Back to results
US 9,955,271 B2Granted
Suspended components in auditory prostheses
AssigneeCochlear Limited
InventorsJohan Gustafsson, Dan Nyström, Tommy Bergs
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In bone conduction auditory prostheses, a suspension of the electronic components relative to the vibrating mass is beneficial for a number of reasons. The suspension systems depicted also function as a seal, so as to prevent infiltration of direct, water, or other contaminants into the housing. The present technology utilizes a combination suspension and sealing system that seals the housing of an auditory prosthesis while still providing sufficient suspension functionality.
Claims17
An apparatus comprising:
- a rigid housing comprising an interface surface defining an opening through a wall of the rigid housing;
- a vibration transmission element extending at least partially through the opening and configured to actuate reciprocally along an actuation axis, wherein the vibration transmission element comprises an outer surface facing the interface surface;
- and
- an elastic element disposed within the opening between the interface surface and the outer surface,
- wherein the elastic element is pitched relative to the actuation axis.
2 more elements
An apparatus comprising:
- a rigid housing comprising a pitched interface surface defining an opening through a wall of the rigid housing, wherein the opening comprises a maximum diameter proximate an outer surface of the wall and a minimum diameter proximate an inner surface of the wall;
- and
- a vibration transmission element extending at least partially through the opening and defining an actuation axis, wherein the vibration transmission element comprises:
- a stimulation surface;
- and
- an outer surface facing the interface surface, wherein the diameter of the stimulation surface is greater than the minimum opening diameter;
- and
- an elastic element pitched relative to the actuation axis and disposed between the interface surface and the outer surface.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.