U.S. patent application number 12/779396 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-02 for actuator systems for oral-based appliances.
This patent application is currently assigned to SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.. Invention is credited to Amir ABOLFATHI, Christoph MENZEL.
Application Number | 20100220883 12/779396 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38779406 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100220883 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MENZEL; Christoph ; et
al. |
September 2, 2010 |
ACTUATOR SYSTEMS FOR ORAL-BASED APPLIANCES
Abstract
Actuator systems for oral-based appliances utilizing transducers
which are attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a
dental or oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such oral
appliances may be a custom-made device which receives incoming
sounds and transmits the processed sounds via a vibrating
transducer element. The transducer element may utilize
electromagnetic or piezoelectric transducer mechanisms and may be
positioned directly along the dentition or along an oral appliance
housing in various configurations.
Inventors: |
MENZEL; Christoph; (New
London, NH) ; ABOLFATHI; Amir; (Woodside,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEVINE BAGADE HAN LLP
2400 GENG ROAD, SUITE 120
PALO ALTO
CA
94303
US
|
Assignee: |
SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.
San Mateo
CA
|
Family ID: |
38779406 |
Appl. No.: |
12/779396 |
Filed: |
May 13, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11741648 |
Apr 27, 2007 |
7724911 |
|
|
12779396 |
|
|
|
|
60809244 |
May 30, 2006 |
|
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|
60820223 |
Jul 24, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
381/326 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04R 1/46 20130101; H04R
25/554 20130101; B33Y 70/00 20141201; H04R 25/606 20130101; B33Y
80/00 20141201; H04R 2225/67 20130101; A61C 8/0093 20130101; H04R
25/604 20130101; A61C 8/0098 20130101; H04R 2420/07 20130101; H04R
2460/01 20130101; H04R 2460/13 20130101; H04R 3/04 20130101; H04R
25/602 20130101; H04R 2225/31 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
381/326 |
International
Class: |
H04R 25/00 20060101
H04R025/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for conducting vibrations via at least one tooth,
comprising: a housing having a shape which is conformable to at
least a portion of the at least one tooth; a transducer disposed
within or upon the housing and in vibratory communication with a
surface of the at least one tooth; and a mass element coupled to
the transducer and movable relative to the housing whereby movement
of the mass element generates a force transmittable through the
surface of the at least one tooth.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/741,648 filed Apr. 27, 2007 which claims
the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
Nos. 60/809,244 filed May 29, 2006 and 60/820,223 filed Jul. 24,
2006, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for
conducting audio signals as vibrations through teeth or bone
structures in and/or around a mouth. More particularly, the present
invention relates to methods and apparatus for transmitting audio
signals via sound conduction through teeth or bone structures in
and/or around the mouth such that the transmitted signals correlate
to auditory signals received by a user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Hearing loss affects over 31 million people in the United
States (about 13% of the population). As a chronic condition, the
incidence of hearing impairment rivals that of heart disease and,
like heart disease, the incidence of hearing impairment increases
sharply with age.
[0004] While the vast majority of those with hearing loss can be
helped by a well-fitted, high quality hearing device, only 22% of
the total hearing impaired population own hearing devices. Current
products and distribution methods are not able to satisfy or reach
over 20 million persons with hearing impairment in the U.S.
alone.
[0005] Hearing loss adversely affects a person's quality of life
and psychological well-being. Individuals with hearing impairment
often withdraw from social interactions to avoid frustrations
resulting from inability to understand conversations. Recent
studies have shown that hearing impairment causes increased stress
levels, reduced self-confidence, reduced sociability and reduced
effectiveness in the workplace.
[0006] The human ear generally comprises three regions: the outer
ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The outer ear generally
comprises the external auricle and the ear canal, which is a
tubular pathway through which sound reaches the middle ear. The
outer ear is separated from the middle ear by the tympanic membrane
(eardrum). The middle ear generally comprises three small bones,
known as the ossicles, which form a mechanical conductor from the
tympanic membrane to the inner ear. Finally, the inner ear includes
the cochlea, which is a fluid-filled structure that contains a
large number of delicate sensory hair cells that are connected to
the auditory nerve.
[0007] Hearing loss can also be classified in terms of being
conductive, sensorineural, or a combination of both. Conductive
hearing impairment typically results from diseases or disorders
that limit the transmission of sound through the middle ear. Most
conductive impairments can be treated medically or surgically.
Purely conductive hearing loss represents a relatively small
portion of the total hearing impaired population (estimated at less
than 5% of the total hearing impaired population).
[0008] Sensorineural hearing losses occur mostly in the inner ear
and account for the vast majority of hearing impairment (estimated
at 90-95% of the total hearing impaired population). Sensorineural
hearing impairment (sometimes called "nerve loss") is largely
caused by damage to the sensory hair cells inside the cochlea.
Sensorineural hearing impairment occurs naturally as a result of
aging or prolonged exposure to loud music and noise. This type of
hearing loss cannot be reversed nor can it be medically or
surgically treated; however, the use of properly fitted hearing
devices can improve the individual's quality of life.
[0009] Conventional hearing devices are the most common devices
used to treat mild to severe sensorineural hearing impairment.
These are acoustic devices that amplify sound to the tympanic
membrane. These devices are individually customizable to the
patient's physical and acoustical characteristics over four to six
separate visits to an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist.
Such devices generally comprise a microphone, amplifier, battery,
and speaker. Recently, hearing device manufacturers have increased
the sophistication of sound processing, often using digital
technology, to provide features such as programmability and
multi-band compression. Although these devices have been
miniaturized and are less obtrusive, they are still visible and
have major acoustic limitation.
[0010] Industry research has shown that the primary obstacles for
not purchasing a hearing device generally include: a) the stigma
associated with wearing a hearing device; b) dissenting attitudes
on the part of the medical profession, particularly ENT physicians;
c) product value issues related to perceived performance problems;
d) general lack of information and education at the consumer and
physician level; and e) negative word-of-mouth from dissatisfied
users.
[0011] Other devices such as cochlear implants have been developed
for people who have severe to profound hearing loss and are
essentially deaf (approximately 2% of the total hearing impaired
population). The electrode of a cochlear implant is inserted into
the inner ear in an invasive and non-reversible surgery. The
electrode electrically stimulates the auditory nerve through an
electrode array that provides audible cues to the user, which are
not usually interpreted by the brain as normal sound. Users
generally require intensive and extended counseling and training
following surgery to achieve the expected benefit.
[0012] Other devices such as electronic middle ear implants
generally are surgically placed within the middle ear of the
hearing impaired. They are surgically implanted devices with an
externally worn component.
[0013] The manufacture, fitting and dispensing of hearing devices
remain an arcane and inefficient process. Most hearing devices are
custom manufactured, fabricated by the manufacturer to fit the ear
of each prospective purchaser. An impression of the ear canal is
taken by the dispenser (either an audiologist or licensed hearing
instrument specialist) and mailed to the manufacturer for
interpretation and fabrication of the custom molded rigid plastic
casing. Hand-wired electronics and transducers (microphone and
speaker) are then placed inside the casing, and the final product
is shipped back to the dispensing professional after some period of
time, typically one to two weeks.
[0014] The time cycle for dispensing a hearing device, from the
first diagnostic session to the final fine-tuning session,
typically spans a period over several weeks, such as six to eight
weeks, and involves multiple visits with the dispenser.
[0015] Accordingly, there exists a need for methods and apparatus
for receiving audio signals and processing them to efficiently
transmit these signals via sound conduction through teeth or bone
structures in and/or around the mouth for facilitating the
treatment of hearing loss in patients.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] An electronic and transducer device may be attached,
adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable dental or
oral appliance to form an assembly which may conduct audio signals
to a user via vibratory conductance through bone for utilization,
e.g., as a hearing aid assembly or other audio transmission device.
Such a removable oral appliance may be a custom-made device
fabricated from a thermal forming process utilizing a replicate
model of a dental structure obtained by conventional dental
impression methods. The electronic and transducer assembly may
receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to
process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds
via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other bone
structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone
structure.
[0017] The assembly for transmitting vibrations via at least one
tooth may generally comprise a housing having a shape which is
conformable to at least a portion of the at least one tooth, and an
actuatable transducer disposed within or upon the housing and in
vibratory communication with a surface of the at least one tooth.
Moreover, the transducer itself may be a separate assembly from the
electronics and may be positioned along another surface of the
tooth, such as the occlusal surface, or even attached to an
implanted post or screw embedded into the underlying bone.
[0018] The transducer utilized in the actuator assembly may be an
electromagnetic transducer or a piezoelectric transducer.
Piezoelectric transducers in particular may be used in various
configurations due in part to the various vibrational modes which
may be utilized to transmit the acoustic signals as vibrations
through a tooth or teeth. Any number of transducers may be utilized
for particular applications. For instance, low voltage multi-layer
piezoelectric transducers manufactured by Morgan Electro Ceramics
Ltd. (Wrexham, England) may be utilized for the applications
described herein.
[0019] In transmitting the vibrational energy from the transducer
to the user, the actuator assembly may be positioned against the
tooth or teeth with an impedance matching layer placed
therebetween. The impedance matching layer may be utilized to
improve coupling and optimize the transmission of vibrational
energy from the actuator into the tooth and to optimize the
transmission into the tooth of any reflected vibrations.
[0020] One variation of the actuator assembly utilizes a mass
coupled to a piezoelectric transducer. Upon application of an
electric field, the induced dipole in the piezoelectric material
may align to impart an oscillatory motion upon the mass. The
actuator assembly may be coupled to the assembly enclosure via a
single anchoring point or a symmetric anchoring feature. The mass
may be attached to the composite transducer such that when the one
or more transducers are activated to oscillate, a vibrational
motion may be imparted to the mass via the anchor such that the
resulting reaction force is sufficiently transmitted to the
underlying tooth or teeth.
[0021] In yet another variation, an actuator assembly may utilize a
symmetric (e.g., circularly symmetric) bender transducer assembly
having one or more transducers attached to one another. The one or
more transducers may be the same diameter or a second transducer
may have a diameter which is less than a diameter of the first
transducer. Another variation may utilize a piezoelectric cap-based
design. Such a variation may utilize a piezoelectric transducer
having a thickness and which is configured to oscillate in an
elongational mode such that the cap may be forced to flex in a
direction transverse to the elongational direction, thereby
creating the reaction force for transmission into the user's tooth
or teeth.
[0022] Another variation of an actuator assembly utilizing the
force between a magnet contained within the assembly housing and an
applied current to control the movement of a mass that may have a
permanent magnet suspended via one or more flexible support members
or tethers held in proximity to one or more coils. Coils may be
held adjacent to the magnet via one or more relatively rigid
support members and they may carry a current which is correlated to
the desired auditory signals. When a current is passed through the
coils in the presence of a magnetic field generated by magnet, the
magnet may vibrate accordingly while suspended by support members
to impart the vibrational reaction force to the tooth.
[0023] The span member of the housing assembly is desirably stiff
to function as a platform which allows the transducer assembly to
generate a sufficient amount of force for transmission into the
tooth or teeth. Moreover, to maintain a constant level of output
force generated by the transducer assembly, resonance values of the
housing and transducer assemblies may be designed such that they
occur outside a desirable frequency range of interest, e.g., 250 Hz
to 10,000 Hz, by optimizing parameters of the housing, such as a
thickness of the span member, to alter a resonant frequency of the
system. Alternatively, it may be desirable to place the resonance
within the region of interest to more efficiently drive the
tooth.
[0024] Turning now to placement of the transducer assembly relative
to the tooth or teeth and also with respect to the housing, any
number of configurations is available for use. Generally, the
housing may be comprised of a single continuous mechanical member
configured to have portions of itself face opposite sides of the
tooth or teeth. The actuator assembly may be effectively pressed
against the tooth utilizing the housing as a foundation and the
housing itself may be symmetric or non-uniform in its
configuration. With the transducer positioned within the housing, a
coupling impedance matching material, such as silicone, may be
placed between the piezoelectric transducer and the surface of
tooth to optimize conductance of vibrations to the tooth. In other
variations, one or more transducer may be placed along an outer
surface of the housing and optionally along one or more teeth.
[0025] Aside from transducer and housing assemblies which are
positioned along or against one or more teeth, transducer
assemblies may be alternatively mounted along a retainer-like
structure configured for placement adjacent or along the palate of
the user. An arch may extend between coupling portions which are
configured to extend from the arch for placement against the
lingual surfaces of teeth on opposite sides of the user's
dentition. Rather than utilizing transducer assemblies directly
upon the teeth, the transducer may be removably or permanently
integrated along the arch such that elongational vibration of the
transducer conducts the vibrations along the arch for transmission
through the coupling portions and into the user's teeth.
Alternatively, one or more transducers may be positioned along the
arch and actuated to directly conduct vibrations through the user's
palatal bone.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates the dentition of a patient's teeth and
one variation of a hearing aid device which is removably placed
upon or against the patient's tooth or teeth as a removable oral
appliance.
[0027] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the lower teeth
showing one exemplary location for placement of the removable oral
appliance hearing aid device.
[0028] FIG. 2B illustrates another variation of the removable oral
appliance in the form of an appliance which is placed over an
entire row of teeth in the manner of a mouthguard.
[0029] FIG. 2C illustrates another variation of the removable oral
appliance which is supported by an arch.
[0030] FIG. 2D illustrates another variation of an oral appliance
configured as a mouthguard.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a detail perspective view of the oral
appliance positioned upon the patient's teeth utilizable in
combination with a transmitting assembly external to the mouth and
wearable by the patient in another variation of the device.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows an illustrative configuration of one variation
of the individual components of the oral appliance device having an
external transmitting assembly with a receiving and transducer
assembly within the mouth.
[0033] FIG. 5 shows an illustrative configuration of another
variation of the device in which the entire assembly is contained
by the oral appliance within the user's mouth.
[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of how multiple oral appliance
hearing aid assemblies or transducers may be placed on multiple
teeth throughout the patient's mouth.
[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates another variation of a removable oral
appliance supported by an arch and having a microphone unit
integrated within the arch.
[0036] FIG. 8A illustrates another variation of the removable oral
appliance supported by a connecting member which may be positioned
along the lingual or buccal surfaces of a patient's row of
teeth.
[0037] FIGS. 8B to 8E show examples of various cross-sections of
the connecting support member of the appliance of FIG. 8A.
[0038] FIG. 9 shows yet another variation illustrating at least one
microphone and optionally additional microphone units positioned
around the user's mouth and in wireless communication with the
electronics and/or transducer assembly.
[0039] FIGS. 10A to 10C illustrate some of the various approaches
for oscillating a patient's tooth or teeth (from a single surface,
both surfaces, or against the occlusal surface, respectively) when
conducting audio signals to the user.
[0040] FIGS. 11A to 11C show examples of piezoelectric structures
and their various modes of vibration by which they can be utilized,
for example, thickness mode, elongational mode, and shear mode,
respectively.
[0041] FIGS. 12A and 12B show additional examples of composite
piezoelectric structures utilizing unimorph and/or bimorph
structures and symmetric composite structures, respectively.
[0042] FIG. 13 illustrates one example of how an actuator may be
positioned to oscillate to deliver acoustic energy through a user's
tooth or teeth.
[0043] FIG. 14A schematically illustrates an example of an actuator
utilizing a mass to generate a sufficient actuation force.
[0044] FIG. 14B shows some of the various combinations for an
electromagnetic transducer assembly utilized with the housing for
placement along or against a user's dentition.
[0045] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a variation of an actuator
utilizing a piezoelectric transducer having a mass coupled
thereto.
[0046] FIG. 16 schematically illustrates another variation of an
actuator having a piezoelectric unimorph or bimorph transducer
configured into a beam anchored to the housing.
[0047] FIG. 17 schematically illustrates yet another variation
utilizing an actuator having a symmetric (e.g., circularly,
cylindrically, bilaterally) piezoelectric bender configuration.
[0048] FIG. 18 schematically illustrates another variation of an
actuator utilizing a cap-based configuration.
[0049] FIG. 19 schematically illustrates another variation of an
actuator utilizing an electromagnetic vibration mechanism.
[0050] FIG. 20 illustrates a model of an actuator mounted on an
housing.
[0051] FIG. 21 illustrates an idealized model of the actuator of
FIG. 20.
[0052] FIG. 22 shows an example of a plot which may be utilized for
determining an actuator output as a function of a wall thickness of
the housing and a thickness of a piezoelectric transducer.
[0053] FIGS. 23A and 23B show additional examples of plots which
may be utilized for determining actuator output as a function of
wall thickness of the housing and piezoelectric transducer
thickness for a housing which may be positioned along a proximal
surface of a user's tooth.
[0054] FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional representation of an
actuator positioned along a buccal or lingual tooth surface within
the housing for effecting actuation of both sides of the tooth
through the use of a single actuator.
[0055] FIG. 25 shows a cross-sectional representation of an
actuator positioned outside the housing for effecting two-point
actuation.
[0056] FIG. 26 shows a cross-sectional representation of two
actuators positioned along both surfaces of a tooth or teeth within
the housing for effecting two-point actuation.
[0057] FIG. 27 shows a cross-sectional representation of two
actuators positioned outside opposite surfaces of the housing for
effecting symmetric bender actuation.
[0058] FIG. 28 shows a variation similar to the variation of FIG.
27 but with a housing having a span which is thicker relative to
the span of FIG. 27.
[0059] FIG. 29 shows a cross-sectional representation of an
actuator mounted directly along a span portion of the housing.
[0060] FIG. 30 shows a cross-sectional representation of an
actuator mounted adjacent to the span portion of the housing.
[0061] FIG. 31 shows a cross-sectional representation of an
actuator mounted along the span portion within the housing directly
in contact against an occlusal surface of the tooth or teeth.
[0062] FIG. 32 illustrates a top view of an actuator mounted along
the buccal surfaces of multiple teeth.
[0063] FIG. 33 illustrates a top view of another variation of an
actuator which is configured to oscillate in the elongational
direction to cause bending along an arm portion of the housing.
[0064] FIG. 34A illustrates a top view of another variation of
multiple actuators positioned over multiple teeth.
[0065] FIGS. 34B and 34C show side and end views, respectively, of
another variation for the housing configuration.
[0066] FIG. 35 shows a top view of another variation of an actuator
positioned along multiple teeth which utilizes a shearing
oscillation.
[0067] FIG. 36 shows a top view of another variation of an actuator
positioned against multiple teeth.
[0068] FIG. 37 shows a top view of another variation of an actuator
positioned along multiple teeth within the housing.
[0069] FIG. 38 shows a top view of another variation of one or more
actuators positioned along a housing which is configured to be
placed around a posterior surface of a tooth.
[0070] FIG. 39 shows a top view of another variation of one or more
actuators which are positioned along both buccal and lingual
surfaces and which are connected to one another via wires or
members which are positioned below the occlusal surfaces.
[0071] FIG. 40A shows a top view of an actuator having a mass
attached to an arm which extends from the span of the housing.
[0072] FIG. 40B shows a cross-sectional view of the actuator and
housing of FIG. 40A.
[0073] FIG. 41 shows a top view of an actuator having additional
mass elements attached along the housing.
[0074] FIGS. 42A and 42B show top and cross-sectional side views of
another variation of an actuator having a low impedance reflective
layer adjacent to the transducer.
[0075] FIGS. 43A and 43B show top and side views of another
variation of the actuator configured to be retained against a
user's palatal surface while transmitting vibrations through the
tooth or teeth.
[0076] FIG. 43C shows a side view of another variation of a palatal
configuration in which the transducer(s) transmits vibrations
through the palatal surface.
[0077] FIG. 44 shows a top view of yet another variation where one
or more actuators may be attached to a retainer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0078] An electronic and transducer device may be attached,
adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral
appliance or other oral device to form an assembly which may
conduct audio signals to a user via vibratory conductance through
bone for utilization, e.g., as a hearing aid assembly or other
audio transmission device. Although described as a hearing aid
assembly, the devices and methods herein may be utilized for other
auditory treatments or applications and are not limited to use as a
hearing aid assembly. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made
device fabricated from a thermal forming process utilizing a
replicate model of a dental structure obtained by conventional
dental impression methods. The electronic and transducer assembly
may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver
to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed
sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or
other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or
palatine bone structure.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 1, a patient's mouth and dentition 10 is
illustrated showing one possible location for removably attaching
hearing aid assembly 14 upon or against at least one tooth, such as
a molar 12. The patient's tongue TG and palate PL are also
illustrated for reference. An electronics and/or transducer
assembly 16 may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or
upon the assembly 14, as described below in further detail.
[0080] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of the patient's lower
dentition illustrating the hearing aid assembly 14 comprising a
removable oral appliance 18 and the electronics and/or transducer
assembly 16 positioned along a side surface of the assembly 14. In
this variation, oral appliance 18 may be fitted upon two molars 12
within tooth engaging channel 20 defined by oral appliance 18 for
stability upon the patient's teeth, although in other variations, a
single molar or tooth may be utilized. Alternatively, more than two
molars may be utilized for the oral appliance 18 to be attached
upon or over. Moreover, electronics and/or transducer assembly 16
is shown positioned upon a side surface of oral appliance 18 such
that the assembly 16 is aligned along a buccal surface of the tooth
12; however, other surfaces such as the lingual surface of the
tooth 12 and other positions may also be utilized. The figures are
illustrative of variations and are not intended to be limiting;
accordingly, other configurations and shapes for oral appliance 18
are intended to be included herein.
[0081] FIG. 2B shows another variation of a removable oral
appliance in the form of an appliance 15 which is placed over an
entire row of teeth in the manner of a mouthguard. In this
variation, appliance 15 may be configured to cover an entire bottom
row of teeth or alternatively an entire upper row of teeth. In
additional variations, rather than covering the entire rows of
teeth, a majority of the row of teeth may be instead be covered by
appliance 15. Assembly 16 may be positioned along one or more
portions of the oral appliance 15.
[0082] FIG. 2C shows yet another variation of an oral appliance 17
having an arched configuration. In this appliance, one or more
tooth retaining portions 21, 23, which in this variation may be
placed along the upper row of teeth, may be supported by an arch 19
which may lie adjacent or along the palate of the user. As shown,
electronics and/or transducer assembly 16 may be positioned along
one or more portions of the tooth retaining portions 21, 23.
Moreover, although the variation shown illustrates an arch 19 which
may cover only a portion of the palate of the user, other
variations may be configured to have an arch which covers the
entire palate of the user.
[0083] FIG. 2D illustrates yet another variation of an oral
appliance in the form of a mouthguard or retainer 25 which may be
inserted and removed easily from the user's mouth. Such a
mouthguard or retainer 25 may be used in sports where conventional
mouthguards are worn; however, mouthguard or retainer 25 having
assembly 16 integrated therein may be utilized by persons, hearing
impaired or otherwise, who may simply hold the mouthguard or
retainer 25 via grooves or channels 26 between their teeth for
receiving instructions remotely and communicating over a
distance.
[0084] Generally, the volume of electronics and/or transducer
assembly 16 may be minimized so as to be unobtrusive and as
comfortable to the user when placed in the mouth. Although the size
may be varied, a volume of assembly 16 may be less than 800 cubic
millimeters. This volume is, of course, illustrative and not
limiting as size and volume of assembly 16 and may be varied
accordingly between different users.
[0085] Moreover, removable oral appliance 18 may be fabricated from
various polymeric or a combination of polymeric and metallic
materials using any number of methods, such as computer-aided
machining processes using computer numerical control. (CNC) systems
or three-dimensional printing processes, e.g., stereolithography
apparatus (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), and/or other
similar processes utilizing three-dimensional geometry of the
patient's dentition, which may be obtained via any number of
techniques. Such techniques may include use of scanned dentition
using intra-oral scanners such as laser, white light, ultrasound,
mechanical three-dimensional touch scanners, magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), other optical methods,
etc.
[0086] In forming the removable oral appliance 18, the appliance 18
may be optionally formed such that it is molded to fit over the
dentition and at least a portion of the adjacent gingival tissue to
inhibit the entry of food, fluids, and other debris into the oral
appliance 18 and between the transducer assembly and tooth surface.
Moreover, the greater surface area of the oral appliance 18 may
facilitate the placement and configuration of the assembly 16 onto
the appliance 18.
[0087] Additionally, the removable oral appliance 18 may be
optionally fabricated to have a shrinkage factor such that when
placed onto the dentition, oral appliance 18 may be configured to
securely grab onto the tooth or teeth as the appliance 18 may have
a resulting size slightly smaller than the scanned tooth or teeth
upon which the appliance 18 was formed. The fitting may result in a
secure interference fit between the appliance 18 and underlying
dentition.
[0088] In one variation, with assembly 14 positioned upon the
teeth, as shown in FIG. 3, an extra-buccal transmitter assembly 22
located outside the patient's mouth may be utilized to receive
auditory signals for processing and transmission via a wireless
signal 24 to the electronics and/or transducer assembly 16
positioned within the patient's mouth, which may then process and
transmit the processed auditory signals via vibratory conductance
to the underlying tooth and consequently to the patient's inner
ear.
[0089] The transmitter assembly 22, as described in further detail
below, may contain a microphone assembly as well as a transmitter
assembly and may be configured in any number of shapes and forms
worn by the user, such as a watch, necklace, lapel, phone,
belt-mounted device, etc.
[0090] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic representation of one
variation of hearing aid assembly 14 utilizing an extra-buccal
transmitter assembly 22, which may generally comprise microphone or
microphone array 30 (referred to "microphone 30" for simplicity)
for receiving sounds and which is electrically connected to
processor 32 for processing the auditory signals. Processor 32 may
be connected electrically to transmitter 34 for transmitting the
processed signals to the electronics and/or transducer assembly 16
disposed upon or adjacent to the user's teeth. The microphone 30
and processor 32 may be configured to detect and process auditory
signals in any practicable range, but may be configured in one
variation to detect auditory signals ranging from, e.g., 50 Hertz
to 20,000 Hertz.
[0091] With respect to microphone 30, a variety of various
microphone systems may be utilized. For instance, microphone 30 may
be a digital, analog, and/or directional type microphone. Such
various types of microphones may be interchangeably configured to
be utilized with the assembly, if so desired. Moreover, various
configurations and methods for utilizing multiple microphones
within the user's mouth may also be utilized, as further described
below.
[0092] Power supply 36 may be connected to each of the components
in transmitter assembly 22 to provide power thereto. The
transmitter signals 24 may be in any wireless form utilizing, e.g.,
radio frequency, ultrasound, microwave, Blue Tooth.RTM. (BLUETOOTH
SIG, INC., Bellevue, Wash.), etc. for transmission to assembly 16.
Assembly 22 may also optionally include one or more input controls
28 that a user may manipulate to adjust various acoustic parameters
of the electronics and/or transducer assembly 16, such as acoustic
focusing, volume control, filtration, muting, frequency
optimization, sound adjustments, and tone adjustments, etc.
[0093] The signals transmitted 24 by transmitter 34 may be received
by electronics and/or transducer assembly 16 via receiver 38, which
may be connected to an internal processor for additional processing
of the received signals. The received signals may be communicated
to transducer 40, which may vibrate correspondingly against a
surface of the tooth to conduct the vibratory signals through the
tooth and bone and subsequently to the middle ear to facilitate
hearing of the user. Transducer 40 may be configured as any number
of different vibratory mechanisms. For instance, in one variation,
transducer 40 may be an electromagnetically actuated transducer. In
other variations, transducer 40 may be in the form of a
piezoelectric crystal having a range of vibratory frequencies,
e.g., between 250 to 15,000 Hz.
[0094] Power supply 42 may also be included with assembly 16 to
provide power to the receiver, transducer, and/or processor, if
also included. Although power supply 42 may be a simple battery,
replaceable or permanent, other variations may include a power
supply 42 which is charged by inductance via an external charger.
Additionally, power supply 42 may alternatively be charged via
direct coupling to an alternating current (AC) or direct current
(DC) source. Other variations may include a power supply 42 which
is charged via a mechanical mechanism, such as an internal pendulum
or slidable electrical inductance charger as known in the art,
which is actuated via, e.g., motions of the jaw and/or movement for
translating the mechanical motion into stored electrical energy for
charging power supply 42.
[0095] In another variation of assembly 16, rather than utilizing
an extra-buccal transmitter, hearing aid assembly 50 may be
configured as an independent assembly contained entirely within the
user's mouth, as shown in FIG. 5. Accordingly, assembly 50 may
include at least one internal microphone 52 in communication with
an on-board processor 54. Internal microphone 52 may comprise any
number of different types of microphones, as described below in
further detail. At least one processor 54 may be used to process
any received auditory signals for filtering and/or amplifying the
signals and transmitting them to transducer 56, which is in
vibratory contact against the tooth surface. Power supply 58, as
described above, may also be included within assembly 50 for
providing power to each of the components of assembly 50 as
necessary.
[0096] In order to transmit the vibrations corresponding to the
received auditory signals efficiently and with minimal loss to the
tooth or teeth, secure mechanical contact between the transducer
and the tooth is ideally maintained to ensure efficient vibratory
communication. Accordingly, any number of mechanisms may be
utilized to maintain this vibratory communication.
[0097] For any of the variations described above, they may be
utilized as a single device or in combination with any other
variation herein, as practicable, to achieve the desired hearing
level in the user. Moreover, more than one oral appliance device
and electronics and/or transducer assemblies may be utilized at any
one time. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates one example where
multiple transducer assemblies 60, 62, 64, 66 may be placed on
multiple teeth. Although shown on the lower row of teeth, multiple
assemblies may alternatively be positioned and located along the
upper row of teeth or both rows as well. Moreover, each of the
assemblies may be configured to transmit vibrations within a
uniform frequency range. Alternatively in other variations,
different assemblies may be configured to vibrate within
overlapping or non-overlapping frequency ranges between each
assembly. As mentioned above, each transducer 60, 62, 64, 66 can be
programmed or preset for a'different frequency response such that
each transducer may be optimized for a different frequency response
and/or transmission to deliver a relatively high-fidelity sound to
the user.
[0098] Moreover, each of the different transducers 60, 62, 64, 66
can also be programmed to vibrate in a manner which indicates the
directionality of sound received by the microphone worn by the
user. For example, different transducers positioned at different
locations within the user's mouth can vibrate in a specified manner
by providing sound or vibrational queues to inform the user which
direction a sound was detected relative to an orientation of the
user, as described in further detail below. For instance, a first
transducer located, e.g., on a user's left tooth, can be programmed
to vibrate for sound detected originating from the user's left
side. Similarly, a second transducer located, e.g., on a user's
right tooth, can be programmed to vibrate for sound detected
originating from the user's right side. Other variations and queues
may be utilized as these examples are intended to be illustrative
of potential variations.
[0099] FIG. 7 illustrates another variation 70 which utilizes an
arch 19 connecting one or more tooth retaining portions 21, 23, as
described above. However, in this variation, the microphone unit 74
may be integrated within or upon the arch 19 separated from the
transducer assembly 72. One or more wires 76 routed through arch 19
may electrically connect the microphone unit 74 to the assembly 72.
Alternatively, rather than utilizing a wire 76, microphone unit 74
and assembly 72 may be wirelessly coupled to one another, as
described above.
[0100] FIG. 8A shows another variation 80 which utilizes a
connecting member 82 which may be positioned along the lingual or
buccal surfaces of a patient's row of teeth to connect one or more
tooth retaining portions 21, 23. Connecting member 82 may be
fabricated from any number of non-toxic materials, such stainless
steel, Nickel, Platinum, etc. and affixed or secured 84, 86 to each
respective retaining portions 21, 23. Moreover, connecting member
82 may be shaped to be as non-obtrusive to the user as possible.
Accordingly, connecting member 82 may be configured to have a
relatively low-profile for placement directly against the lingual
or buccal teeth surfaces. The cross-sectional area of connecting
member 82 may be configured in any number of shapes so long as the
resulting geometry is non-obtrusive to the user. FIG. 8B
illustrates one variation of the cross-sectional area which may be
configured as a square or rectangle 90. FIG. 8C illustrates another
connecting member geometry configured as a semi-circle 92 where the
flat portion may be placed against the teeth surfaces. FIGS. 8D and
8E illustrate other alternative shapes such as an elliptical shape
94 and circular shape 96. These variations are intended to be
illustrative and not limiting as other shapes and geometries, as
practicable, are intended to be included within this
disclosure.
[0101] In yet another variation for separating the microphone from
the transducer assembly, FIG. 9 illustrates another variation where
at least one microphone 102 (or optionally any number of additional
microphones 104, 106) may be positioned within the mouth of the
user while physically separated from the electronics and/or
transducer assembly 100. In this manner, the one or optionally more
microphones 102, 104, 106 may be wirelessly or by wire coupled to
the electronics and/or transducer assembly 100 in a manner which
attenuates or eliminates feedback from the transducer, also
described in further detail below.
[0102] In utilizing multiple transducers and/or processing units,
several features may be incorporated with the oral appliance(s) to
effect any number of enhancements to the quality of the conducted
vibratory signals and/or to emulate various perceptual features to
the user to correlate auditory signals received by a user for
transmitting these signals via sound conduction through teeth or
bone structures in and/or around the mouth. Examples of various
processing methods and systems for simulating directionality as
well as for processing algorithms for filtering out undesirable
signals, among other features, are shown and described in further
detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/672,239 filed Feb. 7,
2007, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The features shown and described may be utilized with any of the
variations described herein and in any number of combinations as
practicable.
[0103] In transmitting the vibrations generated from auditory
signals received by the user, the one or more transducers may be
positioned relative to the tooth or teeth as well as relative to
the housing itself retaining the one or more transducers.
Generally, an oscillating force 110 may be presented along a single
surface of a user's tooth or teeth TH such that the tooth vibrates
112, as shown illustratively in FIG. 10A, and conducts the
vibrations through the skull. In another variation, FIG. 10B shows
how an additional oscillating force 114 may be imparted against the
tooth TH on an opposite surface from where force 110 is imparted.
In this mode, the impedance presented to the actuator is relatively
larger than the impedance presented in FIG. 10A thereby potentially
requiring less displacement by the actuator, e.g., about 40 dB less
relatively. In yet another variation, FIG. 10C shows how an
oscillating force 116 may be presented against an occlusal surface
of the tooth TH. In this variation, the vibrational transmission
path is relatively clear and direct through the tooth TH and to the
skull of the user.
[0104] As mentioned above, the transducer utilized in the actuator
assembly may be an electromagnetic transducer or a piezoelectric
transducer. Piezoelectric transducers in particular may be used in
various configurations due in part to the various vibrational modes
which may be utilized to transmit the acoustic signals as
vibrations through a tooth or teeth. Some of the native vibrational
modes of a piezoelectric transducer which may be utilized in an
actuator assembly described herein are illustrated in FIGS. 11A to
11C.
[0105] FIG. 11A shows a representative piezoelectric transducer
having dipoles induced within the molecular or crystal structure of
the material which align with an electric field applied across the
transducer 120. This alignment of molecules causes the transducer
120 to change dimensions and vibrate accordingly in the direction
122. Alternatively, transducer 124 may be configured to utilize the
dimensional changes in the elongational direction 126 along a
length of transducer 124, as indicated in FIG. 11B. In yet another
alternative, transducer 128 may have an electric field and dipole
orientation which results in the transducer 128 exhibiting shear
mode where opposing surfaces of transducer 128 may vibrate in
opposing directions 130. The transducer 128 may thus oscillate
between its non-deformed configuration and a sheared configuration
132, as indicated in FIG. 11C.
[0106] In other configurations, the piezoelectric transducer may be
utilized within actuator assemblies. These assemblies change the
impedance of the actuator and typically generate larger
displacements but have relatively lower stiffness and resonance
values. For instance, FIG. 12A illustrates an example of a
piezoelectric transducer 140 which may be coupled to either a
second transducer or an elastic material 142 to form a bender
configuration, e.g., unimorph or bimorph configuration. Upon
application of an electric field, the composite transducer may
oscillate in a bending or flexing mode 144. In yet another
composite mode configuration, FIG. 12B illustrates an example of a
moonie or cymbal type transducer which are typically symmetric in
shape and which may be utilized in an actuator assembly described
herein. Generally, such composite transducers utilize a single
layer or multilayer form piezoelectric transducer 146 which is
sandwiched between opposing endcaps 148, 150. Each endcap 148, 150
may form a cavity, such as a crescent-shaped cavity 152, along an
inner surface and serves as a mechanical transformer for converting
and amplifying lateral displacements 156 of the transducer 146 into
an axial motion 154 of the endcaps 148, 150.
[0107] Any number of transducers may be utilized for such
particular applications. For instance, low voltage multi-layer
piezoelectric transducers manufactured by Morgan Electro Ceramics
Ltd. (Wrexham, England) may be utilized for the applications
described herein.
[0108] In transmitting the vibrational energy from the transducer
to the user, the actuator assembly 160 may be positioned against
the tooth or teeth TH with an impedance matching layer 162 placed
therebetween, as shown in FIG. 13. The impedance matching layer 162
may be utilized to improve coupling and optimize the transmission
of vibrational energy 166 from the actuator 160 into the tooth TH
and to optimize the transmission into the tooth TH of any reflected
vibrations. In addition, the coupling layer will aid in fit and
ease of insertion.
[0109] One variation of an actuator assembly which may be utilized
in the housing is shown illustratively in FIG. 14, which shows an
actuator assembly 170 enclosing a representative actuator 176
having a mass 172 coupled thereto. Actuator 176 may be either an
electromagnetic or piezoelectric transducer depending upon the
desired results. Mass 176 may be of a size and weight sufficient to
generate forces such that an oscillatory motion 174 of mass 172
imparted by actuator 176 leads to a reaction force 178 imparted to
the tooth TH. Use of a separate mass 172 may also be useful in
generating a sufficient reaction force 178 even if a resonance of
the assembly itself is in a frequency range of interest. The mass
may be comprised of a component fabricated to be the mass element
or the mass may be comprised of other components of the system such
as, e.g., the associated electronics, battery, charging system,
etc.
[0110] In configurations utilizing an electromagnetic actuator
assembly, there are a number of various architectures which may be
utilized. For instance, FIG. 14B shows some of the various
combinations for an electromagnetic transducer assembly utilized
with the housing for placement along or against a user's dentition.
The mass 172 utilized may be either a free mass which may be a
separable component aligned within the assembly or a tethered mass
which is coupled to the housing via a mechanical member or
mechanism. Aside from the mass, the magnetic field may be
configured as either a natural field which follows a natural path
or a directed field which is guided through, e.g., a magnetic
circuit. Additionally, the moving mass element may be configured as
either a permanent moving magnet or as a current carrying moving
coil. Finally, the magnetic field orientation may be varied
depending upon the configuration of the magnet and mass. Any
combination of these elements may be utilized for configuring an
electromagnetic transducer to achieve a desired result, e.g., the
combination of a free mass element 172 configured as a moving
magnet and contained within a directed field may be utilized.
[0111] FIG. 15 illustrates a variation of the actuator assembly
which utilizes a mass 172 coupled to a piezoelectric transducer
180. Upon application of an electric field 182, the induced dipole
184 in the piezoelectric material may align to impart an
oscillatory motion 174 upon mass 172. FIG. 16 shows yet another
variation where actuator assembly 170 may enclose a composite
transducer, such as a bending unimorph or bimorph type transducer
having one or more transducer elements 190, 192 coupled together.
The actuator assembly may be coupled to the assembly enclosure 170
via a single anchoring point 196 near or at a first end of the
transducer beam assembly. Alternatively, the actuator assembly may
omit anchor 196 entirely and one edge or end of transducer elements
190, 192 may be anchored directly to the housing itself. Mass 172
may be attached to the composite transducer at a second end of the
transducer beam assembly also via a single anchoring point 194 such
that when the one or more transducers 190, 192 are activated to
oscillate, a vibrational motion 174 may be imparted to mass 172 via
anchor 194 such that the resulting reaction force 178 is
sufficiently transmitted to the underlying tooth or teeth. The mass
172 secured at anchor 194 may extend away from or towards anchor
196. It may be advantageous to have the mass 172 above or below the
beam (e.g., transducers 190, 192) as the resulting moment applied
to the beam by the mass 172 during actuation may develop
advantageous moments for various applications. The anchor point 194
may also be on the end of the beam (a point down the length of the
beam from 190).
[0112] In yet another variation, FIG. 17 shows an actuator assembly
170 utilizing a symmetric (e.g., circularly or bilaterally
symmetric) bender transducer assembly having one or more
transducers 200, 202 attached to one another. The one or more
transducers 200, 202 may be the same diameter or a second
transducer 202 may have a diameter which is less than a diameter of
the first transducer 200. Mass 172 may be coupled to second
transducer 202 via anchoring point 204 along its central axis, in
which case first transducer 200 may be coupled to assembly
enclosure 170 via multiple anchors 206, 208 or via a circular
anchoring element around a circumference of transducer 200.
[0113] Another variation is illustrated in the actuator assembly of
FIG. 18, which shows a piezoelectric cap-based design. Such a
variation may utilize a piezoelectric transducer 210 having a
thickness 228 and which is configured to oscillate in an
elongational mode 220. Mass 212 having a thickness and a width 226
may be positioned at a distance 224 away from the transducer
surface via a cap member 214 or support members having a length 222
and forming an angle, .theta., relative to the transducer 210. Cap
214 may be fabricated from a metal to be symmetric, e.g.,
circularly or bilaterally symmetric, and may define a cavity 216
between transducer 210 and cap 214. As piezoelectric transducer 210
is actuated to oscillate in its elongational direction 220, cap 214
may be forced to flex while vibrating mass 212 in a direction
transverse to the elongational direction 220, thereby creating the
reaction force for transmission into the user's tooth or teeth.
Because of the flexing of mass 212 relative to transducer 210 and
cap 214, the attachment 218 between mass 212 and cap 214 may be
configured into a joint to allow for the relative movement. Any
number of pivoting or bending mechanisms may be utilized, e.g.,
living hinges, silicone glue joints, etc. Alternatively, the device
may be configured such that the mass 212 is connected to the
piezoelectric transducer 210 and the reaction force is transmitted
to the load through the cap 214 itself. Additionally, the device
may have a top and a bottom cap which are placed on opposite sides
of the transducer 210. In this variation, the mass 212 may be
attached to either top or bottom cap while the force is transmitted
to the load through the remaining cap.
[0114] FIG. 19 shows another variation of an actuator assembly
utilizing the force between a magnet contained within the assembly
housing 170 and an applied current to control the movement of a
mass. Magnet 230 may be a permanent magnet suspended via one or
more flexible support members 232 held in proximity to one or more
coils 238. Separate coils may be positioned on either side of
magnet 230 such that the device is symmetric with respect to the
magnet 230. Such extra coils may improve the force output linearity
of the device. Moreover, magnet 230 may additionally function as
the mass or a separate mass element may be attached to magnet 230.
Coils 238 may be held adjacent to magnet 230 via one or more
relatively rigid support members 236 and they may carry a current
240, 242 which is correlated to the received and processed auditory
signals. When a current is passed through the coils 238 in the
presence of a magnetic field 234 generated by magnet 230, magnet
230 may vibrate accordingly while suspended by support members 232
to impart the vibrational reaction force to the tooth TH.
[0115] Regardless of the specific transducer design, the resulting
functional transmitted output level is desirably constant over a
specified frequency range which is below uncomfortable loudness and
vibration levels over the entire frequency range.
[0116] In determining the parameters for the desired amount of
deflection generated by the transducer assembly as well as for
design parameters for the housing assembly, the entire system 260
may be modeled as spring members coupled in series. As illustrated
in FIG. 20, half of the system 260 divided along the symmetrical
line 262 may be modeled as an arm member 264 and bottom or span
member 266. Transducer assembly 268 and its generated vibrational
force 270 may be coupled along arm member 264, in this particular
example. Although each member 264, 266 may have its own compliance
value, the entire system compliance may be determined by a sum of
the individual compliance values.
[0117] FIG. 21 illustrates a schematic representation 272 of a
transducer and housing assembly where the inductor-capacitor
circuit 274 represents the equivalent value from the tooth TH,
circuit 276 represents the equivalent value from arm member 264,
circuit 278 represents the equivalent value from span member 266,
and schematic 280 represents the coupled area between the arm
member 264 and tooth TH and the amount of transducer deflection or
throw 282. The total throw 282 of the transducer 268 may be divided
between the tooth TH and the housing where the softer of the two
deflects the most. The amount of force 270 transmitted by the
transducer 268 may be determined by the stiffness of the tooth and
the amount of displacement at the tooth TH. Thus, the softer the
housing material relative to the tooth TH, the less displacement
may be transmitted thereby such that the amount of throw 282 that
should be increased.
[0118] The span member 266 of the housing assembly is desirably
stiff to function as a platform which allows the transducer
assembly 268 to generate a sufficient amount of force for
transmission into the tooth or teeth TH. Moreover, although any
number of transducer designs may be utilized, as shown herein,
multilayer piezoelectric transducers may be particularly effective
in multiplying the voltage output. Moreover, to maintain a constant
level of output force generated by the transducer assembly,
resonance values of the housing and transducer assemblies may be
designed such that they occur outside a desirable frequency range
of interest, e.g., 250 Hz to 10,000 Hz, by optimizing parameters of
the housing, such as a thickness of the span member 266, to alter a
resonant frequency of the system.
[0119] Plot 290 of FIG. 22 illustrates in one example the
relationship of the dB output as a function of the thickness of the
housing and a thickness of the piezoelectric transducer material.
The contour lines indicate equal dB output values where line 292
represents optimal output values for a given device size.
Accordingly, for a given thickness of a piezoelectric transducer
material, e.g., 2 mm thick, increases in the thickness of the
housing material leads to nominal increases in output levels
whereas increases in the stiffness of the span member may lead to
relatively greater output values.
[0120] FIGS. 23A and 23B show plots 300 and 304, respectively,
which also illustrate the relationship of dB output as a function
of housing thickness and piezoelectric transducer material
thickness for a particular variation of the housing having a span
member configured for placement along a posterior surface of a
tooth, as shown in FIG. 38. For these particular examples, line 302
in plot 300 and line 306 in plot 304 both represent optimal output
values for a given device size where a thickness of the span in
FIG. 23A is 2.25 mm and a thickness of the span in FIG. 23B is 7.5
mm. These illustrations are intended merely as examples of the
relational correlation between the various parameters and the
relative outputs for given span thicknesses. Moreover, these values
are not intended to be limiting in any manner and are merely
exemplary.
[0121] Turning now to placement of the transducer assembly relative
to the tooth or teeth TH and also with respect to the housing, any
number of configurations is available for use. For example, FIG. 24
shows one example of a piezoelectric transducer 312 positioned
within a housing 310 for direct placement against the tooth or
teeth TH. Housing 310 may have a thickness of, e.g., 0.4 mm with a
span member having a length, e.g., of 10 mm. The housing 310 may
have a length of 7 mm for placement along one or more teeth TH.
Furthermore, the piezoelectric transducer 312 may have a height of
7 to 9 mm. Of course, these values are given as examples and are
subject to change depending variables such as the desired
vibrational conductance as well as variables in a user's particular
dentition, among other factors.
[0122] Generally, the housing 310 may be comprised of a single
continuous mechanical member configured to have portions of itself
face opposite sides of the tooth or teeth TH. The actuator assembly
may be effectively pressed against the tooth TH utilizing the
housing as a foundation and the housing 310 itself may be symmetric
or non-uniform in its configuration. In one example, the arm
portions of the housing may be placed along opposing surfaces of at
least one tooth, e.g., along the respective lingual and buccal
surfaces of the tooth or teeth. The arm portions may be coupled to
one another via the span member such that the arms are urged or
otherwise biased towards one another such that they press against
their respective tooth surfaces. A housing with a relatively soft
material may utilize a configuration and stiffness where a first
resonant frequency mode of the span portion is below a region of
interest while a first resonant frequency mode of the arm portion
is within, near the upper range, or above the upper end of the
frequency range of interest, as described above. As the transducer
is driven past the first mode of the span portion, the span may
appear to become relatively stiffer, thereby increase the force
output of the system. Alternatively, additional mass can be added
provided that the mass is added in such a way to ensure that the
resonance of the arm member remains at the upper end of the
frequency range of interest.
[0123] With transducer 312 positioned within housing 310, a
coupling impedance matching material 314, such as silicone, may be
placed between piezoelectric transducer 312 and the surface of
tooth TH to optimize conductance of vibrations 316 to the tooth TH.
In this particular design, the arm members of housing 310 may be
both driven 318 to flex relative to the tooth TH and may facilitate
transmission of vibrations. FIG. 25 shows another variation also
utilizing a single piezoelectric transducer 312 positioned along an
outer surface of the housing 310. In this example, the
piezoelectric element 312 drives the housing 310 in a unimorph-like
manner pushing against the housing 310 and squeezing the tooth TH
from both sides. The vibratory motion of transducer 312 may be
transmitted 316, 320 by both arm members into opposing surfaces of
tooth TH rather than directly against a single surface of the tooth
TH.
[0124] FIG. 26 shows another variation utilizing two-point
actuation where at least two transducers 312, 322 may both be
positioned within housing 310 directly against opposite surfaces of
tooth TH. In this variation, first transducer 312 may vibrate 316
along a first surface of tooth TH and second transducer 322 may
vibrate 320 along a second surface of tooth TH. Moreover, both
transducers 312, 322 may be configured to vibrate simultaneously or
out-of-phase, depending upon the desired results.
[0125] FIG. 27 shows another variation utilizing two-point
actuation where at least two transducers 312, 322 are positioned
along outer surfaces of housing assembly 310. In this example, the
respective vibrations 316, 320 may be transmitted through the
housing 310, through coupling material 314, and into tooth TH. FIG.
28 shows an example similar to the variation in FIG. 27 where
transducers 312, 322 may be mounted along an outer surface of
housing 330 on opposite sides of tooth TH, but span member 332
connecting both arm members of housing 330 is thicker, e.g., twice
as thick as the span member of housing 310 of FIG. 27. The
increased thickness of span member 332 may result in a relatively
stiffer span member 332 which increases an amplitude of the
transmitted vibrations 316, 320.
[0126] Other symmetric bender actuation configurations are
illustrated, for example, in FIG. 29 which shows transducer 340
positioned along an outer surface of the span portion of housing
310. Actuation of transducer 340 may not only oscillate the arm
members of the housing 310, but may transmit the vibrations through
an occlusal surface of tooth TH. FIG. 30 illustrates a similar
variation where transducer 340 is positioned along the span portion
of housing 344 separated by a gap 342 between transducer 340 and
the remainder of housing 344. And FIG. 31 illustrates yet another
variation where transducer 340 is positioned within housing 310 for
placement directly against the occlusal surface of tooth TH such
that vibrations 346 from transducer 340 are transmitted directly
into the tooth TH.
[0127] Some of the various configurations for actuator placement
relative to the tooth and/or housing have been illustrated.
Additional variations for positioning the housing and vibrational
mechanisms over multiple teeth are now illustrated. Turning now to
FIG. 32, a top view of actuator 350 is shown mounted along the
buccal surfaces of multiple teeth TH. The transducer 350 may be
mounted between an arm member of housing 310 and the surface of
teeth TH with the coupling material 314 placed therebetween.
Although housing 310 may extend along the length of a single tooth,
transducer 350 may extend along several teeth.
[0128] FIG. 33 shows another variation where transducer 354 may be
placed along an outer surface of an arm member 352 of housing 310
and having an arm member which extends over several teeth.
Transducer 354 may be configured to vibrate along a longitudinal
direction 345 such that the transducer pushes and pulls causing
bending 316 in the elongate arm member 352 and pushing on the teeth
TH.
[0129] FIG. 34A shows yet another example where at least two
housing assemblies may be utilized on both sides of a patient's
dentition 10. The first housing may utilize a transducer 360
positioned along the housing and vibrating 362 against the teeth
and the second housing may similarly utilize a transducer 364 also
vibrating 366 against the teeth. FIG. 34B shows a side view of an
example of the housing 310 along a lingual surface of the teeth TH
where a portion of the teeth are utilized for securing the housing.
FIG. 34C shows a partial cross-sectional side view illustrating the
transducer 364 secured within the housing 310 for direct placement
against the teeth TH. Any of the various transducer and housing
configurations shown herein may be utilized in either the first
and/or second housing configurations.
[0130] FIG. 35 shows yet another variation of an assembly utilizing
a transducer 370 configured to vibrate in a shear mode where
opposing surfaces of the transducer 370 vibrate in opposing
directions 372. The shearing motion 372 is applied to the teeth
through the impedance matching layer 314 and directly generates
forces in the tooth. FIG. 36 shows another variation where
transducer 374 is configured to vibrate in a transverse direction
376 while contained within a housing 310 which is stiffened.
Because housing 310 is relatively stiffer than other
configurations, housing 310 is less prone to bending and flexing
such that the vibrations 376 may be transferred into each
underlying tooth contacted by coupling material 314 and transducer
374. FIG. 37 also shows another configuration utilizing transducer
374 having an additional mass 378 which may be accelerated by
transducer 374 to generate a force sufficient for conducting into
the underlying teeth.
[0131] Another alternative configuration is shown in FIG. 38, which
illustrates a housing 380 having a span member 388 which is
positioned around and in contact against a posterior surface of a
tooth. One or more transducer assemblies 382, 384 may be positioned
along the arm members of housing 380 for oscillating either against
an outer surface of housing 380, as shown, or for direct placement
against the lingual and buccal surfaces of the tooth. Coupling
material 386 may be placed between housing 380 and the underlying
tooth to facilitate transmission of vibrations and ease of
insertion of the oral appliance. Examples of design parameters for
this particular configuration of housing 380 are shown in FIGS. 23A
and 23B, as described above.
[0132] FIG. 39 shows yet another variation where the arm portions
of housing 390 may be placed along both lingual and buccal surfaces
of a tooth while connected to one another via span members which
are configured as wires 394. The wires 394 may be routed such that
they are positioned below the occlusal surfaces of the teeth or
between the teeth so as to be minimally obtrusive. Moreover,
transducer assemblies 382, 384 may be positioned along the outer
surfaces of housing 390, as shown, or they may be placed directly
against the tooth surfaces. In either case, a coupling material 392
may be placed against the tooth to facilitate transmission of
vibrations therethrough.
[0133] FIGS. 40A and 40B show top and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of a housing assembly 400 having a mass 404 attached
to an arm member 408 which extends from the span 406 of the housing
400. The piezoelectric transducer 402, which is attached to member
403 thereby becoming an actuator, acts, in concert with member 403
as a unimorph to push directly on the underlying tooth or teeth TH.
The actuator is attached to the housing 400 at its two ends points.
This arrangement of attachment allows the actuator to actuate with
necessitating motion of the housing 400 and mass 404. The system is
such that the mass 404 and housing 400 resonance is relatively low.
Hence, while very pliable and soft on a human scale, it may provide
a sufficiently solid foundation in the frequency range of interest
to allow the unimorph to generate large forces on the tooth TH
during actuation. While a unimorph is depicted, a cap device or any
of the other transducer architectures described herein may be used
in place of the unimorph transducer. FIG. 41 shows another
variation which also utilizes additional mass elements 410, 412
which are attached to an outer surface of housing 400 adjacent to
transducer 402 rather than along a separately movable arm member
408. Although shown with two mass elements 410, 412, additional
masses may be utilized depending upon the desired transmission
results.
[0134] FIGS. 42A and 42B show top and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of yet another variation utilizing a housing 400 and
piezoelectric transducer 402 coupled directly to a tooth surface.
In this variation, arm member 408 extends separately from span
member 406, as above, but also includes a low impedance reflective
layer 420 surrounding transducer 402 and also between transducer
402 and arm member 408. The reflective layer 420 may be comprised
of a material, such as silicone, which acts to reflect vibrational
energy transmitted from transducer 402 and retransmit the energy
back into tooth TH.
[0135] Aside from transducer and housing assemblies which are
positioned along or against one or more teeth, transducer
assemblies may be alternatively mounted along a retainer-like
structure configured for placement adjacent or along the palate of
the user. Similar to other variations described above, arch 430 may
extend between coupling portions 436 which are configured to extend
from the arch 430 for placement against the lingual surfaces of
teeth TH on opposite sides of the user's dentition, as illustrated
in FIG. 43A. Rather than utilizing transducer assemblies directly
upon the teeth, transducer 432 may be removably or permanently
integrated along arch 430 such that elongational vibration 434 of
the transducer 432 conducts the vibrations along arch 430 for
transmission 438 through coupling portions 436 and into the user's
teeth TH, as shown in the partial cross-sectional side view of FIG.
43B. Alternatively, one or more transducers 440 may be positioned
along arch 430 and actuated to directly conduct vibrations 442
through the user's palatal bone, as shown in FIG. 43C. A layer of
polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), for example, may generate the
desired vibrations.
[0136] FIG. 44 shows yet another variation similar to the
configuration shown above in FIG. 8A which utilizes connecting
member 82 which may be positioned along the lingual or buccal
surfaces of a patient's row of teeth to connect a first tooth
retaining portion 450 and a second tooth retaining portion 452. One
or more transducer assemblies 454, 456 may be integrated within the
first retaining portion 450 to align along the buccal and lingual
surfaces of one or more teeth. Similarly, one or more transducer
assemblies 458, 460 may also be integrated within the second
retaining portion 452 to align along the lingual and buccal
surfaces of one or more teeth. Such a configuration may be
particularly useful in incorporating a number of transducers
positioned at various locations along the dentition, as described
in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/672,239,
which has been incorporated by reference above.
[0137] The applications of the devices and methods discussed above
are not limited to the treatment of hearing loss but may include
any number of further treatment applications. Moreover, such
devices and methods may be applied to other treatment sites within
the body. Modification of the above-described assemblies and
methods for carrying out the invention, combinations between
different variations as practicable, 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.
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