source248.

The connector assembly240is an assemblage for connecting the bone conduction device150to the bone conduction implant190. As illustrated, a proximal portion of the connector assembly240can connect to the vibratory actuator250and a distal portion of the connector assembly240can extend from the housing242. The illustrated example shows the housing242defining an opening260through which the connector assembly240extends. Collectively, the connector assembly240and vibratory actuator250form an actuator-connector assembly280, which is described in more detail inFIG.3. The actuator-connector assembly280can be suspended in the housing242by one or more resilient attachments244, such as via one or more springs. In an example embodiment, the resilient attachments244is connected to the connector assembly240, and the vibratory actuator250is supported by the connector assembly240.

The vibratory actuator250can be a component configured to produce vibrations (e.g., a vibrating electromagnetic actuator or a vibrating piezoelectric actuator) and is disposed in the housing242. The bone conduction device150can be configured to receive sound at the sound input device126, convert the received sound into electrical signals. The electrical signals can be processed by the sound processor246, which then generates control signals that cause the vibratory actuator250to vibrate. In other words, the vibratory actuator250converts the electrical signals into mechanical motion to impart vibrations to the recipient's skull.

As will be understood, the bone conduction device150can include more or fewer components than those in the example illustration. For example, the bone conduction device150can include a user interface over which the bone conduction device150can receive input from and provide output to a user. The bone conduction device150can further include an external device interface to connect the bone conduction device150to one or more external devices, such as a fitting system or a user's device (e.g., a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer). Using external device interface, an external device can obtain and modify information for the various components of bone conduction device150, such as via a wired or wireless connection.

The bone conduction implant190includes an abutment192that which is secured to a bone fixture194via an abutment screw196. The abutment192extends from the bone fixture194which is screwed into bone, through muscle, fat, and skin so that the connector assembly240can be attached thereto. Such an abutment192provides an attachment location for the connector assembly240and facilitates efficient transmission of vibrations from the vibratory actuator250through the connector assembly240and to the bone. In some examples, the bone conduction implant190can be implemented using one or more of the components and techniques described in US 2010/0286776, which is titled “Percutaneous Bone Conduction Implant”, and which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for any and all purposes.

FIG.3is a cross-sectional view of an example implementation of the actuator-connector assembly280ofFIG.2. In order to better convey the concepts of the teachings herein, the background lines of the cross-sectional views are not depicted in the figures. It is to be understood that in at least the case of the vibratory actuator250being radially symmetric, components (e.g., resilient attachments, a bobbin, etc.) can extend about a longitudinal axis of the vibratory actuator250. The illustrated actuator-connector assembly280includes the vibratory actuator250and the connector assembly240. The connector assembly240can be mounted on a bobbin extension354E. Details regarding the connector assembly240are described in more detail inFIG.4.

The vibratory actuator250includes a bobbin assembly354and a counterweight assembly355. As illustrated, the bobbin assembly354includes a bobbin354A and a coil354B that is wrapped around a core354C of the bobbin354A. In the illustrated embodiment, the bobbin assembly354is radially symmetrical. The vibratory actuators250detailed herein can be radially symmetrical.

The counterweight assembly355includes resilient attachments356and357, permanent magnets358A and358B, yokes360A,360B and360C, spacers362, and a counterweight mass370. The spacers362provide a connective support between the resilient attachments356and the other elements of the counterweight assembly355, but in some embodiments, spacers are not present, and the resilient attachments356and357are connected only to the counterweight mass370, while in other embodiments, the resilient attachments356and357are only connected to the spacers362. The resilient attachments356and357can connect the bobbin assembly354via the spacers322and324to the rest of counterweight assembly355and permit the counterweight assembly355to move relative to the bobbin assembly354upon interaction of a dynamic magnetic flux produced by the coil354B. In an example, the spacers322,324are constructed from turned aluminum or molded plastic. The static magnetic flux can be produced by the permanent magnets358A and358B of the counterweight assembly355. In this regard, the counterweight assembly355is a static magnetic field generator, where the permanent magnets358A and358B can be arranged such that their respective south poles face each other and their respective north poles face away from each other. In other embodiments, the respective south poles can face away from each other and the respective north poles can face each other.

The coil354B, in particular, can be energized with an alternating current to create a dynamic magnetic flux about the coil354B. In an example embodiment, the bobbin354A is made of a soft iron. The iron of the bobbin354A is conducive to the establishment of a magnetic conduction path for the dynamic magnetic flux. In an example, the yokes of the counterweight assembly355are made of soft iron also conducive to the establishment of a magnetic conduction path for the static magnetic flux. The soft iron of the bobbin354A and yokes360can be of a type that increases the magnetic coupling of the respective magnetic fields, thereby providing a magnetic conduction path for the respective magnetic fields.

As may be seen, the vibratory actuator250includes axial air gaps370A and370B that are located between the bobbin assembly354and the counterweight assembly355. With respect to a radially-symmetrical bobbin assembly354and the counterweight assembly355, the air gaps370A and370B can extend in the direction of the primary relative movement between the bobbin assembly354and the counterweight assembly355indicated by arrow300A.

The vibratory actuator250can include two radial air gaps372A and372B that are located between the bobbin assembly354and the counterweight assembly355. With respect to the radially symmetrical bobbin assembly354and the counterweight assembly355, the air gap can extend about the direction of relative movement between the bobbin assembly354and the counterweight assembly355. The permanent magnets358A and358B can be arranged such that their respective south poles face each other and their respective north poles face away from each other.

The radial air gaps372A and372B can close static magnetic flux between the bobbin354A and the yokes360B and360C, respectively. Further, the axial air gaps370A and370B close the static and dynamic magnetic flux between the bobbin354A and the yoke360A. In the illustrated implementation, there are four air gaps.

The illustrated vibratory actuator250is a balanced actuator. In alternate configurations a balanced actuator can be achieved by adding additional axial air gaps above and below the outside of the bobbin354A (and in some variations thereof, the radial air gaps are not present due to the addition of the additional axial air gaps). In such an alternate configuration, the yokes360B and360C are reconfigured to extend up and over the outside of the bobbin354A (the geometry of the permanent magnets358A and358B and/or the yoke360A can be reconfigured to achieve utility of the actuator). Some examples can use fewer air gaps than the illustrated configuration. Some embodiments can use four axial air gaps and no radial air gaps. In some examples, fewer air gaps can be utilized.

The operational features of the vibratory actuator250can correspond to some or all of those of the examples (and variations thereof) disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,565,461, titled “Bone Conduction Device Including a Balanced Electromagnetic Actuator Having Radial and Axial Air Gaps”, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,716,953, titled “Electromagnetic Transducer with Specific Internal Geometry”, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for any and all purposes.

The illustrated vibratory actuator250defines a bore354D passing all the way through the vibratory actuator250. More particularly, the bobbin354A (including in some instances, the bobbin extension354E) can define the bore354D. The spacers322and324and resilient attachments356and357can also have a space in the form of a bore that passes all the way therethrough. These spaces can constitute a passage through the spacers and322and324through the springs. In the illustrated example, the space extends from one side of the bobbin354A to another side of the bobbin354A, and a plane bifurcating the bobbin normal to a direction of extension of the space extends through no component within the space. While the illustrated example includes a passage from the space within the bobbin354A to the connection apparatus that is not obstructed, other embodiments can include a configuration where space forming a passage is filled or otherwise contains other solid or liquid material, but there still exists a passage providing that this material is removable. Further along these lines, even if the space within the bobbin354A is filled with or otherwise contains other solid or liquid material, the space still exists providing that the material is removable. For example, the material can be removed without altering the structure in a manner such that reversing the operation or otherwise replacing the removed material with new material will result in restoring the structure to its original form. Material that can be removed only via drilling, for example, is not removable, whereas a component that can be plastically deformed for removal, and replaced with a new component to achieve the prior form is removable.

The coils354B wound about the bobbin354A, which are configured to generate dynamic magnetic flux, extend about the space within the bobbin. The connector assembly240can be in fixed relationship to the bobbin assembly354in general, and the bobbin354A in particular. The connector assembly240can be configured to transfer vibrational energy from the vibratory actuator250.

While the illustrated example shows the connector assembly240being directly fixed to bobbin assembly354, in an alternate embodiment, an intervening component between the two components can be present such that the connector assembly240is indirectly fixed to the bobbin assembly354. Accordingly, while the connector assembly240transfers vibrational energy directly to or from the vibratory actuator250, in other embodiments, the connector assembly240may indirectly transfer vibrational energy to or from the vibratory actuator250. Along these lines, while the bobbin extension354E is depicted as being a part of a monolithic bobbin354A, as noted above, bobbin extension354E, or at least the portion of that component to which the connector assembly240is attached, can be a separate component from the vibratory actuator250. An example implementation of the connector assembly240is described in more detail in relation toFIGS.4-6.

Connector Assembly

FIGS.4-6illustrate additional details regarding the connector assembly240. In particular,FIG.4illustrates a cutaway view of an example implementation of the connector assembly240.FIG.5illustrates a perspective view of the example implementation ofFIG.4.FIG.6illustrates an example connection between the connector assembly240and the bone conduction implant190.

As illustrated in the figures, the connector assembly240can include two primary components: a coupling410and a vibration conductor420. The coupling410and the vibration conductor420can extend through the opening260of the housing242along the longitudinal axis of the vibratory actuator250. Both the coupling410and the vibration conductor420can have proximal ends disposed within the housing242of the bone conduction device150and distal ends disposed outside of the housing242. The connector assembly240can further include a fastener430and a sleeve440, among other components.

The coupling410is a component configured to couple with the bone conduction implant190(e.g., the abutment192thereof). The coupling410can couple with the bone conduction implant190in any of a variety of ways. As illustrated, the coupling410can be configured as a snap fastener. In particular, the coupling410can couple with bone conduction implant190by deforming when in substantial compressive contact with the abutment192of the bone conduction implant190, such as may result from a user pressing the coupling410against the abutment192. As can be seen inFIG.6, a maximum diameter of the coupling410can be less than a maximum diameter of the abutment192. For instance, the maximum diameter of the abutment192could be approximately 7.5 mm. The abutment192can include a sidewall610having a lip612or another attachment feature within a concavity defined by the sidewall610having a smaller maximum inner diameter than a maximum diameter of the coupling410. Thus, when the coupling410is pressed into the abutment192, the coupling410will elastically deform radially inward to accommodate the lip612or another attachment feature. Once portion of the coupling410having the greatest diameter passes the lip612, the coupling410begins to elastically expand radially outward and a radial retention surface412of the coupling410presses against a surface of the lip612of the sidewall610(e.g., the coupling410“snaps” into place), which can still at least slightly limit the expansion of the coupling410. In this manner, the coupling410presses against the abutment192and retains the bone conduction device150relative to the bone conduction implant190. In this manner, the coupling410establishes a mechanical connection between the coupling410and the abutment192, thereby retaining the bone conduction device150in a position relative to the bone conduction implant190. For example, once coupled, the interaction between the coupling410and the abutment192can resist movement of the bone conduction device150relative to the bone conduction implant190. In particular, the coupling410can resist movement unless a sufficient amount of removal force is applied to cause the coupling410to deform to allow the coupling410to pass the lip612. The connection provided by the coupling410can not only resist movement of the bone conduction device150relative to the bone conduction implant190, but it can also force an axial interface surface422of the vibration conductor420against the abutment192(e.g., by pulling the axial interface surface422against the abutment192) to facilitate the conduction of vibrations from the vibratory actuator250to the abutment192.

The portion of the coupling410that deforms when coupling with the abutment192can, but need not, be continuous. In many examples the coupling410includes relief features502or is divided into completely separate sections (e.g., four separate sections) to accommodate deformation of the coupling410as it couples with the abutment192. For instance, the illustrated example ofFIG.5shows a coupling410defining four relief features502in the form of regions lacking material (e.g., cutouts) that help the coupling410accommodate deformation during use.

As illustrated and discussed above, the radial retention surface412of the coupling410can interface with the abutment192. The radial retention surface412can be one or more surfaces of the coupling410configured to be in contact with and apply force to the abutment192. The radial retention surface412can extend circumferentially around the coupling410and can be broken up by the relief features502. The radial retention surface412can be configured to provide force to the abutment192radially outward from longitudinal axis along which the coupling410extends. The radial retention surface412can provide force to pull the bone conduction device150toward the abutment192to facilitate contact between the abutment192and the vibration conductor420.

The radial retention surface412(and the coupling410more broadly) can lack a feature configured to conduct vibrations to the abutment192. For example, while the interface between the coupling410and the abutment192may result in some vibration transfer, the coupling410can lack a component configured to facilitate such transfer. The vibration transfer via the coupling410can be substantially less than the vibration transfer caused due to the vibration conductor420. In examples, the amount of vibration transfer contributed by the coupling410is less than 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, 2.5%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.1% of the total amount of vibrational force transmitted by the connector assembly240to the abutment. The coupling410can be configured to provide radial retention force rather than being configured to directly facilitate the axial (e.g., along the longitudinal axis) transfer of vibrations.

With the coupling410being separate from the vibration conductor420, the coupling410can be constructed from a material having beneficial properties relating to durability and wear resistance. In examples, the coupling410can be constructed from a plastic, such as molded PEEK. Advantageously, with the coupling410being separate from the vibration conductor420, the coupling can be configured to have properties (e.g., material properties and structural properties) conducive to retaining the bone conduction device150to the abutment192even though such properties may make the coupling410less suited to transferring vibrations.

While the coupling410is shown and described as being receivable within the abutment192, in other embodiments, this can be reversed. For instance, the coupling410can deform radially outward to receive the abutment192within the coupling. The coupling410can provide force pressing radially inward to the abutment192. In addition, while the coupling410has primarily been described as a connecting to the abutment192via a snap mechanism, the coupling410can be implemented in other ways. For instance, in addition or instead, the coupling410can provide a magnetic coupling force to retain the bone conduction device150relative to the bone conduction implant190. In addition or instead, the coupling410can provide a structure (e.g., a ball or detent) for providing a ball-and-detent coupling. In addition or instead, the coupling410can provide a threaded connection. In addition or instead, the coupling410can hook over a portion of the abutment192to connect.

The vibration conductor420is a component separate from the coupling410and configured to conduct vibrations from the vibratory actuator250to the bone conduction implant190(e.g., the abutment192thereof). For instance, the vibration conductor420can have one or more axial interface surfaces422arranged to conduct vibrations to the abutment192in a direction parallel to the axis along which the vibration conductor420extends (e.g., the longitudinal axis). The vibration conductor420can be configured to conduct vibrations to the abutment192in a direction parallel to a major axis of the bone conduction implant190. As illustrated, an example axial interface surface422can be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis along which the vibration conductor420extends. The axial interface surface422can have a topology configured to match a topology of the abutment192to facilitate vibration transfer. In the illustrated example, the topology of the vibration conductor420includes a flange extending from an inner portion of the vibration conductor420. This flange can help resist radial movement of the bone conduction device150relative to the abutment192. For instance, whereas the relatively more deformable coupling410may allow a certain amount of undesirable radial movement, the flange can help keep resist radial movement of the bone conduction device150.

The vibration conductor420can be configured to conduct vibrations by having one or more features for conducting vibrations to the bone conduction implant190. The vibration conductor420can be configured to conduct vibrations by being made of a material selected to have material properties beneficial for conducting vibrations. For instance, the vibration conductor420can be constructed from a relatively hard material to conduct the vibrations. The vibration conductor420can be constructed from a harder material than the material from which the coupling410is constructed. In an example, the vibration conductor420is constructed from a metal, such as a material comprising aluminum or steel.

The vibration conductor420can lack features configured to couple with the abutment192. For instance, the vibration conductor420can lack a feature configured to prevent the bone conduction device150from moving in a direction relative to the bone conduction implant190. For instance, the vibration conductor420can permit movement of the bone conduction device150in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. In an example, the vibration conductor420lacks relief features (e.g., relief features502). For instance, the vibration conductor420can be a continuous structure, such as by having a substantially consistent cross section around the longitudinal axis (e.g., lacking changes in cross sectional shape as would be the case were there relief features in the vibration conductor420). In this manner, the vibration conductor420can facilitate a seal with the abutment192that resists the entry of contaminants (e.g., dust, dirt, or bacteria) when worn by the recipient. An outer surface of the connector assembly240can be smooth (e.g., lacking cracks, crevices, or openings) to reduce the risk of contaminant entry to reduce the risk for infections.

The fastener430can be a component configured to removably couple the coupling410and the vibration conductor420to a location within the housing242. For instance, the fastener430can fasten the coupling410and the vibration conductor420relative to the vibratory actuator250. The fastener430can fasten the vibration conductor420sufficiently tightly relative to the vibratory actuator250to facilitate the vibration conductor420receiving and conducting vibrations from the vibratory actuator250. In an example, the fastener430takes the form of a bolt or screw having threads (e.g., a TORX M1×4 or TORX M1×6 fastener). As illustrated, the fastener430can include a head432disposed within a concavity of the distal end of the coupling410. The coupling410can include a concavity that accommodates the fastener430. The concavity can also facilitate radially inward deformation of the coupling410. In some examples, the head432of the fastener430is directly in contact with the coupling410. But in the illustrated example, the head432of the fastener430is in direct contact with the sleeve440.

The fastener430can be non-destructively removed by a user without opening the housing242. For instance, the head432of the fastener430can be accessible to a user when the bone conduction device150is not being worn. The fastener430can be removed to allow the user to replace or reconfigure the components of the connector assembly240. In some examples, the fastener430can be removed to allow the components of the connector assembly240to be replaced to accommodate different kinds of abutments192(e.g., by changing an existing coupling410to another kind of coupling410configured to attach to a different kind of abutment192). The fastener430can be sized to accommodate the insertion of an adapter (described in more detail below) into the connector assembly240to, for example, modify a length of the connector assembly240.

The sleeve440can be a component configured to be disposed within a concavity of the coupling410and receive the fastener430. The sleeve440can be configured to act as a washer to facilitate the distribution of force by the head432to resist the head432damaging the coupling410or another component. The sleeve440can be configured to be substantially flexible or rigid. The sleeve440can be constructed from any of a variety of materials, such as a polymer material (e.g., turned PEEK) or stamped stainless steel.

The components of the connector assembly240can be disposed in a coaxial relationship with respect to the longitudinal axis. For example, the coupling410, the vibration conductor420, the fastener430, and the sleeve440can be coaxial with respect to the longitudinal axis. The coupling410can be concentrically disposed around the fastener430. The sleeve440can be concentrically disposed around the fastener430as well. The vibration conductor420can be concentrically disposed around the coupling410. In another example, the coupling410can be concentrically disposed around the vibration conductor420. As illustrated, there can be some overlap in the positioning of the components. In an example, the concentricity is with respect to a maximum diameter of the components. For instance, the maximum diameter of the vibration conductor420can be greater than that of the coupling410, which can be greater than that of the sleeve440, which can be greater than that of the fastener430.

The configurations of the connector assembly240described above can provide beneficial feedback and resonance characteristics compared to prior implementations, such as is described in the following section.

Feedback and Resonance Characteristics

FIG.7illustrates an example chart comparing the feedback characteristics between a device having a connector assembly240as described herein having separate coupling410and vibration conductor420components and the COCHLEAR BAHA 5 device, which has a combined coupling-vibration structure. As can be seen, a device having a connector assembly240as described herein can have feedback characteristics that are below a feedback limit and comparable to existing devices despite the modified connector assembly240.

FIG.8illustrates an example chart comparing the resonance characteristics between a connection assembly of a COCHLEAR BAHA 5 device and a device with the vibration conductor420described herein constructed from PEEK or constructed from aluminum. As shown, a device with a vibration conductor420as described herein can beneficially have a resonance peak at a higher frequency compared to a COCHLEAR BAHA 5 device. This change in frequency can be achieved by the vibration conductor420being stiffer than would have been suitable prior designs that had a combination conductor-coupling that needed to be flexible enough to deform to couple with an abutment. The higher frequency peak enables a larger bandwidth for the signal processing. Thus, the connector assembly240described herein can allow for a frequency range of the bone conduction device150to be extended, such as into the range of 200-9600 Hz. This range is higher compared to previous designs that had a frequency range of 200-7200 Hz.

Connector Assembly Adapter

FIG.9, which is made up ofFIGS.9A and9B, illustrates an example implementation of a connector assembly240having an adapter910.FIG.9Billustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the connector assembly240. The adapter910is a component configured to modify the connector assembly240. In the illustrated example, the adapter910is configured to function as an extension of the vibration conductor420that also provides increased length from the housing242to the coupling410. For instance, the adapter910can have one or more properties of the vibration conductor420. In other examples the adapter910can be configured to function as the coupling410or both the coupling410and the vibration conductor420.

As illustrated, the adapter910can be removably disposed between the coupling410and the vibration conductor420. In many examples, the adapter910is used to extend the length of the connector assembly240, which can be beneficial for certain configurations of bone conduction auditory prostheses100. For instance, the adapter910can be configured to extend the length of the connector assembly240by 2 mm. The adapter910can have a fixed length or an adjustable length. In addition to or instead of being configured to extend the length, the adapter910can include one or more sensors, such as a force sensor, an impedance sensor, an implant stability sensor, other sensors, or combinations thereof. These one or more sensors can connect to the sound processor246of the bone conduction device150or another device to provide data for modifying stimulation provided by the bone conduction device150, data for diagnostic purposes (e.g., to confirm whether the bone conduction device150is functioning as intended), data for other purposes, or combinations thereof.

As illustrated, the adapter910includes a second axial interface surface912and a third axial interface surface914. The second axial interface surface912is configured to contact the axial interface surface422of the vibration conductor420and conduct vibrations to the third axial interface surface914. The third axial interface surface914is configured to conduct vibrations to the bone conduction implant190via the abutment192. As illustrated, the adapter910can be configured to be disposed coaxially with the coupling410, the vibration conductor420, the fastener430, and the sleeve440. As further illustrated, the adapter910can include a recessed portion configured to receive the coupling410. When the adapter910is installed in the bone conduction auditory prosthesis100, a proximal portion of the adapter910can be disposed within the housing242and extend through the opening260and a proximal portion of the coupling410is disposed outside of the housing242. The adapter910can include a bore through which the fastener430can extend.

The adapter910can take other forms. In an example, the adapter910is disposed such that a proximal end of the adapter910is located within the housing242, with the proximal ends of one or both of the coupling410and the vibration conductor420being in contact with a distal end of the adapter910. In another example, the adapter910can be configured to connect to the coupling410(e.g., by having one or more characteristics similar to that of an abutment192). In such an example, the adapter910can have its own coupling structure (e.g., being the same as or similar to the coupling410) for connecting to the abutment192. Other configurations are also possible.

Process

FIG.10illustrates an example process1000for providing vibrations to a recipient to cause a hearing percept using the bone conduction auditory prosthesis100. The process1000can include performing operations1010,1020, and1030with a bone conduction auditory prosthesis100having a vibratory actuator250, a coupling410, and a vibration conductor420.

Operation1010can include vibrating the vibratory actuator250in response to a stimulus to generate vibrations. For instance, the sound input device126can produce an electronic signal indicating an audio stimulus. The audio stimulus can include audio from a sonic environment proximate the bone conduction auditory prosthesis100. The sound processor246can receive and process the electronic signal to ultimately cause a control signal to be sent to the vibratory actuator250to cause the vibratory actuator250to vibrate. Following operation1010, the flow of the process1000can move to operation1020.

Operation1020can include conducting the vibrations directly from the vibration conductor420to an abutment192of a recipient. This operation1020can include conducting a vibration from a component of the vibratory actuator250to the vibration conductor420, and then conducting a vibration from the vibration conductor420to the abutment192. In an example, the conduction from the vibration conductor420to the abutment192is direct in that there are no intermediary components between the vibration conductor420and the abutment192. A surface of the vibration conductor420(e.g., the axial interface surface422) can be in direct contact with a surface of the abutment192(e.g., a rim of the abutment192). Via this direct contact, movement of the vibration conductor420can be conducted to the abutment. Following operation1020, the flow of the process1000can move to operation1030.

Operation1030includes retaining the bone conduction auditory prosthesis100in a position relative to the abutment192by providing a retention force to the abutment192via the coupling410. In an example, the operation1030includes providing a retention force that extends radially outward from or radially inward toward the longitudinal axis. For example, an elastically-deformable portion of the coupling410can be constrained from expanding outward by the abutment192and cause a force to be applied from the coupling radially-outward against the abutment192. The retention force need not only extend in a radial direction. The retention force can retain the bone conduction device150in a position relative to the abutment192. Alternatively, an elastically-deformable portion of the coupling410can be constrained from contracting inward by the abutment192and cause a force to be applied from the coupling410radially-inward against the abutment192. In addition or instead, the retaining can be provided by a magnetic retention or a threaded connection. Following operation1030, the flow of the process1000can move to operation1040.

Operation1040includes placing an adapter910between the coupling410and the vibration conductor420. For instance, the placing of the adapter910can include removing the bone conduction device150from its connection with the abutment192, such as by providing a force to the bone conduction device150in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The force can cause the coupling410to deform and slide off of the abutment192. With the bone conduction device150removed, the adapter910can be added by removing the fastener430to allow the coupling410to be removed to make room for the adapter910. Then a proximal portion of the adapter910can be placed where the proximal portion of the coupling410was installed. Then the proximal portion of the coupling410can be placed into contact with the adapter910, and the fastener430can be returned, such that the fastener430retains the coupling410, adapter910, and vibration conductor420in position. In some examples, this operation1040can include placing the second axial interface surface912in contact with the axial interface surface422so vibrations can be conducted directly from the vibration conductor420to the adapter910via the contact between the surfaces422,912. After the adapter910is installed, the bone conduction device150can be reattached to the abutment192. In particular, the reattachment can include maintaining the bone conduction device150in a position relative to the abutment192by providing a retention force to the abutment192via the coupling410. Following operation1040, the flow of the process1000can move to operation1050.

Operation1050includes conducting the vibrations directly from the vibration conductor420to the adapter910. This operation1050can include vibrating the vibration conductor420via vibrations from the vibratory actuator250. Then the vibrations of the vibratory actuator250can be conducted to the second axial interface surface912via its contact with the axial interface surface422of the vibration conductor420. The conduction can be direct by the vibrations not passing through any intermediary components between the axial interface surface422and the second axial interface surface912. Following operation1050, the flow of the process1000can move to operation1060.

Operation1060includes conducting the vibrations directly from the adapter910to the abutment192. The third axial interface surface914of the adapter can be in direct contact with a surface of the abutment192. The vibration of the adapter910can cause the third axial interface surface914to vibrate and transmit the vibrations to the abutment192.

In some examples, the process1000can include operation1070, which includes modifying an angle of the connector assembly240. As described in the following section in conjunction withFIGS.11-14, while the connector assembly240can typically extend substantially perpendicularly to the face of the housing242having the opening, in some situations, it can be advantageous to modify the angle of the connector assembly240relative to the face of the housing242. Modifying the angle can occur in any of a variety of ways including modifying the angle at which the connector assembly240extends from the housing or modifying an angle of the connector assembly240. As such, the operation1070can include adjusting an adjustable component of the bone conduction device150to modify the angle. In other examples, the operation includes replacing the coupling410, vibration conductor420, the adapter910, other components, or combinations thereof to modify the angle.

Angled Connector Assembly

Generally, surgeons endeavor to implant the bone conduction implant190substantially perpendicular to the recipient's skin. For example,FIG.11illustrates a bone conduction device150having a connector assembly240coupled to a recipient's skull via a bone conduction implant190.FIG.12illustrates a partial cutaway view of the circled area inFIG.11showing the bone conduction device150, bone conduction implant190, and connector assembly240aligned along an axis1200extending substantially perpendicular to the recipient's skull. However, in some cases, a surgeon places the bone fixture194angled relative to the axis1200, such as is shown inFIG.13.

FIG.13illustrates a partial cutaway view showing the bone conduction device150coupled to a bone conduction implant190and having a longitudinal axis1300that is non-perpendicular to the recipient's skin. As illustrated, bone conduction implant190is installed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the recipient's skull such that the bone conduction device150is angled toward the recipient's skin, which can cause unwanted feedback and discomfort if the bone conduction device150contacts the recipient's skin. The bone conduction implant190, and connector assembly240are aligned along a longitudinal axis1300that is perpendicular to the face of the bone conduction device150from which the connector assembly240extends and which is non-parallel to the axis1200. As illustrated, the angle between the axes1200,1300is sufficient that the bone conduction device150contacts the skin.

FIG.14illustrates a partial cutaway view showing the connector assembly240aligned along an axis perpendicular to the recipient's skull despite the bone conduction implant190extending along an axis1200that is at a non-perpendicular angle to the recipient's skin. This axis1200can be considered the major axis of the bone conduction implant190and its components. While this arrangement would typically result in the bone conduction device150being angled into the recipient's skin as shown inFIG.13when the connector assembly240extends along the axis1300, here the connector assembly240has an angle θ that makes up for the difference between the axes1200,1300. In particular, the angle of the connector assembly240corrects for the angled implantation of the bone conduction implant190. In an example, the angle θ is at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 degrees away from perpendicular to the housing242(e.g., the face of the housing242from which the connector assembly240extends). For instance, the connector assembly240can be configured such that the coupling410is angled away from perpendicular to the housing by an angle of at least 10 degrees. Perpendicular to the housing can be determined based an angle relative to a width of the housing242or an angle relative to a face of the housing242from which the connector assembly240extends. The connector assembly240can be angled in any of a variety of manner. In some examples, the connector assembly240(e.g., the components thereof) can be configured to have an adjustable angle, such that a recipient or a clinician can modify the angle of the connector assembly240, such as an angle at which the connector assembly240extends through the opening260. In addition or instead, the connector assembly240can be adjustable such that a portion of the connector assembly240outside of the housing242has an adjustable angle. In other examples, the connector assembly240(e.g., the components thereof) can be removable to be replaced by components having a fixed angle.

This disclosure described some aspects of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some of the possible aspects were shown. Other aspects can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Rather, these aspects were provided so that this disclosure was thorough and complete and fully conveyed the scope of the possible aspects to those skilled in the art.

As should be appreciated, the various aspects (e.g., portions, components, etc.) described with respect to the figures herein are not intended to limit the systems and methods to the particular aspects described. Accordingly, additional configurations can be used to practice the methods and systems herein and/or some aspects described can be excluded without departing from the methods and systems disclosed herein.

Similarly, where steps of a process are disclosed, those steps are described for purposes of illustrating the present methods and systems and are not intended to limit the disclosure to a particular sequence of steps. For example, the steps can be performed in differing order, two or more steps can be performed concurrently, additional steps can be performed, and disclosed steps can be excluded without departing from the present disclosure.

Although specific aspects were described herein, the scope of the technology is not limited to those specific aspects. One skilled in the art will recognize other aspects or improvements that are within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrative aspects. The scope of the technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.